Tag Archives: medals

The Caterpillar Club

Posted on April 10, 2024 by Fellows

Caterpillar Club brooches – insignia of the club that no one wants to join. Caterpillar Club History It is hard to find a fully corroborated account of who founded this mysterious club. The basis remains the same. After hearing about a test pilot who was saved by his parachute during a failed test in 1922, an idea was formed. Maurice Hutton and Verne Timmerman (reporter and photographer for the Dayton Herald) and H. H. St. Clair ( a parachute engineer for the USA government) founded the club to recognise those airmen who had been saved by parachutes. While some reports say that Leslie Irvin of Irvin Air Chutes was involved from the beginning, there is little documentation about how the club came to be. To this day, it doesn’t have any official website, officers, or chapters. What we do know is that in 1926, the Irvin Air Chute Co. (now known as IrvinGQ) started issuing membership cards and golden caterpillar pins to those who had used their parachutes to escape from a disabled aircraft. Over the years, there have been three Caterpillar Clubs from different parachute companies- Irvin, Switlik and Pioneer. Of these three, only the Irvin and Switlik clubs remain. Club Membership IrvinGQ has reported that by 1939, membership of the Caterpillar Club had risen to 4,000 and included people from all over the world. This number increased at an extreme rate during the Second World War. The company now estimates that the lives of at least 100,000 people have been saved by an Irvin parachute. Interestingly, other clubs of this nature popped up during WWII. The Late Arrivals Club awarded its members a pin showing a boot with wings. This was to pay homage to the servicemen who bailed out of an aircraft behind enemy lines and walked back to safety. The Goldfish Club commemorated people who parachuted out over the water and relied on a dinghy for survival. It took inspiration from the Caterpillar Club and had as its sponsor P B Cow and Company of Farnborough who manufactured rubber aircraft survival dinghies, as well as other manufacturers of rescue dinghies. The Australian War Memorial website gives a lot more information on these clubs, as well as others. A History of The Caterpillar Club Caterpillar Club Brooches How to Join the Club A Caterpillar Club brooch (or pin) is literally a badge of honour for pilots who have been in the precarious situation of their aircraft going down. It is a testament to the aviator’s bravery and quick thinking during a dangerous situation. The Irvin website says that the only requirement to join is to have saved one’s life by an Irvin (IrvinGQ) parachute from a stricken aircraft. The club allows applications from both civilian and military personnel may apply. The exception here is that anyone who intentionally jumps from an aircraft may not apply. e.g. skydivers or parachutists. Anyone who does apply to become a member will need to give supporting evidence which Irwin will then verify. Irvin does not charge for the membership application, nor for the gold brooches. Design The Caterpillar Club brooches, also known as pins, are distinctive pieces of jewellery which immediately identify the wearer as belonging to this rare and mysterious club. Unsurprisingly, those who have earned them, value them highly. The IrvinGQ Caterpillar Club pins are gold in colour with red eyes. Reports vary as to the materials used in the production of this iconic pin. At Fellows, we have seen brooches with bodies made from solid gold or gilt; with eyes made from garnets or red enamel. We have found historic newspaper reports which mention eyes made from amethysts. However, we have never seen any such items through our auctions. The caterpillar brooch is three-dimensional with ridges along the back. It is styled to depict the insect’s natural form. The design makes the viewer think of the movement of the animal and is quite realistic. To the reverse of the brooch, you will find an inscription of the recipient’s name, and sometimes rank where appropriate. The pin itself is extremely small, which makes the level of detail even more impressive. It is less than 2cm long and weighs less than 1g. The Switlik Parachute Company has its own design. The silver brooches feature black enamel in the design of a caterpillar. In the black enamel, you can read the words “CATERPILLAR CLUB” in white relief on the front. This design does not tend to have inscriptions on the reverse. While there have been a few different designs and issuers