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Militaria, Edged Weapons and Guns

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A Ships flag, sold for £300 (minus the staff!)

This market remains very strong. Collectors are now able to find their favourite pieces at our specialist auctions and we often sell lots for well above their retail value. We have always had a keen interest in this subject, which is not every auctioneer’s cup of tea. As a result, with our expert knowledge, we are able to quickly research and value lots placing them in our regular specialist auctions. With a loyal following too from bidders around the world, and especially from one particular Russian internet bidder, we achieve some exceptional prices such as a 19th century presentation Shamshir sword, which we sold for £12,500. All of our auctions use live internet bidding platforms to ensure that every lot, whether it is worth £20 or £500,000, reaches the widest possible market and sells for the best price possible. In the run up to an auction we receive 100’s of emails requesting further information for lots in the sale. Attached to these email replies, we regularly send well over 1,000 digital images, such is the huge interest generated in our auctions.

For further information regarding this article, or to consign an item to auction, please contact Richard Bromell, Director, at rb@charterhouse-auction.com, or on 01935 812277, as he is particularly interested in all things military.

RAF Medals Set to Fly High

Posted:
A group of medals, log books and related items awarded to Squadron Leader Lester Humphrey are estimated to sell for £6,000-8,000 in the Charterhouse two day collectors auction on the 10th & 11th March. “Squadron Leader Humphrey enjoyed the pioneering days of aviation and in his lifetime witnesses some of the earliest ‘sticks and string’ aircraft from the Royal Aircraft Factory FE2b with a top speed of 90 mph through to Concord flying at 1,350 mph.” Commented Richard Bromell. “He was quite an extraordinary man during extraordinary times.” Lester Humphrey was born in 1904. He enrolled in the RAF as a teenager in 1920 as an Apprentice Carpenter Rigger finally retiring in 1956 after 36 years’ service. During his career he flew an astonishing 64 different type of aircraft starting with biplanes through to Hurricanes and Bristol Blenheim bombers. He was one of the three pilots who became the first group to fly from Egypt to West Africa and back in what became known as the West African Flight of 1929. During his time in the Middle East, he was seconded to the Iraqi and Egyptian Air Force – the latter for 8 years, and flew senior servicemen, ministers and diplomats around the areas and even taught Pilot Office Prince Kairy, the nephew of King Farouk, amongst others, how to fly. Humphrey became one of the earliest flying instructors at RAF Cranwell and was on the staff at Central Flying School for four years teaching pilots how to become instructors. He finished his 36 years’ service as the Chief Controller at the Air Traffic Control Centre near Gloucester having clocked up a staggering 4,745 hours and 55 minutes of flying. As a last posting he was offered the appointment of Station Commander at RAF Benbecula with promotion to Wing Commander – which he declined as he had already been offered and accepted other employment. He passed away in 1982. The medals awarded to Squadron Leader comprise an Air Force Cross, Air Force Medal, 1939-1945 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and a Long Service & Good Conduct Medal. With these are his log books added into which are numerous black and white photographs he added in and two brass shields commemorating the West African Flight of 1929 Charterhouse are now accepting further entries for their next specialist auctions of classic cars on 3rd March classic & vintage motorcycles on 9th March and their two day collectors auction of coins, medals, stamps, model cars, trains, clocks and other items on the 10th & 11th March. Specialist Richard Bromell and the team at Charterhouse can be contacted for advice and valuations on single items and collections at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 info@charterhouse-auction.com The medals awarded to Squadron Leader Lester Humphrey AFC AFM £6,000-8,000 in the Charterhouse auction of collectors’ items in Sherborne on the 10th March

Other Charterhouse Specialist Departments Available



Please use the form below to contact Charterhouse regarding valuations, buying, selling, bidding, home visits, catalogues etc.
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enquiry@charterhouse-auction.com
Tel: (00 44)1935 812277

Opening Hours
We are open from Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Please come to the saleroom at any time for a free verbal valuation.

Our Sale Rooms in Long Street, Sherborne, Dorset


From The North Leave the M5 at Junction 25 and follow signs for Yeovil and then Sherborne. Sherborne Castle is on the South East side of the town.

From the East From the M3 take the A303 signposted Sherborne (via Wincanton)

From The West Take the A30 from Exeter and Honiton and follow signs to Yeovil then Sherborne

If you are thinking of staying in the area, the telephone number for

Sherborne Tourist Information is 01935 815341

accommodation we have recommended in the past, in order of proximity, includes;

  • The Eastbury Hotel 01935 813131
  • Bridleways 01935 814716
  • The White Post 01935 851525

A useful website for accommodation is www.sherbornetown.co.uk