Western Morning News (Saturday)
Regimental award from American Revolution
Acollector from Plymouth was unaware of the historical importance of a medal in his collection until he brought it in recently.
It was a Battle of Germantown Medal 1777, a decoration for the 40th Regiment of Foot – and the only medal struck to mark the actions of a British military unit during the American Revolution.
It was not an official British medal, but a regimental award which was nevertheless still worn with their uniform.
There are approximately six or seven of these medals in private hands and, despite being a British award, it is likely to be sold to a US collector. Interest of £13,000-£20,000 is anticipated in Tuesday’s sale.
A collection of more than 20 paintings by Mary Barnes (1923-2001) was discovered when clearing a derelict flat in Exmouth. She had lived in the flat in the 80s and the paintings languished there until now.
A schizophrenic, Barnes is particularly known for her documentation of her experience at R D Laing's experimental therapeutic community at Kingsley Hall, London where she received LSD as part of her treatment.
Two of the paintings in the sale, 'Abandonment and Love', and 'Christ
Abandons Himself to be Crucified', painted in Kingsley Hall, mixed media on canvas, 136x120cm are expected to sell for £300-£500.
Other items in the sale include a car mascot modelled as a seated anthropomorphic fly with cap holding a golf club and trophy, 13.5cm long. With traces of silvering this may have been a one off and bids of £500-£700 are expected.
There is a portrait of John Perriam – husband of the Naval heroine Ann Perriam (The Powder Monkey) who was widowed at the age of 93 and lived in Exmouth. She accompanied her husband on board H M
Ship Crescent and Orion and also fought alongside Nelson at The Nile. The oil painting, 96x73cm, has a guide of £300-£500.
A near mint Wrenn West Country Class locomotive
'Lyme Regis' is expected to make £100-£160.
Though not going to make the massive sums of recent offerings, an Omega Seastar Chronostop steel cased wristwatch in original box has a guide of £800-£1,200.
Piers Motley, Exmouth; tel: 01395 267403 piersmotleyauctions.co.uk