of these types of pins over the years, The Irvin Caterpillar Club brooches are by far the most prevalent. The Mystery of Two Caterpillar Club Brooches In an auction in May 2023, we have for sale a pretty intriguing lot. This lot features two Caterpillar Club brooches, both awarded to the same man. One brooch is solid gold with red garnets for eyes; the other is base metal with red enamelled eyes. You can find out about Flight Officer Stead’s amazing story on our blog. The mystery of this lot is: why did one person have two brooches? Theory one: He was in the unenviable position of needing to be saved by a parachute twice. We can disregard this theory on two counts. Firstly, there is no mention of any other incident where Stead was involved in a life-saving parachute incident. Secondly, we have spoken to historians and Irvin themselves who have said that once a member has been inducted into the club, they do not receive another pin. Theory two: Stead lost his brooch and the second one is a replacement. When we spoke to Irvin, they did not have any record of a replacement being requested or issued. Their records are very detailed. Theory three: The base metal brooch was for everyday wear; the gold one was for formal occasions and mess dress. We can’t find any supporting documentation for this theory or for RAF officers being given leave to adorn their uniforms with Caterpillar Club brooches. Theory four: Gold brooches were not awarded at the time. This is the theory that holds the most water at Fellows HQ, for a number of reasons. Firstly, due to the supply and manufacturing issues of the Second World War, the production of non-essential jewellery was prohibited during the 1940s. This gave rise to the introduction of the utility mark on wedding rings in the 1940s. Given the fact that these brooches were not essential items like wedding rings or even identification bracelets and cufflinks, they would not have been able to be produced under license in the UK. We know this was a consideration for people applying to join the club from this clipping from a 1944 memo from the records of the 96th Bomb Group (US Army Air Corps) which specifically singles out the situation in the UK. Fold3 – Reel B0191 Unit History 1944 We also have to take into account that, although the event that would have allowed Stead to become a member of the club took place in 1943, he was a prisoner of war until 1945. While it is possible that he could have applied for and received the brooch while in prison (see the example of Rolex sending watches to prisoners during WWII), a piece of gold jewellery may not have made it to him there. While we may never know why this particular person had two brooches, it is fascinating to speculate and dig into the history of such a prestigious group of people. If you have any information or different theories, please send us an email to hello@fellows.co.uk Caterpillar Club Brooches at Auction We have had the privilege of selling a few Caterpillar Club brooches over the years. Why not take a look at some of the stories associated with these pieces of history? A 9ct gold Irvin Caterpillar club pin awarded to Sgt Bernard John Warren 1851650, 103 sqn. On 23rd April 1944 from Elsham Wolds he was aboard a Lancaster III. They were hit by flak and Warren baled out of the aircraft using a parachute. He was taken prisoner at Stalag 357 Kopernikus. Read more. Sold for £1,170.00 (including fees) April 2024. Awarded to Flight Sargent Stanley Cranston Alldis, 57 Sqdn, while he was a bomb aimer aboard an Avro Lancaster Mk 1 11th November 1944. He was taken prison and held at Stalag Luft L7 Bankau. Sold for £1,365 (including fees) January 2024. Awarded to P/O C E Stead during an incident with a Lancaster Bomber on 3rd/4th of November 1943. Sold for £2795 (including fees) in May 2023. Awarded to Sgt. W. H. T. Farmer of the RAF due to an incident involving a Spitfire on 23rd July 1942. Sold for £2,169.20 (including fees) May 2022. Awarded to Sgt Frederick Gordon Spanner of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). He received several medals during his career including the Distinguished Flying Cross. Sold for £1,173.92 (including fees) April 2019. Awarded to Sgt. M. Skubiszewski. Sold for £1,531.20 (including fees) in November 2017. Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Find what you’re looking for Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more. Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details. Alexandra Whittaker BA (Hons) | Head of Partnerships and Events

