At Dugglebys, we pride ourselves on recognising the historical and personal significance of militaria, ensuring that each item receives the attention and valuation it truly deserves. The sale of items belonging to Leslie Scott, a member of the Special Allied Airborne Reconnaissance Force (SAARF), is a perfect example of why selling at auction with the expertise of specialist valuers is invaluable.

 

The Journey from eBay to Auction Success

Initially, Leslie Scott’s family had little idea of the true significance of his WWII artefacts. Upon discovering his medals and Parachute Jump Wings while clearing out his London flat after his passing in 2008, they assumed the items were of modest value. Unaware of their rarity and historical importance, they first listed them on eBay. However, they soon received advice to seek an expert opinion, leading them to remove the listing and consult our specialists.

This decision proved to be transformative. Under the guidance of our experienced valuer, Jess Tarver, the family learned the true story behind Scott’s service - far from the modest claim of being "just a cook," he was, in fact, an elite officer selected for one of the most secretive and dangerous missions of WWII. Armed with this knowledge, they entrusted us with bringing these items to auction, allowing their full historical significance to be recognised by collectors worldwide.

The Auction Results: A Stunning Revelation

The items were entered into our Militaria, Medals, Weapons & Sporting Guns Sale on Thursday, 30 January 2025, at David Duggleby Auctioneers, and the results far exceeded anything the family had expected.

First to sell was a WWII Special Allied Airborne Reconnaissance Force (SAARF) Parachute Jump Wing, an exceptionally rare example of the embroidered insignia, which sold for £1,500. A second SAARF Parachute Jump Wing, alongside Scott’s WWII medals (including the 1939-45 War Medal, Defence Medal, 1939-45 Star, and African Star), Soldier’s Service Book, discharge papers, photographs, and ephemera, achieved an incredible £2,100.

These prices far surpassed the family's initial assumptions, demonstrating the immense demand for historically significant militaria and the benefits of selling through a dedicated auction house rather than an online marketplace.

 

Exceptional Marketing & National Press Coverage

We understand that the right exposure is crucial in achieving the best possible results at auction. To support the sale, our dedicated marketing team ensured Leslie Scott’s items reached a wide audience of collectors, historians, and militaria enthusiasts. Through a targeted strategy combining online promotion, direct outreach to specialist buyers, and press engagement, we generated significant interest in these rare artefacts.

The sale attracted nationwide media coverage, with the sale featured in major publications, including:

  • BBC News
  • The Yorkshire Post
  • The Mirror
  • The Scarborough News
  • The York Press
  • The Daily Mail
  • The Daily Star
  • The Daily Express
  • The Scunthorpe Telegraph
  • The Hull Daily Mail

This extensive coverage not only highlighted the incredible history behind the items but also ensured they were seen by a wide audience of potential bidders, contributing to the strong auction results.

 

The Importance of Expert Valuation & Auction Exposure

The success of this sale underscores the vital role that specialist valuation and auction expertise play in achieving the best results. Without proper research and exposure, these rare and historically significant items could have been significantly undervalued or lost among countless online listings. By choosing to sell with us, Leslie Scott’s family not only maximised their financial return but also ensured that his legacy was honoured and appreciated by passionate collectors.

Sell Your Militaria with Dugglebys

This sale serves as a testament to the importance of professional valuation in uncovering hidden treasures and preserving history. If you have military medals, wartime memorabilia, or historic artefacts, our expert team is here to help you achieve the best possible results at auction, offering a platform where their true worth can be realised and celebrated.

With a worldwide audience of collectors and a reputation for exceptional results, Dugglebys is the premier choice for selling militaria. Contact us today for a free valuation and let us help you uncover the stories behind your treasures and connect them with collectors who will cherish them for years to come.

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