This item is on the "impossible list"

11/11/11...

It's an eye-catching date. But also an important one.

Today is the day we stop and remember those who gave their lives for us.

Those who fought on battlefields, in the skies and seas, so that we can live our lives in freedom and without fear.

It falls on our generation to keep alive the memories of those who sacrificed themselves, and saved our way of life.

As collectors, we're in a better position to do that than most.

No British soldier who witnessed World War One is alive today to tell of its horrors.

And the numbers of those who fought in World War Two are growing increasingly few.

In my opinion, no niche of collectibles captures history more poignantly than war medals and militaria.

And, as the years go on, it is now more crucial than ever that we preserve these military artefacts. To remember the brave and keep their legacies intact.

Heroes like Guy Gibson, who famously led the Dambusters raid on the Ruhr, Germany in 1943.

Wing Commander Gibson and his 617 Squadron's bouncing bomb attack on the Mohne and Edersee dams was crucial to the war victory.

It still captures people's imaginations today

In fact, Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson is developing a new film of the remarkable story. (Following, of course, the 1955 classic movie The Dam Busters.)

In 1943 the British government honoured Gibson with a Victoria Cross - the highest award for valour in the British Commonwealth.

Yet not everyone knows the tragic end to the tale...

Gibson's heroism knew no bounds. He died just a year later, when his Mosquito plane crashed over Holland after suffering a faulty fuel tank.

His Victoria Cross is today displayed in the RAF Museum. An invaluable reminder of a remarkable life which we collectors can immerse ourselves in.

Honouring the hero behind the legend

The 1955 film The Dam Busters did much to keep the memory of Gibson and 617 Squadron alive.

But, really, that was only a movie.

Imagine instead owning something real from Gibson's life?

A rare artefact that connects you with a war-time hero and a raid that has reached near-mythical status.

Items linked to VC winners are already among the market's most desirable items, and collectors are prepared to pay large sums to obtain them.

Collectors such as Lord Michael Ashcroft. His collection of Victoria Crosses is the largest and finest in the world. You can see it at London's Imperial War Museum.

Take a look at these recent VC sales:

• World War II RAF hero Sergeant Norman Jackson's Victoria Cross sold for £200,000 in 2004.
• The Victoria Cross awarded to Australian Captain Alfred Shout during World War I achieved £406,716 in 2006.
• The double Victoria Cross and bar of World War I Captain Noel Chavasse made £1.5m in 2009.

I think 2012 could be an exciting time for the medals and militaria markets.

Hopefully, an increasing numbers of buyers will invest their time and money into preserving the legacies of our fallen heroes.

Even better, you can be among the first to get involved.

Signed by a British wartime hero - held in your hands

This World War II hero's signature could be yours today

Look at this piece for example. It is among the most singular - and important - items we have in our stock.

This fine autograph, signed by Wing Commander Guy Gibson himself, is accompanied by a colour photograph of him from July 1943.

This was just months after the legendary Dambusters raid.

Gibson signed his name on a page which appears to have been clipped from a log book.

It goes without saying: this is a fantastically-rare piece of history.

And it can be yours to own today for a tiny fraction of the price Gibson's VC would bring if it ever appeared at auction.

Very few Gibson signatures are known.

In fact, they are on the "impossible list" of near-unobtainable autographs.

That's because the Dambusters never considered themselves heroes - simply men doing their duty.

There was no book signing or autograph session… Only extremely-rare signatures from their military life.

We had two Guy Gibson items in stock last year. Both sold quickly. This is the first we have acquired in 2011.

The autograph comes with this photograph of Gibson (seated) from July 1943

As I've said, medals and militaria is the collecting niche about which I feel most passionate.

Nothing better recalls the bravery of our wartime ancestors than unique items of military history. Wartime artefacts are among the most important collectibles out there.

Items like these superbly capture the poignancy of war. They offer you memories which you can have, hold and treasure.

Click here to view this unique piece signed by one of our greatest heroes.

Or contact us at:

+44 (0) 117 933 9500

info@paulfrasercollectibles.com

P.S. - We have a large range of autographs from key military figures in stock, including Victoria Cross recipient 10th Gurkha Rifleman Rambahadur Limbu, available for just £395. Follow this link for our entire military autographs range.

P.P.S. - From brave soldiers to Britain's wartime Prime Minister... Memorabilia from all levels of World War II can be yours to treasure. Like this superb autographed letter signed by Sir Winston Churchill, voted the "Greatest Briton of All Time" in a 2002 poll. Follow this link for more details.

Disclosure

Collectibles, including, but not limited to, wine, coins, classic cars, art, autographs and postage stamps are not designated investments for the purposes of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001 and as such are not subject to regulation by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) or otherwise.

We believe that the purchase of investment grade Collectibles should be both enjoyable and profitable, but like any traded commodity there are risks and past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

If in doubt we recommend you consult with a tax expert or financial advisor for clarification.