News & Blog

Crimea rarities at DNW

Posted on Thu, 15 October 2020 by Phil Mussell - General News, Medal News

Douglas 4.jpg

A fine Crimean War Naval Victoria Cross group of four (pictured below) awarded to Australian resident and Seaman James Gorman of HMS Albion, for his gallantry while defending the Right Lancaster Battery at the Battle of Inkermann on November 5, 1864 sold for £297,600 at Dix Noonan Webb in their live/ online auction of Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria on Thursday, October 15. Bought by a UK Private Buyer with a strong interest in the Crimean War, it was one of the first VCs ever to be awarded, and was estimated to fetch £120,000-160,000.

Also in the sale was a collection of medals from the Charge of The Light Brigade. The highlight (pictured above) being a group of five awarded to Major-General John Douglas, who commanded the 11th Hussars during the Crimean War and led them in the Charge at Balaklava, which sold for £47,120 against an estimate of £15,000-20,000 and was bought by a UK buyer. 

 

Gorman VC