A group of medals that were awarded to the policeman that ended the killing spree of the "Black Panther" are to star at Bonhams' For Valour: Gallantry and Collectors Medals auction on September 26.
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The Black Panther is the nickname given to Donald Neilson, a British serial killer and armed robber. He was responsible for the deaths of four people, including that of Lesley Whittle - a 17-year old heiress whom he had kidnapped.
The murderer was first apprehended by Constable Tony White and Constable McKenzie on December 11, 1975, when they noticed a man hurrying down the road, dressed in dark clothing. Upon questioning, it was discovered that Neilson was wanted for murder and before the officers could act, he produced a shotgun.
Ordering White into the back of the police car, Neilson ordered McKenzie to drive. On the journey, Constable White noticed that his attention was distracted for a moment and grabbed the killer by the throat, attempting to wrestle the shotgun from his hand.
Neilson fired the shotgun and narrowly missed Constable McKenzie. Bringing the car to an abrupt halt, McKenzie then leapt out and immediately began to assist his colleague in the struggle. With the assistance of members of the public, the officers soon overpowered the murderer and handcuffed him, ending his three year killing spree.
For his efforts, Constable White was awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal, and this will be accompanied in the sale by the Police Long Service and Cadet Forces Long Service medal that he also earned. Also featuring in the lot will be the handcuffs used to subdue Donald Neilson, as well as a significant amount of documentation relation to his career and the killings.
Estimated to sell for £12,000-15,000 ($19,000-24,000) the lot will undoubtedly provide the highlight of the London sale.
For more medal collecting news, visit our dedicated Medals and Militaria news section, which provides the latest updates from auctions across the world. This week will see the remarkable medal group of Joseph Shackleton auctioned with a £20,000-25,000 estimate.
