28 February 2017
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The Richard Marsh collection of German WWII militaria
The latest results from Canterbury Auction Galleries included the Clive Richard Marsh collection of German WWII militaria.
One of the notable medal lots was a George V WWI Military Cross and Bar, to Temporary 2nd Lieutenant David Liddon Howard, Machine Gun Corps. The reverse of the medal is engraved ‘Guillemont, September 1916’, contained in mauve leather covered case of issue and with black and white photograph and twelve copy pages of handwritten ‘War Diary or Intelligence Summary, 21st March - 28th March 1918,’ detailing actions and movements (in ebonised box frame and glazed). There’s also an entry in the London Gazette, 20 October 1916, (Pg. 10183), ‘For Conspicuous Gallantry in Action. He brought three machine-guns into action 40 yards from the enemy and stopped their attack dead. On another occasion he did similar fine work.’
Subsequent entry in London Gazette, 16th September 1918, ‘For Conspicuous Gallantry and devotion to duty. While in command of a machine-gun company he handled his gun with great skill and dash. Later, he took over command of details of all sorts, organizing the defence on two occasions. A number of men being in a barn on a shelled area, he at once went across and moved them to a flank, steadying them and seeing that all men had there equipment and rifles with them. He showed Exceptional Ability throughout these operations.’ The medal group had an estimate of £400-£600 but sold for £780.
Also from WWI, there was a group of three George V medals to 877 Sargent H. Petitt, 2nd London Regiment, comprising a 1914-15 Star, 1914-1918 War Medal and Victory Medal, and a George VI Territorial Efficiency Medal, 1452517, Bombadier C.W Pettitt, and selection of cap badges, medallions, etc, contained in stained wood display cabinet. With an estimate of £100-£150 the lot sold for £150.
From the Richard Marsh collection, a deactivated 1943 German MG34 GPMG 7.92mm machine gun, serial No. 6825, mounted on tripod, dated 1938, fitted with optical sight and anti-aircraft sights, measuring 48in overall and complete with a current specification deactivation certificate present had an estimate of £400-£600 but sold for £2,600. Other German WWII items included a Luftwaffe Officer's visor cap with white cover. The estimate was £150-£200 but it sold for £260.
On the sporting gun side there was a good 12-bore side by side shotgun by James Purdey & Sons of London, Serial No. 12391, the 28ins blued steel barrels with plain top rib engraved with maker's name and address, bright steel locks bearing makers name and decorated with rose and scroll engraving, walnut stock and fore end with chequered grips and composite butt plate, 46in overall, in manufacturers leather motor case with some accessories. It had an estimate of £8,000-£10,000 but actually sold for £7,600.
If you were looking for some edged weapons there were three 20th century, military style Officers swords with spurious markings, all with bright steel blades and metal scabbards, each 38in overall. They had an estimate of £100-£150 but realised a hefty £760.
More affordable was an English 1897 pattern Naval Officers dress sword by Friedberg of Portsea, the bright steel blade etched with crown over anchor and makers name and address, the brass guard bearing crown and anchor, lions head pommel with shagreen grip, leather scabbard with brass fittings, measuring 38in overall. It had an estimate of £150-£200 and duly sold for £200.
Full results available at Canterbury Auction Galleries.