Hero’s medals go to auction

FOR courage in the face of enemy fire, First World War hero Henry Kent was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal – considered second only to the Victoria Cross.

Next week, his DCM and other medals, citations, personal documents and even letters of thanks from the Belgian and French governments will go under the hammer at the auction room of Moore Allen & Innocent in Cirencester.

A citation that accompanies Sgt Kent’s DCM reads: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Although his gun was put out of action on three occasions by enemy fire, he continued to fight it, setting a fine example of courage and determination to the men of his battery.”

Sgt Kent served with the Malmesbury-based 91st (Siege) Battery of the Royal Garrison Artillery, a unit of men in charge of four 60lb guns, which supported the infantry divisions in the trenches by pounding the enemy lines. His unit saw action in France and Belgium.

The collection also includes a 1914-15 star, a British War Medal and a Victory Medal. This trio of medals was awarded to all soldiers who served in the theatre of war before 1916 and is affectionately known as a “Pip, Squeak and Wilfred”.

There is also an Order of Leopold II Chevalier, bestowed upon recipients for personal services to the King of Belgium, and the Croix de Guerre with Palms, awarded to military personnel allied with France and Belgium.

Letters of thanks signed on behalf of King Albert of Belgium and the Ministere des Affaires Etrangeres – the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs - are also included in the collection, as is a photograph of Sgt Kent in uniform.

Sgt Kent’s dedication to his country did not end in 1918. Other documents show that he served with the Home Guard during the Second World War, between 1940 and 1944.

The collection is being sold by his family. They took the artefacts to one of Moore Allen & Innocent’s popular antiques valuation days, which was held in Cirencester on Monday, November 19 in aid of the NSPCC. The collection is valued at between £700 and £1,000.

Other lots of interest at the Selected Sale on Friday, December 7 include a pair of late 17th century walnut stools with Turkeywork seats.

“These are very rare,” said auctioneer Philip Allwood. “The seats are hand-embroidered in the same manner as a Turkish carpet. For their age they are in remarkably good condition and we estimate them at between £1,000 and £1,500 for the pair.”

A late 19th century Bureau de Dame is also creating early interest from potential buyers. The kingwood ladies’ writing desk, embellished with gilt bronze work and putti candle holders, is fashioned in the manner of the renowned furniture maker Joseph-Emmanuel Zwiener, who was inspired by the 18th century Louis XV Rococo style.

“The classic style has been exaggerated,” said Philip. “The organic shapes of this flamboyant piece are typical of the art nouveau period.” The desk is estimated at between £3,000 and £5,000.

Finally, a set of early Victorian oak jockey scales are expected to romp home at around £400 to £600.

Made by the leading scales and weights manufacturers W&T Avery of Birmingham, the jockey’s every comfort was considered as the solid oak chair was covered with green leather-covered padding.

Meanwhile a Japanned decorated black and gold set of scales – still in full working order – could measure the weight of the jockey to the nearest ounce.

“This is a rare piece,” said Philip. “The last one of these I saw was 15 years ago. This would have come from the weighing room of one of the country’s finest racecourses and it will be interesting to see if it returns to a racecourse.

“Astonishingly, the scales will weigh jockeys up to 20 stone. I pity the poor racehorse which had to carry that jockey.”

A Distinguished Conduct Medal and other memorabilia from the First World War collection of Sgt Henry Kent
		Sgt Henry Kent
A set of early Victorian oak jockey scales
		A late 19th century Bureau de Dame in the manner of Joseph-Emmanuel Zwiener
A pair of late 17th century walnut stools with Turkeywork seats