Posted in Antiques, Jewellery, Monies, Medals & Militaria | Tagged caterpillarclub, medal, medals, RAF, second world war, The Caterpillar Club, WWI, WWII | Comments Off

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Posted on July 11, 2023 by Fellows

The Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M) is the oldest British award for gallantry and the second-highest award for gallantry in action. Prior to Queen Victoria’s establishment of the D.C.M in 1854 during the Crimean War, there was no official medal for individual acts of bravery in the Army. In 1894, Queen Victoria authorised Colonial governments to adopt the D.C.M for award to local forces. Military personnel throughout the Empire also received the D.C.M. Consequently, this medal, and versions of it, were distributed worldwide. The Crown presented over 25,000 Distinguished Conduct Medals during the Great War, and approximately 1,900 during WWII. The Military Medal was introduced in 1916 as an alternative, lower award. This newer medal preserves the D.C.M as awardable for only exceptional acts of bravery. Daniel Thomas Williams’ Distinguished Conduct Medal Daniel Thomas Williams was born in 1892, in Llantrisant, Wales, to carpenter Thomas Williams and midwife Jane née Evans. After serving as a driver in the Army Services Corps, he was put forward for the D.C.M. Dr Willy Davies, who was the local GP, presented him with the medal in 1919 for; ‘Conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He carried out his transport duties very satisfactorily, and during heavy shelling he frequently volunteered to take rations forward. He displayed a fine example of courage and greatly inspired his comrades’. Distinguished Conduct Medal at auction Williams’ pension ledger, dated the same year as his D.C.M award, evidences his retirement from military action. The ledger notes his disability, ‘debility’, as 50% attributable to service. ‘Debility’, is an ambiguous term which can allude to a range of ailments. Sometimes, it can refer to what is now recognised as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Lot 370 – Daniel Thomas Williams’ Distinguished Conduct Medal & Great War Trio medal group.Price Realised: £637.00 This lot attests to Williams’ commitment and courage in his role as a driver, and a military career cut tragically short. We cannot see from public records if he was injured during one of his several acts of courage. We also don’t know if his devotion to duty exacerbated a pre-existing condition. Regardless, Williams’ D.C.M is evidence of the exceptional sacrifices that he, and millions of other young men, made during the Great War. Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can therefore find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Find what you’re looking for Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more. Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details.

Posted in Antiques | Tagged auctioneers, auctions, fellowsauctioneers, medal group, medalgroup, medals, WWI, wwi medal group | Comments Off

Frédéric Charles Victor de Vernon

Posted on February 2, 2023 by Fellows

Frédéric Charles Victor de Vernon was born in 1858 in Paris where he spent most of his life until his death in 1912. Frédéric Charles Victor de Vernon As a teenager, de Vernon learnt die engraving at the workshop of celebrated engraver Ernest Paulin Tasset. Tasset made medals and commemorative coins for the Paris mint and for many other countries’ currencies. De Vernon’s skills were recognised and he progressed to the prestigious École des beaux-arts in 1879, when he was 21. He was taught by sculptor Pierre-Jules Cavelier, who also taught British sculptor Sir Alfred Gilbert RA, and by medallist Jules-Clément Chaplain. With guidance from a sculptor and a medallist, it was perhaps unsurprising that de Vernon embraced both forms in his work: creating small sculptures to be made into medals. A talented sculptor, engraver, and medallist, de Vernon exhibited every year at the Parisian Salons, grand exhibitions of artists’ new work, where he started garnering more acclaim. In 1887, he won the premier Prix de Rome for his medal depicting ‘Jason Conquering the Golden Fleece’. The prize was a scholarship from the French government to live and work in Rome. As a result, de Vernon spent three years at the French Academy in Rome, the Villa Medici. de Vernon’s work with Duval De Vernon’s return to Paris marked the beginning of his prolific period of medal making. Jeweller Julien Duval, a peer from the École des Arts Décoratifs, came to him with a proposition. He suggested that de Vernon designed medals could be used in both the traditional medallist style and in lighter medal-inspired jewellery. Influenced by ancient coins and medallions, these medal-jewels were a popular choice during the archaeological revival trend. This was in the mid-nineteenth century. Jewellers continued to turn to the medal as the beginnings of the Art Nouveau movement. A principal tenet of Art Nouveau amongst its early pioneers in Belgium and France, was to break down the divide between fine and applied arts. This as well as William Morris’s Arts and Crafts movement in Britain. Medallists’ work sculpting and engraving small works of art for medals thus put them right at the centre of the Art Nouveau movement, its principles and practitioners. Duval’s specialties… Julien Duval specialised in editions of artists’ and sculptors’ medals. With de Vernon, the pair worked together on a successful series of models from 1896. De Vernon would begin by designing the motif, then sculpting and engraving a die to reproduce the design. Then Duval’s workshop took over the process of making multiple copies of the design in bronze, silver or gold. Together, de Vernon and Duval, created a series of medals with motifs of women representing dawn, day and night. Though the medal in February’s auction is only marked ‘F. Vernon’, some other examples of ‘La Nuit’ include Duval’s stamp. It is therefore likely that lot 381 is indeed from their collaboration. The pair also made several designs of the Virgin Mary, or Madonna, with a halo or a stained-glass window of plique-à-jour or cloisonné enamel. One such example is now in the collection of the British Museum. They also made designs of the ‘Femme-Fleurs’ motif of flowers surrounding a woman’s head. de Vernon’s legacy De Vernon is now known both for his jewellery designs and his medals. He worked on commissions for medals to commemorate the spercial events. This including birthdays of scientists, anniversaries of international congresses, the opening of a water source at Evian Spa, prizes for horticultural competitions, and the official medals of the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris. His medals are now held in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. This as well as London, the British Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum. La Nuit by de Vernon Let’s look at the Art Nouveau gold ‘The Night’ pendant, with rose-cut diamond ‘star’ highlights, by Frédéric Charles Victor de Vernon. We sold this piece for a total price realised of £1,300 in our Fine Jewellery auction on Thursday 9th February 2023. This pendant is a delicate example of de Vernon’s prowess as a sculptor. Such skills earned him great accolades and numerous commissions in Europe at the turn of the twentieth century. Many of his medals and jewels are in museum collections around the world. Therefore, the pendant in this sale offers a rare chance to own a small piece of Art Nouveau history. This design is ‘La Nuit’ – ‘The Night’. The gold pendant features a woman, representing the embodiment of the night. She is in profile, her eyes closed and one hand raised. Her other hand is clutching a corsage of poppies. Around her light, tied-up curls, twinkle stars set with rose-cut diamonds. What did the poppies used to symbolise… Though poppies later became associated with remembrance after the First World War. Earlier language of flowers poppies symbolised deep sleep. It is likely this meaning that de Vernon referenced in his design for ‘La Nuit’. The flowers and the swirling sky of this pendant show a distinct leaning towards Art Nouveau styles and motifs. They were typically naturalistic and sinuous, at a time when the movement was gaining momentum across Europe. The British Museum holds a brooch by de Vernon with a medallion featuring a female head in profile. It has small diamonds at her neck and around her hair, reminiscent of the style of The Night. The delicacy of de Vernon’s depiction of the night stemmed from his training in engraving and sculpture. A similar ‘La Nuit’ pendant is illustrated in Vivienne Becker’s Art Nouveau Jewelry (1985), plate 147. Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Find what you’re looking for Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more. Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details. Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can therefore find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available

