One of several copies, the Telex which was sent to Major General Sir Jeremy Moore from Army Headquarters, Hereford, UK, announces the capitulation of Argentine troops and the end of the 74-day Falklands War in 1982.
The framed Telex was sold with a photograph of a landing craft going ashore to a private buyer in the US.
 Falklands Surrender Telex sold for £7,250 |
The message reads: "HQ LFF1 Port Stanley. In Port Stanley at 9 O'Clock pm Falkland Islands Time tonight 14th June 1982, Major General Menendes surrendered to me all the Argentine Forces in East and West Falkland, together with all their impedimenta. Arrangements are in hand to assemble the men for return to Argentina, to gather in their arms and equipment, and to mark and make safe their munitions. The Falkland Islands are once more under the government desired by their inhabitants. God Save the Queen."
Monday (April 2) saw unrest on the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War, with protesters burning effigies of Prince William outside the British Embassy in Buenos Aires. Tension between the two countries was revived in 2010, when Britain announced its exploration of oil resources in the islands.
The auction house's impeccable timing ensured that the piece received strong interest from around the world and exceeded expectations in the auction room.
Bonhams' chairman, Robert Brooks said of the piece, "I am delighted that this rare historical document has excited such interest from around the world and has sold for a terrific price." He added, "This remarkable document encapsulates perfectly the very moment of total surrender by Argentina's 12,000-strong occupying forces in the Falklands. The demand and eventual selling price for this slip of paper demonstrates well the power and value of provenance."
A collection of medals gained during the Falklands War brought in £120,000 ($190,584) at a sale in London on March 28, 2012. Paul Fraser Collectibles has a fascinating range of Militaria on offer with great provenance, including this autographed letter from Sir Winston Churchill.
