A rare collection of world war one gallantry medals from British brothers Reginald and Tom Tivey has beaten its estimate by 6.82% at a UK auction today (September 7).

The single lot, featuring a fine selection of medals awarded to the Newcastle-under-Lyme brothers, sold for a hammer price of £2,350 ($3,760) against a high valuation of £2,200.

Just Tom’s Military Cross was missing – returned in protest to the king

Reginald's Military Cross was the lead piece. Established in 1914, Military Crosses mark "an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land". Before 1993 they could only be awarded to officers.

The collection also featured Reginald's British War Medal for service in the first world war, Allied Victory Medal and a 1914/15 star, alongside his pistol holder, ID bracelet, and belt.

Tom's Military Medal - the equivalent of a Military Cross for non officers - British War Medal and Allied Victory Medal were also present, while papers and photographs rounded out the collection.

Tom's Military Cross was one item not on offer. This he had returned to the king in protest.

The unique story of the two brothers helped the lot to its strong showing, as is so often the case with military medals.

Prior to the war Reginald had hunted African elephants, while Tom was a fur trapper in Canada. Both promptly enlisted in the British army as war spread across Europe in 1914.

Reginald suffered a severe shrapnel wound to his leg, while Tom's lung was permanently damaged from a mustard gas attack. Both survived the war and went on to marry a pair of sisters, the daughters of famed porcelain decorator Alboin Birks.

The sale is further evidence of the growing clamour for war medals, with values on the rise. View our fine selection of militaria here.