Press Releases

On 24th November 2005, Spink sold The Most Noble Order of the Garter, a superb lesser George Garter Jewel, by Santarelli Sold for £28,750.

The Order was possibly acquired by either Henry, 5th Duke of Beaufort, for use on the occassion of his installation at St. George's Chapel, Windsor 29.5.1801, or by his son Henry Charles, 6th Duke of Beaufort, Installed 23.4.1805.

The maker Giovanni Antonio Santarelli (1769-1826), was a gem engraver, modeller in wax, and medallist, who worked at the Milanese Mint and was Professor at the Academy, Florence. He was famous for his skill at cutting gems of exceptional beauty, while his portraits and bas-reliefs in wax were said to belong 'to the finest and most delicate productions of the art.' (Forrer, L., Biographical Dictionary of Medallists, Vol.5 pp. 334-5) 

Also offered in the sale was The Second War Bomber Command Conspicuous Gallantry Medal group of six to Warrant Officer J. 'Jack' Bettany, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, for his outstanding bravery over Pforzheim in saving the lives of the entire crew of his Lancaster, by throwing out a number of blazing incendiary bombs, through holes in the fuselage with his bare hands; the last to bale out from the stricken aircraft Bettany walked in full uniform, through enemy lines to safety. This group sold for £27,600.