Auction 102 Highlights

Welcome to Smalls Auctions Sale 102.

The sale opens with a section of fine and affordable jewellery which as usual is reserved only a fraction over its intrinsic worth. We are sure there will be something there to tempt you.

However, the main focus of the sale is Militaria and War-related items. I would point out especially the WWI British War Medal and Victory Medal awarded to Private Hawkins, one of the 416,809 Australians who signed up to defend ‘Mother England.’ They are followed up by his personal ‘Dog Tags’ which were used to provide information regarding his religion and next of kin in the event that he was killed in action, a fate that befell 39,908 of his comrades. A further 19,433 Australians died of their wound or other causes and including the sick and wounded the overall casualties numbered 318,387. Details of Australia’s heroic commitment are displayed on the framed poster of the 'Record of the Australian Imperial Forces in the Great War 4th August 1914 - 28th June 1919' which is also included in the sale. It brings home the personal sacrifices of war which were sometimes recognised by home communities on a soldier’s return by the awarding of elaborate gold fobs such as that presented to Sergeant Major McKinnon. of the A.I.F. by the citizens of Forster.

But war is not one sided and we have included a limited print of a U-boat hand-signed  by 10 surviving commanders.

There is also an extensive collection of autographs of many of the ‘movers and shakers’ who literally toyed with people’s lives and destiny as they discussed tactics around the war-games table.

There is plenty to be found amongst the souvenirs of war included in this sale which includes medals, uniforms, photographs, documents and miscellanea relating to war.

Smalls Auctions