A very uncommon Medal awarded by Queen Victoria in 1848 for Naval Action in 1808 realised £9,800 last Saturday (23rd February) at the Pontrilas Auction Rooms of Nigel Ward & Co. Six telephone bidders and three bidders in the room were involved in spirited bidding, the final bid being from a telephone bidder from London who outbid the others including one from Brussels. The medal, which is encapsulated in glass, was complete with a silk lined leather Presentation Case inscribed in gilt "To Lieutenant John Allen by her most gracious Majesty for approved service as Lieut. Of H.M.S. Cruizer against the enemy in the Baltic, Nov 1st 1808 – Rear Admiral J. Allen". Other collectable items sold included an early English Needlework Panel fragment at £750, and 18ct. gold and Diamond Ring £700, others to £450, a Georgian Silver and Agate Snuff Box inscribed Joseph Mallard William Turner made £680, an 18th century hand painted College of Arms Armorial in the name of Nicholson £600, a Georgian Oak and Mahogany 30 hour Longcase Clock £420, a Crown Derby imari decorated Dessert Service £270, a Bluthner Upright Piano in walnut £360, an Andes Mantua (Gongza) Pottery Charger, staple repaired £260, Cylinder Music Box playing eight airs £360, a Massive Chinese porcelain Vase £330, Chest of Drawers to £320, a peg jointed Oak coffer £250, Bedroom Suites to £220, a lined Oak Sideboard £220, George VI Stamp Collection £260. Of the outside effects, a very tidy 1991 Van Royce two berth Caravan made £1,600. a 1994 Subaru Forester £1,180, Single axle Stock Trailer £450 and a 1992 Volvo 940 Estate realised £380. The next sale by Nigel Ward & Co. is scheduled for the 8th March and a preview of the forthcoming items can be found at http://www.nigel-ward.co.uk">www.nigel-ward.co.uk.
