This month, Liz Edgar takes a look at the highly specialised area of collecting guns which once belonged to famous military personnel.
It is no surprise that auction houses around the world are consigned some of the most unique, bizarre and interesting lots. And when one delves a little deeper into their past, many people are often surprised by the interesting back stories revealed. In uncovering the guns of our ex-servicemen, we look at some of the lots sold by Norfolkbased Holts Auctioneers in their main London auction of fine modern and antique guns.
With not a glitzy or glamourous gun among them, these utilitarian guns were used by those who risked everything in service to their country. Reflecting on each owner’s past, we look at provenance and the extent of how this influences prices realised at auction. Plus, we discover where some of these guns ended up.