Lifetime collection sells for £90,000
Popular collector’s treasure trove of items is auctioned off following his death, as Lewis Clarke reports
AHUGE collection of medals, militaria, vintage bicycles and collectables kept by a Tiverton man, has raised thousands at auction.
Mark Lane, known as Bumble to his friends, had been an avid collector since his formative years, inspired by his uncle when relating stories of his time in the army and of his own visits to museums and historical sites.
Mark, who recently died, owned and ran a bicycle shop in the town for many years, and had turned his home into his own private museum.
Highlights of the auction included one of several 1970s Raleigh Choppers that sold for £1,400, an Austin J40 pedal car that sold for £2,500 and a WWII DRC medal group that sold for £1,400.
His collection included over 150 WWII Home Front helmets as well as other military helmets and a number of enamel signs , including an Air Raid Shelter sign that sold for £520.
The whole collection made over £90,000.
At an early age he went on various holidays with his parents to Colditz, Oradour-Sur-Glane and Auschwitz.
In later life he spoke of his visit to Oradour-sur-Glane as a youngster, as it had a profound effect on him, instilling an interest and fascination in war.
As a businessman he owned and ran a busy cycle shop in Tiverton and was enthusiastic in preserving and restoring vintage and classic bicycles. Passionate about vehicles too, Mark owned and restored many cars, especially MGs due to his family roots being in Abingdon near the MG car factory.
In his 40s Mark was diagnosed with diabetes and unfortunately lost his leg which left him in a wheelchair. Even this could not stop his passion and enthusiasm for collecting and he acquired even more militaria including medals, uniforms and helmets. He even had a huge artillery shell and an air raid shelter in
his back garden. Not only did he collect military items, he also collected model cars, coffee grinders, matchsticks, stamps, biscuit jars, push bikes, picnic baskets. His obsession for collecting became so great his house became like a museum. Auctioneer at Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood, Brian Goodison-Blanks, said: “Mark was a really popular character, very bright, humorous and enjoyed surprising his friends with his latest purchase. This collection reflects one man’s enthusiasm and passion for history.
“Medals and militaria are the main focus of the collection and the variations of items included is quite astonishing. Many people will be familiar with the MK II steel helmet worn by
ARP wardens, but the number of other emergency services, government ministries and factories that each had their own unique helmet is eye opening.
“The collection includes rarer examples like the London County Council Tramways steel helmet SS08/186 as well as the more common white wardens steel helmets. The collection also included British and European fire service helmets, from the familiar Merry Weather pattern brass helmet SS08/594, to the late 1980s fluorescent green German M35 pattern helmet SS08/616.”
Mr Brian Goodison-Blanks added: “The number of medals included in the collection is very impressive with examples of both British and foreign Orders and decorations. Among the highlights are the George V Distinguished Flying Cross SS08/249 and the WWI Military Cross pair to Second Lieutenant Gilbert Hart, 173rd (Tunnelling) Company Royal Engineers SS08/258.
“Mark’s passion for bicycles can been seen by his collection of over fifty bicycles that he restored or was in the process of restoring.”