Reeman Dansie auctioneer finds treasure trove of swords and militaria worth over £150k at former Ipswich soldier’s home

Reeman Dansie managing director James Grinter pictured with some of the swords. Picture: GREGG BROWN

An auctioneer’s clearance of a home in Ipswich turned into the discovery of a lifetime when he came across a collection of swords, medals and militaria worth more than £150,000.

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Some rare swords which were found in Ipswich will go under the hammer at Reeman Dansie auction house in Colchester. Pictured is managing director James Grinter. Picture: GREGG BROWN Some rare swords which were found in Ipswich will go under the hammer at Reeman Dansie auction house in Colchester. Pictured is managing director James Grinter. Picture: GREGG BROWN

An auctioneer’s clearance of a home in Ipswich turned into the discovery of a lifetime when he came across a collection of swords, medals and militaria worth more than £150,000.

James Grinter, managing director of Colchester auction house Reeman Dansie, was amazed to find the treasure trove of rare and valuable items at an address in the Heath Road area.

As Mr Grinter explored the property further, more items emerged – many on display, but some hidden from sight.

The collection was amassed by Philip Southgate, a former soldier who began collecting militaria in the late 1940s and carried on throughout his lifetime, until his death earlier this year.

An inscription on one of the swords. Picture: GREGG BROWN An inscription on one of the swords. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Among the treasures unearthed were two Georgian Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund Swords of 100 Guinea and 50 Guinea values.

The rare swords are considered to be some of the finest quality, most desirable swords ever produced, and are estimated to be worth between £30,000 to £50,000 each.

Mr Grinter said: “I was amazed, on entering a bedroom in Mr Southgate’s house, the walls were covered with swords, helmets and militaria.

“Seeing what was on show, it was clear he had a very discerning eye. We had to search very carefully though, as he hid the more valuable items around the house – in the loft, under sofas.

“It was like a treasure hunt, but with real treasure.”

The collection will be sold by Reeman Dansie on May 18 and is expected to fetch in excess of £150,000.

The Lloyds Patriotic Fund was a charity founded in 1803 to assist the many casualties of the Napoleonic War, as well as awarding prizes of swords, plate or money for acts of heroism.

The 100 Guinea Sword was awarded in 1805 to Captain Henry Lambert R.N. of HMS San Fiorenzo, for the capture of the French Frigate Psyché after a three-and-a-half hour sea battle.

Mr Grinter explained Captain Lambert was a naval officer whose exploits in battle read like a Horatio Hornblower novel, and who died from wounds in a bitter sea battle against the American Frigate, The USS Constitution, on December 29, 1812.

The 50 Guinea Sword was awarded in 1804 to Lieutenant James Boxer of HMS Antelope for leading the capture of the Dutch Ship Schrik and 94 Dutch sailors on the night of March 23, 1804.