Posted in Jewellery | Tagged art nouveau, auctioneers, de vernon, Jewellery, medallion, medals | Comments Off

Rare family medal group

Posted on September 8, 2022 by Fellows

We were honoured to sell a rare medal group in September 2022. It focused on the life of Annie Goodwin a nurse in the Great War. Through this collection of medals and documents, we can learn a lot about the life of Annie Goodwin and her family. Price realised at auction was £1,690.00 Annie Goodwin’s family The furthest back we can go in Annie’s history is her parents. They are represented in this lot by a group of pre-WWI medals awarded to F. Goodwin and M. Williams. We believe that these are Annie’s parents. Her father was Frederick Thomas Goodwin. Private F Goodwin received a South Africa Medal in 1879 for his time in The 57th (West Middlesex) Regiment of Foot during the Anglo-Zulu war. After his time in the army, he continued in public service, becoming a police officer. Unfortunately, we only know Annie’s mother’s first initial and maiden name – M. Williams. She received the Queen’s South Africa Medal and King’s South Africa Medal for her time serving in the Second Boer War. Even though civilians, as well as military personnel, received this medal, we do not know in what capacity Annie’s mother worked during this time. Neither her occupation nor her name is recorded on Annie’s marriage certificate – only her father’s are listed. In 1920, Annie married Leslie Herbert Barker at St. James church in Handsworth on December 27th. After the war, they both settled on Grafton Road, Handsworth, where they both remained until death. Annie Goodwin’s wartime contributions Annie Goodwin served as a staff nurse in WWI. She received three medals for her service during this time – the British War Medal 1914-20 and Victory Medal, and the Territorial Force Nursing Service miniature medal. However, by the time she came to marry Leslie, her occupation was not listed on her marriage certificate. The only information we have on her is her condition as a “spinster”.About 7,000 civilian nurses received the Territorial Force Nursing Service medal. They volunteered their time to work in military hospitals. The Territorial Force Nursing Service is significant for its acceptance of married women into the service. Due to shortages of nurses during WWI, they changed their rules which traditionally required nurses to be unmarried or widowed with no dependents. Women serving in the Territorial Force Nursing Service were based across 25 UK-based hospitals and 18 overseas territorial hospitals. Leslie’s war service in WWI is represented in a Great War Pair – a British War Medal 1914-20 and Victory Medal. From this group and the later marriage certificate, we can deduce that Leslie served in the Royal Army Medical Corps in a scientific capacity. He was perhaps a “pharmacist at the front”, as they were known. We can assume from Annie’s role as a nurse with the Territorial Force Nursing Service and Leslie’s placement in the Royal Army Medical Corps, as well as their marriage relatively soon after the end of WWI, suggests they could have met while serving their country during WWI. After the war, they lived on Grafton Road, Handsworth, where they both remained for the rest of their lives. Annie Goodwin’s legacy It is striking for a generational medal group to focus on a woman’s biography and wartime contributions, and hinge around her life. However, as interesting as this lot is, we are missing a lot of information. It goes to highlight the erasure of women from the historical record. Both Annie and Leslie Goodwin’s fathers and their occupations are on the marriage certificate, but not their mothers. Despite Annie’s obvious contribution to the First World War (as evidenced by her medals), her marriage certificate strikes her occupation, dismissing her role as a nurse. Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can therefore find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available

