Sgt Liddell remained in his exposed position, which was now attracting fire, with complete disregard for his own safety and attempted to eliminate the machine gun with his grenades, at the same time waving to the platoon to advance..."
*With utter disregard for his personal safety, he carried the wounded man to a ditch, helped to dress his wounds and personally helped him back to the nearest aid post...
These vivid accounts of bravery might read like heroic scenes from dramatic war films, but they're accounts of real soldiers' lives - just a few glimpses of the awe-inspiring histories behind every antique military medal.
“The aesthetics of medals appeal but, for most collectors myself included it’s the history of the recipient that really excites, explains Adam Chapman, medal dealer at Harland Military Antiques, collector and consultant at Duke’s Auctioneers.
“When somebody puts a set of medals on your desk and you start to research the person who was awarded them, you often uncover an incredible story. It’s like being a detective.’ Adam has been hooked on antique medals since he was six, when his grandparents let him rifle through a large box of garage 'junk' destined for the tip and he found a number of medals from his grandfather's RAF days. This sparked a hobby that evolved into a career and a lifelong addiction'.
Expert medal dealer Chris Dixon of Dixons Medals has been obsessed with medals for a long time, too -55 years, in fact. 'I bought my first medal - a Waterlod one - for £5 when I was 21,' he recalls. 'I'd just opened my first shop. I sold it a few days later for £7 and I was hooked from that moment onwards.'
Denne historien er fra November 2022-utgaven av Homes & Antiques.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra November 2022-utgaven av Homes & Antiques.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
BULGARIA'S BEJEWELLED PAST
Buyers from around the world flocked to Geneva to bid on courtly jewels amassed by Tsar Ferdinand of Bulgaria and his family over a century ago - a collection that had lain untouched for many decades, discovers Caroline Wheater
THE ANTIQUES THAT SHAPED ME Georgie Wykeham
The interiors and furniture designer reflects on her antiques-filled childhood and favourite finds
Baukaus INVISIBLE REVOLUTION
The movement is predicted to make waves in 2025, and it’s easy to see why: its sleek lines and unfussy forms changed the way we approach interiors and today the style looks as fresh as ever
Enthusiasms
This Month: Dummy Boards
ECLECTIC Edwardian
In bringing this impressive period property in London back to life, its owner, Alice Merritt, has combined bold prints and quirky antiques to create a glamorous yet lived-in feel
A true ORIGINAL
In the Milanese home of architects Federica Gambigliani Zoccoli and Giovanni Maria Sacchi, an imaginative approach has created a unique, characterful and warm home, where there's a new surprise at every turn
Secrets of the STONES
Britain's ancient sites, with their many mysteries, have always inspired a sense of awe and wonder.James Alistair Henry shares some of his favourites
Natural Beauty
Derived from the flax plant, linen is one of the oldest textiles in the world, and its future is looking bright, too, says Celia Rufey
Displaying art
Christopher Peter’s apartment reflects his previous career as an art gallery curator. Here, he shares his tips on how best to display collections
SHADES OF WELLNESS
There’s a powerful link between our homes and our happiness, with interiors playing a crucial role in enhancing this connection. Read on for eight easy decorating ideas to boost wellbeing...
