Arms, Armour & Militaria

Arms and armour stretches from ancient times to modern conflicts, with weapons ranging from swords and clubs to firearms, armour including helmets and shields, and militaria such as medals, uniforms, flags and ephemera.

Medals and militaria are often sold at auction as specialised categories, with arms and armour sales also held.


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Helmet made famous by the dashing but dastardly Banastre

13 November 2023

The Tarleton helmet was named after the dashing but ruthless Sir Banastre Tarleton (1754-1833), who commanded the British Legion during the American War of Independence.

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Arms & Armour: Lock and load, old style

13 November 2023

Key and pistol combination stands out in a comprehensive firearms collection offered during a dedicated sale staged on home turf

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‘We can deal with stray shells - but not heartbreaking monotony’

06 November 2023

In November 1915, Captain Wilton John Rix of the 6th Bedfordshire Regiment wrote from France to the East Suffolk Gazette with an understated and moving plea for a relief from the war’s monotony.

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Aussie uniform heads back Down Under

30 October 2023

Although Gallipoli in the Great War became a defining moment in Australian nationhood and identity, the second Boer War from 1899-1902 featured the first-large scale involvement of troops from Down Under.

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Bob heads off to war

30 October 2023

A never-before-seen photo of soldiers leaving Ulster to fight in the First World War and a serviceman’s diary from the trenches have been uncovered.

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Ace result for Great War hero pilot

30 October 2023

The ‘fine and scarce’ 1918 Sopwith Camel fighter ace’s Distinguished Flying Cross and bar awarded to Captain Solomon Clifford Joseph (previewed in ATG No 2613) sold within estimate for £20,000 in Mayfair.

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Bone model Victory and striking oil painting sail to success

30 October 2023

Originally Roman, Portchester Castle near Portsmouth was first used to house captured enemy soldiers in 1665, when England was at war with the Netherlands.

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‘Shell head’ helped to keep the Free French fighting

30 October 2023

One of the best performers against estimate at Tennants’ (24% buyer’s premium) Militaria & Ethnographica sale on September 20 was a fascinating collection of photographs and ephemera relating to a French Second World War hero.

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Doll defender of Guernsey sells at 10 times estimate

30 October 2023

An intriguing painted wooden British soldier doll sold for more than 10 times the top estimate when it was offered at Guernsey auction house Martel Maides (24% buyer’s premium).

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Rare Arctic discovery in Dorset auction

30 October 2023

Only 155 Arctic Medals 1875-76 were issued, with 59 of those being to HMS Discovery.

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Cape features more than 300 thank-yous for nurse Carey

30 October 2023

The front page of ATG No 2558 featured a Second World War nurse’s cape decorated with an array of cloth regimental badges that sold at Essex auction house Sworders in August last year.

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The Polish eagle has landed in badge form

30 October 2023

Among recent paratrooper items that impressed at auction, this Polish badge with combat wreath doubled the top estimate at Bosleys to take £4000 from a UK online private buyer.

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Bidders jump to attention for Paratrooper gear

30 October 2023

Airborne forces memorabilia is usually a winner at auction but especially when it’s an early example

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Dennison’s love of the Samurai

23 October 2023

The art of the Samurai comes to Essex firm Sworders on November 2.

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Previews: Unrecorded Tipu Sultan swords among highlights on offer this season

16 October 2023

Two previously unrecorded swords from the Tiger of Mysore are among the stand-out lots on offer in upcoming auctions and from dealers

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French marshal’s baton handed on to new owner after auction

16 October 2023

Relic belonging to French military hero sells in Versailles, with one of Napoleon’s bicorn hats still to come

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WW1 Jewish flying ace’s medals go to auction

09 October 2023

The Distinguished Flying Cross and bar awarded to the highest scoring Jewish ‘ace’ of the First World War is to be offered at Noonans’ auction in London on October 13.

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Annie Oakley’s shotgun blasts its way to over $200,000

02 October 2023

A shotgun built for sharpshooter Annie Oakley in 1888 and used during a significant period of her career has sold for $210,000 (£170,100) in Denver, Pennsylvania.

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Weapon belonged to Light Brigade prisoner

25 September 2023

A sword that saw action in the famed Charge of the Light Brigade sold for £1900 at Elstob Auctioneers’ (25% buyer’s premium) Antiques & Fine Art Sale.

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Presentation sword cuts through complaints of bad conduct

25 September 2023

John Eamer was a wholesale grocer who dealt in sugar imported from the West Indies. His success led to him becoming Sheriff of London in 1794.

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