February 2006 Medal Newsletter

The Medals Circular is no longer apparent; however, as technology dares even to enter the world of collectables so too the internet has become an indispensable tool for both collector and dealer alike. Excellent in opening up various forms of basic research to the enthusiast, and an easy and efficient way of linking buyers from all over the world to the items they desire, the internet has indeed opened many doors. This is certainly the case with our own listing of items for sale.

In the past month, and as this newsletter is written, many new medals and groups have been added to our site, and of these we are glad to say a large percentage are regularly finding new homes. Web sales are an area that we are very committed to promoting and enlarging, and as such our sales list is regularly updated with many new and interesting items. There is a broad spectrum, which is aimed at appealing to the interests of all, from the more modestly priced medals for those just starting out in this great past time to higher priced rarities for the more established collector.

If you wish to be informed when we place new stock on our website, we can let you know via email. So, please continue to enjoy browsing, and should you have any questions relating to the items listed please do not hesitate to contact us.

AUCTION NEWS

Without doubt the most eye-catching group that has been entered into the 20th April sale, to date, is the important Boxer Rebellion D.S.O., Great War C.M.G., and 'Allied Intervention' K.C.B. Group of Sixteen to Lieutenant-General H.C. Holman, late Bengal Lancers, Chief of the British Military Mission to South Russia.

Holman, who had a long and challenging career, was Mentioned in Despatches eleven times. As a young Lieutenant he served in Burma with the Wuntho Expedition (1892), where he was wounded. He proceeded to China with the Chinese Expeditionary Force in the allied suppression of the Boxers, as First Class Officer Interpreter (in Russian and French) and Special Service Officer, for which he was awarded the D.S.O. Continuing to make use of his linguistic abilities he served as Attaché with the Russian Forces in Manchuria 17.6 - 7.11.1905 during the Russo-Japanese War, and was awarded the order of St. Stanislaus, 2nd Class, with Swords.

Whilst on leave in Switzerland he rescued a drowning man from the River Are, for this act of bravery he was awarded the Royal Humane Society's Bronze Medal. In the early stages of the Great War he served on the Western Front before progressing as Major-General, Chief of the British Military Mission to South Russia 22.5.1919 - 15.4.1920, for which he was appointed K.C.B., and received the Orders of St. Anne and St. Stanislaus 1st Class with Swords. Never one to shirk his national duty, he even went on to serve in the Home Guard during the Second World War, 3.6.1940-18.2.1943.

If you are still considering entering items for this sale, be aware that the deadline for entry is at the end of this month so please contact us with any possible consignments as soon as possible.

Numismatic Notes

This month, we turn to the Ashanti Star 1896. As an award that was issued unnamed, it provides an easier medal to copy for the more unscrupulous individual. The difficulties of naming removed from the equation, one must look for the tell tale signs at the upper most point of the star. The thickness of the ring and rounded finish of the suspension loop (pictured right) illustrate the original issue as apposed to the thinner, more irregular angular finish to the upper point of the star and suspension loop of a copy pictured left.

Auction and Private Treaty Services

Prices Realised
Click here to view the prices realised for the 24 November auction.

Auction Bidding Service
For those who prefer to engage an agent to bid on their behalf at the major auctions in London of Orders, Decorations and Medals, Spink now offer this as a free service. A representative from the Medal Department attends all major auctions and will be pleased to act on your behalf. The procedure for retaining Spink in this capacity is very straightforward, just contact John Hayward on 020 7563 4049

Selling Medals by Private Treaty
Although sale at auction of orders, medals and decorations is very successful, some clients still lean towards sale by private treaty. We at Spink are most interested in the straight purchase of both collections and individual items and will be pleased to discuss such arrangements.

Buying Medals on the Spink Website
For those who have expressed an interest in receiving updates by email from Spink, we can contact you when new items are added to our online stocklists. If you are unsure whether we hold an email address for you, please email your details to enquiry@spink.com, stating that you wish to receive medal stock updates from Spink.

Please note that items cannot be reserved and will remain on the site available for purchase until a firm sale has been completed.

•Click here to browse a selection of medals online