Posted in Antiques | Tagged medal, medalgroup, medals | Comments Off

Birmingham ‘Toys’ at Auction

Posted on February 22, 2022 by Fellows

Orla Taylor-Davies | Junior Cataloguer History of Birmingham ‘Toys’ An array of Birmingham-made ‘toys’ available in the current Silver, Coins & Medals sale highlights Fellows Auctioneers’ place within a rich, local history of world renowned craftsmanship. Featuring a range of eminent names, the sale is representative of a network of skilled smallworkers active in Fellows’ Jewellery Quarter vicinity. As industry flourished in the 18th century, Birmingham metal workers set about producing a variety of small, personal items known as ‘toys’. James Sketchley’s Birmingham Directory of 1767 notes that while ‘it would be endless to attempt to give a list’ of every single item that constituted a ‘toy’, the category included vinaigrettes, snuff boxes and vesta cases. Championing the skill of Birmingham makers, Sketchley stated that ‘for cheapness, beauty and elegance, no place in the world can vie with them’. These sentiments remain true today, with the enduring popularity of makers such as Nathaniel Mills. Featuring as Lot 280 in the Silver, Coins & Medals auction, this ‘castle-top’ snuff box is typical of luxury silver boxes sold to commemorate visits to British castles or other landmarks. The rise and expansion of the railway system enabled easier travel and contributed to the development of tourist areas. Touted as the most prolific of all box makers, Mills exhibited the entrepreneurial spirit Birmingham is known for, by catering to the newly mobile middle classes and capitalising on their demand for souvenirs. Another commemorative piece is Lot 284, an Admiral Lord Nelson vinaigrette by Matthew Linwood. The highly detailed pierced grille depicting H.M.S Victory is testament to Linwood’s specialism in box making. A prominent figure in Birmingham’s metal industry, Linwood was made Guardian of the Birmingham Assay Office in 1811. His connection to a network of Birmingham innovators is evident in his sister’s, the celebrated needlework artist Mary Linwood, appointment as embroidery teacher to Mathew Boulton’s own sister, Ann at Soho House, Handsworth. With a family history entwined with Birmingham’s metalworking legacy, is Deakin & Francis, featuring in the Silver, Coins & Medals sale as Lot 301, a novelty vesta case modelled as a reclining boar. Founded in 1786 by Benjamin Woolfield, Deakin & Francis are England’s oldest manufacturing jewellers, seven generations later. Residing in what was once the family home of James Watt, the most famous of all Birmingham’s industrialists as the revolutioniser of the steam engine, the company remain in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter. Their pieces are represented in historic collections, such as the Jewellery Quarter Museum and Powerhouse Museum, part of Sydney, Australia’s Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences. The Silver, Coins & Medals Auction The links between the eminent silversmiths represented within this sale and Birmingham’s industrial heritage can’t be understated, with silver novelties also by William Simpson, Edward Smith and Samuel Pemberton. Each of these pieces feature within our timed, online only Silver, Coins and Medals sale. Bids can be placed throughout the duration the sale is online, open from now until Tuesday 1st March. Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple, so you can get a valuation now: Fill in a form online. In addition, you can book an appointment to visit our offices in Birmingham and London. Moreover, you can book a virtual valuation appointment.

