Surprise for medals bidder

THERE was a surprise in store for the successful bidder for the medals of a Cotswolds war hero when they went under the hammer last week.

By coincidence the bidder had chosen to sit next to the vendor at the selected antiques sale at Moore Allen & Innocent’s Cirencester saleroom on Friday, December 7.

After the hammer fell the vendor, a relative of Sgt Henry Kent, made himself known to the bidder, a collector from the Midlands, who had a chance to glean more details about the soldier whose medals he had bought for £1,550 – around double the £700 - £1,000 estimate.

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

His DCM and other medals, citations, personal documents and even letters of thanks from the Belgian and French governments were included in the sale.

A citation that accompanied Sgt Kent’s DCM read: “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 included a 1914-15 star, a British War Medal and a Victory Medal.

Another surprise was reserved for a set of early Victorian oak jockey scales, which romped home at £4,500 – around ten times the £400 to £600 estimate.

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 and astonishingly the scales were designed to weigh jockeys up to 20 stone.

A local private buyer was the successful bidder.

Meanwhile, a late 19th century Bureau de Dame, or ladies’ writing desk, embellished with gilt bronze work and putti candle holders, sold for £3,500. It was fashioned in the manner of the renowned furniture maker Joseph-Emmanuel Zwiener, who was inspired by the 18th century Louis XV Rococo style.

And a collection of Sevres porcelain cabinet cups and saucers were definitely someone’s cup of tea. A Louis-Phillippe example, from 1838, achieved £920, a Louis XVIII from 1822 made £900 and a Charles X example, dating from 1827, was sold for £600.

The next antiques sales will be held in the new year, on Friday 4 and Friday 18 January 2008. Anyone who is considering selling at auction can contact Moore Allen & Innocent for a free valuation on 01285 646050 or by email at fineart@mooreallen.co.uk

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