Leading auctioneers Greenslade Taylor Hunt are delighted to report a successful single owner militaria sale, which attracted buyers from home and abroad.

The Robert Ayers Collection of German Militaria from 1933-1945 saw the hammer total nearly £75,000 at The Octagon Salerooms, East Reach, Taunton, last week.

The sale in association with Malcolm Claridge Limited showcased a collection built up over a lifetime. Mr Ayers got the collecting bug as a teenager and his passion has spanned over half a century. He was at the saleroom to watch the auction.

Mr Ayers said: “As my collection grew over the years, it became so large that I could no longer display it. I felt like I was no longer a collector, but had instead become more of a militaria hoarder. Based on this realisation, I decided it was time to unbox my collection and put it on the market so that other collectors could have a chance to acquire and appreciate some of it.”

A Technical Emergency Corps dagger took top spot at the sale and sold for £3,000. There were a number of four figure sums achieved throughout the day-long auction.

An officer’s sword sold for £2,000, while a 1938 hewer for enlisted men in the Technical Emergency Corps went for £1,500. This sum was matched by a police service gorget, while £1,500 was also realised for another police service gorget. A politcal leader’s uniform made £1,200 and a rare Teno officer’s black and silver brocade dagger hanger achieved £1,300.

A German Red Cross dagger sold for £900 and a rare Assmann stamped officer’s belt buckle went for £800. A rare silver tank battle badge was keenly contested and sold for £700. This figure was also achieved for a naval officer’s dagger.

The sale encompassed the full range of militaria from badges and uniforms to edged weapons and books. Of particular note was a set of three volumes on naval uniforms that sold for £320.

For those who missed out there is the opportunity to bid for more militaria items in an online only timed sale which runs until Monday evening (August 28)

For details of this or future sales please contact the auctioneers on 01823 332525.