Posted in All, Antiques | Tagged antiques, Birmingham, coins, medals, silver, toys | Comments Off

Military Medals – Factors affecting value

Posted on September 9, 2019 by Fellows

Alison Jakeway, Senior Specialist from the Silver Department at Fellows Auctioneers, has been discussing the value of medals ahead of the Antiques, Silver & Collectables sale, taking place on Monday 16th September. Military medals will always have a lasting appeal to collectors, as they can offer an insight into our history and a chance to discover more about the important roles played by some individuals, whilst offering a reminder of the sacrifices made by all soldiers who fought in past wars and conflicts. They can be mainly divided into two categories, those awarded for gallantry and those awarded for taking part in a campaign. The values of the individual medals within these categories can vary greatly but generally medals awarded for gallantry, such as the Victoria Cross, George Cross, and Military Cross, to name but a few, are the most sought after and command the higher prices. Other important factors that affect the value of both gallantry and campaign medals are rarity, the rank of the recipient, which regiment, whether naval or air force, how many issued, number of bars awarded, does it have original ribbons or box of issue, overall condition, etc. Alison Jakeway, Senior Specialist from the Silver Department at Fellows Auctioneers But there is another important factor which can greatly add to the value of a medal group and that is a recipient’s story and provenance. Personal photographs, associated correspondence, citations, logbooks, personal war diaries and memoirs and many other similar items can all help to tell a story when pieced together and offer an insight into the life of the recipient and in some cases the reason the medal was awarded. A good story is often more important than condition. As an example, in July 2018 Fellows sold a Military Cross Great War group, which was offered with an extensive collection of photographs and printed ephemera including a photograph of the recipient receiving his Military Cross from King George V, notes from the pocket book he carried throughout 1914-18 and a copy of his military service history which detailed the reason he was awarded the Military Cross. Unsurprisingly, all the additional information surrounding the recipient and medal group led to many interested bidders on the day, and the pre-sale estimate of £600-800 more than tripled, finally achieving a hammer price of £2,500. There are a number of interesting medal groups featured in Fellows’ upcoming sale on 16th September. Lot 495 is an impressive Military Cross group of nine medals awarded to Capt. (later Major) William Rawson Hughes. Included are an OBE and a Great War Trio with an oak leaf attachment to the ribbon of the Victory medal indicating that the recipient was Mentioned in Dispatches (MID) by a superior officer for gallant or meritorious action in the face of the enemy. Also mounted with three WWII medals, this lot has a pre-sale estimate of £1,000-1,500 and is sure to create much interest among potential bidders. A Military Cross Medal group Lot 519 is an India General Service and WWII medal group awarded Pte. Charles George Brown of the Hampshire Regiment. The medals are being sold with ephemera including photographs and newspaper cuttings but more importantly his Certificate of Service books, which list the many overseas campaigns he was involved in with medals and clasps awarded and many other insightful personal details. This lot has an estimate of £200-300. Lot 511 offers the commonly seen Great War Trio of 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal but with the added interest of the bronze Memorial Plaque named to the same. Often referred to as a Casualty Trio, the addition of the plaque increases the value as it shows the recipient was likely killed in action. In this instance further research has shown that he was involved in the Battles of the Somme, killed in September 1916, and is now remembered on the Thiepval Memorial. The group is being sold with another Trio and has an estimate of £200-300. Finally, Lot 520 is a fascinating WWII RAF bomber crew casualty group awarded to Sergeant Alec Bryce. The lot includes personal photographs of Bryce and crew members and three medals comprising 1939-45 Star, Air Crew Europe Star and War medal 1939-45. However the main point of interest is the airman’s Flying Log Book. This has penned details of flights carried out by the recipient in his own hand, detailing the bombers and missions that he flew upon including later important operations as ‘Bomb Aimer’ for 467 Squadron R.A.A.F. Sadly the book is unfinished and the last entry for Jan 27 (1944) is recorded as ‘Missing’. The whole crew were killed and are now buried together in Hanover War Cemetery. The lot is offered with an estimate of £300-400 but with such a poignant story and provenance, it is likely to fetch more.

