Ayr bidding war for medals

Apr 17 2009 by Edwin Lawrence

A CHANCE find of two medals inside a silver tea caddy jammed the phones at an Ayr auction house.

And it seems the two medals could have lay among tea leaves for over 150 years.

One is a General Service Medal from the Peninsular War (1808-1814) which played a major part in Napoleon’s downfall.

The medal, with a single clasp for Toulouse, was awarded to Thomas Anderson of the 71st Foot Regiment.

Ayr auctioneer Michael Callan explained: “This medal was not actually issued until 1848 – following years of clamour from veterans who fought right through the campaign.

“The veterans pointed out that others had received a medal for a single battle at Waterloo, while they had nothing to show for years of fighting.”

The other medal happens to be a Waterloo Medal, from 1815, also awarded to Thomas Anderson.

The medals were put up for auction as one lot, with an estimate of £1000 to £1500.

But after quite lengthy bidding, both within the room and by phone, the medals were sold to a private collector for £3600.

The Georgian tea caddy which was home to the medals realised £500.

Other highlights of the Thomas R Callan auction included a Royal Doulton Scotch Girl figurine, which made an impressive £3700.

And another 1930s girl who attracted attention was a damaged ivory bronze figure by sculptor Ferdinand Preiss, which went to a phone bidder for £3700.

A fine collection of silver was led by a candelabrum, marked London 1804, sold for £4700.

And a pair of silver wine slides were bought for £2900.

A Regency bracket clock was another surprise on the day, fetching £5500 from London trade.

Callan’s next antique sale is in June, with items already being accepted. For a free valuation call freephone 0800 037 8000, or visit www.trcallan.com