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Weapons
From 18th-century blunderbusses and Napoleonic-era presentation swords through to Mughal daggers and WW2 Commando knives the broad spectrum of weaponry attracts numerous specialist collectors. Prices are strong across the board with demand from both UK and International buyers.
A George III Sword
Our favourite lot to date? A George III sword presented by the ‘townsmen of Paisley joined by several noblemen and gentlemen in its vicinity is an expression of high esteem for his character and admiration of his distinguished services in the course of his country and her allies to a Lieutenant Snodgrass who took part in the storming of St Sebastian in 1813. Sold for £10,000.
An amusing anecdote – has to be the lady who brought in for valuation an unidentified iron object. This turned out to be a WW2 Mills bomb. Potentially still live. The saleroom had to be evacuated and the bomb squad called…
Medals
It’s the story behind the medals that drives collectors' interest. Remarkable bravery, Boys Own days of the British Empire, a passion for the family Regiment or simply a record of a life of service. All of these stories and more inspire collectors. Rareity is the key – the officers usually got the gold medals whilst the ranks got the bronze. So many Military Crosses were awarded in the course of the Great War that they are almost commonplace whereas medals awarded to nurses are scarce.
As our own times and attitudes change we see this reflected in appreciation and prices and can advise accordingly.
Common Medals
After the Great War over 6.5 million British War Medals were issued for ‘entering a theatre of war’ or services overseas. Whilst these may seem ‘common’ plenty of rarities exist. Regardless of scarcity each and every one has the recipient's service number, rank, name and unit impressed on the rim.
Tribal
It’s an undeniable fact that the British Empire ensured a steady flow of souvenirs coming back to this country. From sailor's curiosities to pre-missionary explorations and more recent foreign postings a wide range of ethnographica resides within the UK. Generally speaking the older, the better. What we might term pre-tourist but later pieces can still see demand for decorative use.
Curious Fact
The Easter Islanders carved wooden figures (moai kavakava) to honour their dead. Due to deforestation the last toromiro tree was felled in the 1800s. Key to value is therefore the material used for such a figure. Those carved from later timbers are far less desirable.
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