Posted in All | Tagged antiques, auction, Birmingham, Fellows, group, hammer, jewelleryquarter, medals, militarycross, secondhand, trio | Comments Off

WWII Flying Officer’s Caterpillar Club sold for just under £1,200

Posted on April 25, 2019 by Fellows

A Caterpillar Club brooch assigned to a Flying Officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has sold for ££1,173.92 at Fellows Auctioneers. Lot 4 in Fellows’ Fine Jewellery sale, which took place on Thursday 16 May, is the alluring gold brooch which had an estimate of £400 – £600. The brooch has “Sgt. FG. Spanner” engraved on the back – believed to be Sgt Frederick Gordon Spanner, who received several medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service to the RCAF. Sgt Spanner, an efficient bomb aimer to assist his crew, was killed in action in 1943 during an attempt to bomb Berlin. He was enlisted whilst part of No.207 Squadron to leave RAF Langar with eight other members in the crew in an attempt to reach the German capital. Nothing was heard from the aircraft aside from there being reports of large clouds on route. Spanner, from Toronto, was awarded with a Distinguished Flying Cross, a War Medal 1939-1945, a 1939-1945 Star, an Air Crew Europe Star and the Caterpillar Club brooch. The Caterpillar Club brooch awarded to Sgt Spanner Caterpillar Club brooches were awarded to individuals who managed to escape falling aircrafts using a parachute. Spanner was known to have escaped disabled aircrafts on multiple occasions. In July 1941 he had to escape an aircraft near Dorking due to loss of fuel and in September 1941 his crew had to bail out over the UK due to engine failure. He was commended for his services at Runnymede Memorial in Surrey. Nicola Whittaker, Business Development Manager at Fellows Auctioneers, said: “We are delighted to have sold another Caterpillar Club brooch for auction at Fellows. When we sold one in December 2017 we were delighted that the story of Sgt. M. Skubiszewski came to light and we were able to honour his incredible bravery as part of the Polish Bomber Squadron during WWII and his years as a POW. It is incredible that the brooch found its way home due to the publicity before the auction. Just as that brooch went back to Poland, we knew that the same would happen with Sgt Spanner’s Caterpillar Club brooch. I think that the story resonated with the collectors. “Given the recent success we have had with military watches, it is clear that there is a lot of interest not only in these historically interesting pieces but also the stories behind them.”

Posted in All, Jewellery | Tagged air, auction, auctioneers, Birmingham, brooch, canada, caterpillarclub, hammer, history, jewelleryquarter, medals, plane, rescue, sgt, toronto, war | Comments Off

Military Cross Medal Awarded to WWI Lieutenant by King George V Sold for £2,500

Posted on July 27, 2018 by Fellows

Fellows’ Silver, Coins & Medals sale featured a Military Cross Great War Medal Trio which sold for £2,500. The Military Cross Medal was awarded to a WWI lieutenant by King George V. The medals were awarded to Lieut. Frank Richard Green Webb, of the Northumberland Fusiliers. The medals were awarded to Lieut. Webb Webb was born in Quarry Bank, Dudley, in 1897 and he later lived in Sutton Coldfield, just north of Birmingham. He served during 1914-1919 as 2nd lieutenant in the 18th Northumberland Fusiliers. He served during the Battle of the Somme in July 1916. In 1918 he returned to Armentières and was awarded the Military Cross on April 10th for destroying two bridges at Erquinghem, whilst under constant fire from the enemy. The medal trio includes the Military Cross, a British War Medal 1914-20, and a Victory Medal named to ‘Lieut. F. R. G. Webb’. They were estimated at £600 – £800 in the sale and sold for way over their estimate. Below is a list of photographs, printed ephemera and other items associated to the lieutenant which were included with the medals: A framed photograph of Lieut. Webb receiving the Military Cross from King George V. A copy of the citation and a framed Army Orders, both listing Webb as a Temporary Lieutenant. A framed certificate from Headquarters, Second Army. A book of war notes & diary extracted from his pocket book carried throughout 1914 to 1918. A regimental Roll book and a Field Message book. Trench and battle maps with a scrap book containing newspaper cuttings and letters from the war office. A hallmarked silver vesta case engraved ‘Northumberland Fusiliers 18th Battalion 1914-1919’. A hallmarked silver cigarette case with presentation engraving to Lieut. Webb. An officer’s dress sword with various books including one entitled ‘Historical Records of the 18th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers’. Postcard albums and sundry other items. A photo of Lieut. Webb being awarded his Military Cross by George V

Posted in All, News, Uncategorized | Tagged auctioning, battleofthesomme, constantfire, dudley, fusiliers, georgev, historic, lieutenant, medal, medals, militarycross, northumberland, quarrybank, suttoncoldfield, trio, victorymedal, worldwar, WWI | Comments Off

