Corbitts of Newcastle, UK, is holding their annual coin, medal and banknote auction shortly, with an impressive 1,824 lots going under the hammer at a Gateshead hotel.
The auction house's established reputation is in rare stamps, but there are a number of rare medals on offer here to interest the serious collector - and with an auction house which doesn't carry the reputation of, say, Spink there is always the chance of picking up a bargain.
Leading the sale are four Distinguished Conduct Medals (DCMs), two alone and two heading groups:
Firstly a King George VI example awarded to Sergeant D P McKay for his actions during WWII - strictly speaking a duplicate official re-issue of the original which was destroyed in a house fire.
It comes with an investiture letter for 9th Sept 1942 with portrait 'Rats of Tobruk' blazer badge in bullion referring to his "constant gallantry & devotion to duty", "outstanding leadership in the attack on Dalby Square" and overall "constant bravery".
Secondly an Edward VII DCM awarded to Serjt H Swabey of the 18th Hussars, is in Good/Very Fine condition. He was also mentioned in dispatches
 WJ Coggins's Distinguished Conduct Medal group |
Completing the line-up are two Great War (George V) sets awarded to CS Major W J Coggins and Sergeant S Turnbull.
Coggins's citation notes that in his battle south of Asiago , "The officer became a casualty & the CSM took charge & followed the enemy taking one prisoner & killing others. He organised a rear guard & evacuated the officer".
Turnbull's citation by contrast states simply that it is "For good work in cable laying under shell fire on many occasions. It was due to him that communications were maintained".
Both medals are in very fine condition, and all four are listed at up to £2,000 in Corbitts' auction which takes place next Thursday, September 2. Watch this space for the results.
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