Historic Falklands War militaria coming to auction at Bonhams

April 2, 1982 saw the outbreak of the Falklands War, following the Argentinean invasion of the islands.

This year, the 30th anniversary has seen an increased interest in items of military memorabilia from the conflict - with everything from Gallantry medals awarded to those who fought to the original surrender Telex appearing at auction.

At the lower end of the price spectrum, but with an equally fascinating history, is a battle trophy acquired from a captured Argentine patrol boat in June 1982.

The Islas Malvinas was an Argentinean Z-28 Naval Patrol Craft, camouflaged for inland use. It was captured by the crew of HMS Cardiff on June 14, shortly after the Argentine surrender was officially announced, and the nameplate of the vessel removed and presented to the British forces. The vessel was later renamed HMS Tiger Bay and taken into the service by the British Navy until 1986, when it was sold to a private collector.

Falkland Islands
The nameplate has a £2,000-3,000 estimate

This nameplate, with its brass letters mounted on an oak board, will appear at Bonhams' upcoming sale of Antique Arms and Militaria on April 24 with a pre-sale estimate of £2,000-3,000.

In a handwritten note accompanying the nameplate, Colonel IS Baxter RM recalls the incident: "As the acting Chief of Staff HQ Command Forces RM I was present at the surrender on 14 June of the Argentinian forces occupying the Falklands Islands.

"Soon after the surrender document was signed I was asked by a man claiming to be the harbour master if he could put on his uniform and inform the crew of the Argentine fast patrol boat (the Islas Malvinas) of the surrender.

"He told me that the islanders found the name of the vessel particularly offensive being the name used by the Argentinians for the Falklands. I agreed his request and sent two marines with him to inform the crew. The following day the harbour master presented me with one of the two name boards he had removed from the patrol boat."

As Paul himself mentioned last month, anniversaries have the power to boost the value of historic memorabilia, and as all militaria collectors will testify, a unique and personal history can add huge value to pieces.

These two factors could mean that this unique piece of Falklands memorabilia is quickly snapped up when it is offered in Oxford, UK. 



 

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