Game Fair at Ragley Hall

Posted on July 17, 2018 by Fellows

Fellows are delighted to confirm we will be attending this year’s Game Fair at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire. The Game Fair is the annual gathering for people passionate about countryside pursuits and the Great British Countryside. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the prestigious event. The event will take place on Friday 27th July – Sunday 29th July. Join Fellows at Stand H901 where we will be offering complimentary refreshments as well as free valuations, previews of upcoming auctions and daily talks at 2pm. We will be bringing a selection of items from our upcoming auctions, including The Watch Sale on Tuesday 31st July. The selection from this sale will include an incredibly rare limited edition gentleman’s titanium ‘Rum’ watch by Speake-Marin. The timepiece has a capsule containing the oldest rum in the world inserted within the dial. There will also be a great selection of Omega, IWC and Jaeger-LeCoultre to enjoy. Highlight items from Silver, Coins & Medals, Antiques & Collectables, and Antique & Modern Jewellery will be on show at Stand H901, where our specialists will be on hand to convey some interesting treasures. We are excited to be able to bring a selection of handbags from our in-demand Designer Collection to the Game Fair, featuring brands such as Chanel, Hermès and Louis Vuitton. Last year’s Game Fair was a huge success We will be offering talks from our watch, jewellery and antique specialists at 2pm each day. Keep updated on our social posts leading up to the event where we will be hosting competitions to win tickets to the Game Fair. There will also be a daily giveaway at the event so make sure you pop along and see us. You can find out more about the event on the Game Fair website: https://www.thegamefair.org/. If you have any questions, make sure you contact our team or visit one of our office. Birmingham Office: 19 Augusta Street, Birmingham, B18 6JA London Office: 29 Charles Street, London, W1J 5DT

Posted in All, News | Tagged antiques, auctionhouse, coins, competitions, event, Fellows, gamefair, giveaways, medals, modernjewellery, silver, speakemarin, specialists, talks, warwickshire, watches, westmidlands | Comments Off

Belgian First World War Medallion

Posted on March 7, 2018 by Fellows

Lot 338 in Fellows’ upcoming Antique & Modern Jewellery sale which takes place on Thursday 15 March features an 18ct gold and enamel First World War Belgian medallion. An 18ct gold and enamel First World War Belgian medallion. Estimate: £600 – £800 Continue reading →

Posted in All, Jewellery | Tagged Antique, auction, auctioneers, auctions, beautiful, belgian, belgium, Enamel, Fellows, fellowsauctioneers, fellowsauctions, goldenamel, goldmedallion, historic, medal, medallion, medallions, medals, modernjewellery, war, wow | Comments Off

Squadron Leader Edward John Greenleaf

Posted on July 31, 2017 by Fellows

Among the array of historic medals in our Antiques, Silver, and Collectables sale, is this WWII medal group to Squadron Leader Edward John Greenleaf. Edward John Greenleaf was a distinguished member of the RAF in the 1930’s. One of the key squadron members leading up to the end of the second world war, Edward John Greenleaf (Johnnie), performed superbly during his entrance exams and became an established flyer during a time of crisis. So much so, Johnnie Greenleaf was deployed to drop mines in the Kiel Canal in Germany, towards the end of the war. The mission was critically dangerous due to the sheer resistance and protection from German troops and searchlights. Continue reading →

Posted in All, News, Uncategorized | Tagged Antique, antiques, auc, auction, auctioneers, auctions, collect, collection, Fellows, fellowsauctioneers, fellowsauctions, flyer, hero, historic, history, medal, medalgroup, medals, RAF, war, warhero, WWII medal group | Comments Off

Turkish Order of the Medjidie

Posted on July 19, 2017 by Fellows

Beautiful historic lots in our upcoming vintage sale range from different time periods and centuries. Arguably the lot which stands out most is an extraordinary medal from the Turkish Order of the Medjidie. The medals were issued out for outstanding services to the state by foreign nationals, and ranged over a period of nearly 70 years during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The Ottoman Empire was founded in the thirteenth century and for six centuries, the empire was at the centre of international relations. The multinational empire controlled nations around the globe, including parts of Central Europe, West Asia, and North Africa. It wasn’t until the nineteenth century that the empire suffered military defeats and fell behind its rivals. Hence, the empire suffered but the Ottoman state strengthened. The Orders of the Medjidie were awarded from 1851, to foreign nationals who assisted the state during acts of conflict. Continue reading →