Neville Chamberlain in Munich

'Peace of Paper' ticket brings £8k

Neville Chamberlain's 1938 negotiations with Hitler were worthless, but the memorabilia proves valuable

When Neville Chamberlain returned from his negotiations with Hitler in 1938, it was with satisfaction and to general applause. Support for the idea that the Nazis could be appeased if allowed to annexe German speaking areas alone was strong.

Now, these negotiations are viewed as a terrible piece of political cowardice delaying the inevitable WW2 which was to follow. But only a minority - such as Winston Churchill - regarded the affair with such cynicism at the time.

Neville Chamberlain's ticket (Click to enlarge)

On Tuesday, January 19, Mullock's auctioneers sold Neville Chamberlain's 1938 plane ticket - or rather the half which had not already been sold at auction by Christie's - for £8,000, beating its £5,000-7,000 estimate. The ticket had been found in the possessions of British Airways founder George William Denny.

Most documents relating to the Munich agreement are in the hands of governments or museums, so this represented a unique opportunity for a militaria, or aviation, collector.

•  More news on Militaria, Aviation and Memorabilia
• Enjoy the read? Don't forget to sign up for your free newsletter with exclusive content

www.paulfrasercollectibles.com

Image: Mullock's auctioneers