Allied and German World War Two memorabilia will feature in the sale

Largest badge collection in the World sells at Bosleys

Over 50 years, Hugh King built a world-renowned militaria collection - and now it's going to auction

Bosleys will be offering the internationally renowned Hugh King Badge Collection at public auction on March 3.

The collection will include a number of items from around the globe, including a good selection of antique swords and Allied and German Second World War memorabilia and badges.

Hugh King was known universally for his badge collecting - culminating in his writing of the collectors' "Bible" Head-dress Badges of the British Army, co-authored with Arthur Kipling.

The book's legacy can still be felt today, with many auction catalogues and dealers referring to badges by their 'KK' (King-Kipling) number.

Born on November 15, 1921, King himself was a volunteer in the Royal Air Force and - apparently to his own surprise - found himself promoted to Corporal at lightning speed.

After his training, he served in Canada for several years.

It was during the early years of King's marriage that he started really collecting badges, amassed during his time as a hairdresser for retired Officers.

Over the next 50 years, King's collection grew into the largest in the world.

Highlights of the sale will include a collection of medals awarded to Field Marshal Sir Cyril John Deverell, Chief of the Imperial Staff, along with uniforms, helmets and German crosses.

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