Most people awarded the V.C wouldn't be in a position to take the money being killed in the process of earning it. As the price for a run of the mill V.C , if such a thing can be, is upward of £100000 you better have deep pockets. It would be more interesting to see what straights the dependants of those awarded the medal were reduced to following the loss of the bread winner of the family and if you follow the circumstances of several other rank winners following the war this country in now commemorating with such vigour when they couldn't find work, any work, and were forced to sell their award for a pittance it makes sad reading.
Are there any collectors of old military items on here?
- Thread starter terrypin
- Start date
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The story of Stanley Baker (Actor) is an example of how a medal is sold for a pittance.
Stanley Baker played the part of Lieutenant Chard in "Zulu", after the film was finished the Studio gave him a gift which included the Uniform he wore in the film and a VC Medal, he assumed they were studio props,
The Film Industry collapsed and Stanley became almost Bankrupt, in ill Health he took the Medal to a Well known Auction House who confirmed it was a prop worth about £300,
It was purchased by a Certain well known collector of VC medals ( A Lord, he has the largest collection of VC medals) for a pittance.
It was then divulged that this VC was the genuine article worth a six figure sum.
Stanley went to Court saying that the Auction House had rigged the price for the benefit of this collector, unfortunately he lost the case, the Judge at the Time said everyone had assumed that it was a prop and it was bought in good faith.
This very wealthy Lord has loaned this VC along with several others to the War Museum and they are currently on display.
Stanley Baker played the part of Lieutenant Chard in "Zulu", after the film was finished the Studio gave him a gift which included the Uniform he wore in the film and a VC Medal, he assumed they were studio props,
The Film Industry collapsed and Stanley became almost Bankrupt, in ill Health he took the Medal to a Well known Auction House who confirmed it was a prop worth about £300,
It was purchased by a Certain well known collector of VC medals ( A Lord, he has the largest collection of VC medals) for a pittance.
It was then divulged that this VC was the genuine article worth a six figure sum.
Stanley went to Court saying that the Auction House had rigged the price for the benefit of this collector, unfortunately he lost the case, the Judge at the Time said everyone had assumed that it was a prop and it was bought in good faith.
This very wealthy Lord has loaned this VC along with several others to the War Museum and they are currently on display.
E
EddieM
Whilst an unsavoury story, to my mind the medal wasnt his to start with. To my mind you cannot buy bravery.
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I agree, however his family decided that no one should profit by Chard`s Military memorabila, it was all donated to military organisations and his local town in Cornwall,
The medal was given to Stanley Baker in recognition of his portrayl of Chard in the Film "Zulu"
After the Court Case the Auctioneer was dismissed.
The medal was given to Stanley Baker in recognition of his portrayl of Chard in the Film "Zulu"
After the Court Case the Auctioneer was dismissed.
Glad to hear it.
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