DNW Auctions
Dix Noonan Webb St Piccadilly, Bolton, London 16
+44 0-20-7016-1700
About Auction House
Established in 1990, Dix Noonan Webb Ltd are the UK’s leading specialist auctioneers and valuers of coins, tokens, medals, militaria and paper money of all types staging regular auctions throughout the year. We expanded into the specialist fields of jewellery, watches and objects of vertu with the opening of the Jewellery department in November 2015 and are now one of the top Jewellery Auctioneers in Mayfair.Auction Previews & News
20 Results
Auction PreviewHonors and Awards Bestowed Upon Archer Martin Highlight Coins and Historical Medals Sale by Noonans
British biochemist Archer John Porter Martin, CBE FRS was an outstanding figure in the world of science. He shared the 1952 Nobel Laureate Prize in Chemistry for the invention of partition chromatography, along with biochemist Richard Synge. A collection of awards and honors bestowed upon Archer Martin, including the gold coin for the prestigious award, is a key highlight of the upcoming sale by Noonans. The Nobel Prize coin portrays a bust of Alfred Nobel on one side. On the obverse, it has two robed female figures, representing Science and Nature. The collection also includes a 1951 gold medal by P. H. Lundgren after C.G. Qvarnström (1849). It depicts the bust of Jacob Berzelius on one side. On the reverse is the illustration of Genius standing, filling a cup held by Isis, who is seated. A Kings of East Anglia, Æthelstan (825-40) penny is another significant lot that leads the sale. According to R Naismith’s corpus records, there are only two examples of Æthelstan portrait pennies, which were struck by Eadnoth from two obverse and two reverse dies. This coin, possibly the fourth known specimen, was struck from the same dies. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Noonans.
Auction PreviewDNW Auctions Brings Exceptionally Rare Parys Mine Co. Token in the Upcoming Sale
The Parys Mining Company (PMCo) produced copper pennies by sourcing metal from Parys Mountain, Wales. Considered to be the premier tokens of the 18th century, the tokens have a company design logo on their back. An example of a PMCo coin will lead the upcoming British Tokens, Tickets, and Passes sale, presented by DNW Auctions. Alongside a portrait is the name of PMCo with the words, “We promise to pay the bearer one penny.” The token was issued by the company in 1788. Coin collectors can also find a seven-tray carry case filled with a rare, comprehensive group of miscellaneous tokens and checks. The black and red case comes with locks and a key. The tokens and checks come in different shapes including circular, square, rectangular, star, triangular, and octagonal. Also highlighted in this auction are 17th-century coins inscribed “Joseph Knibb: Clockmaker in Oxon.” On the obverse is a Roman numeral chapter ring engraved with the initials I and K on either side of a single hand to the center. For more information about these or any other lots, visit DNW Auctions and register to bid.
Auction PreviewNoonans Presents Rare Medals and Honorary Orders at Upcoming Event
A selection of rare Orders, Decorations, Medals, and Militaria will be offered up for sale in the upcoming Noonans auction. One of the most impressive pieces of the catalog is a set of seven Knight Bachelor’s medals and badges belonging to Commander Sir Geoffrey E. Duveen of the Royal Marines. In 1926, King George V created the badge for a British Knight Bachelor. Knights Bachelor rank below knights of chivalric orders and are the oldest type of British knights. Another noteworthy lot in the auction is a collection of six O.B.E. medals awarded to Major C. L. Chapman of the Royal Marine Brigade for his service in the defense of Antwerp and Gallipoli. Founded by King George V on June 1, 1917, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) is an order of chivalry awarded by the British monarchy. Also included in the upcoming auction are British World War I campaign medals, including the 1914 Star, presented to Captain F. N. Fargus of the Royal Naval Division and Royal Navy. Browse the full catalog or submit a bid by visiting Noonans.
Auction PreviewWar Dog Rob Headlines Upcoming Noonans Auction
Noonans will be offering two medals that were awarded to 2nd S.A.S. ‘s (Special Air Service) War Dog Rob for his service. The collie-retriever joined the British Royal Army as a War Dog on May 19, 1942 until being demobilized on November 27, 1945. In September 1943, Rob became the first dog to be assigned to the S.A.S. Official War Office records indicate that during his time with the regiment, War Dog Rob completed over 20 parachute descents, three of them being operational. Rob was the first dog awarded the animal V.C. (Victoria Cross) – the highest and most prestigious award of the British Armed Forces – by Major the Hon. W. P. Sidney V.C. M.P., the Anzio beachhead hero, at a ceremony at the Prisoner of War Funds Exhibition in London on February 8, 1945. Also included in the upcoming auction are medals representing the British Armed Forces and a Second World War Luftwaffe Pilot Observer’s Badge with diamonds and citation to Oberst Hermann Graf. View these items and more by visiting Noonans.
Auction PreviewFrom Henry V to Queen Elizabeth II English Coins Come to Noonans’ Auction
As the world focuses on England after Queen Elizabeth II, Noonans will present English groats in the upcoming Francis Bartlett Collection Of English Groats auction. This coinage sale starts with a Henry V, class A groat. Henry V, also called Henry of Monmouth, reigned over England and Ireland, eventually winning the Hundred Years’ War against France. He was recognized as the heir and regent of France in 1419. Although his reign was short, Henry's outstanding military successes made England one of the strongest military powers in Europe. This relic Henry V coin features a cross pattée with a sunken center containing a pellet and emaciated bust. The inscription reads, “henric di gra rex anglie z franc,” meaning "Henry VIII, by the Grace of God King of England and France." It also features large flowers on the bust and a portrait. Another notable coin in the auction is a posthumous groat of Henry VIII, a descendent of Henry V. It bears a crowned, bearded bust of Henry VIII and the Durham House logo. It features lozenge stops, saltire stops, and crescents in the fork end. A well-preserved but rare Elizabeth I groat or medalet from 1601 is available in the sale. It is a silver coin with Queen Elizabeth I’s crowned bust wearing a high ruff. On the reverse, it bears a crowned monogram with the divided date. The inscription translates to “a female who conserves or keeps safe.” This auction features the collection of Francis Bartlett, who started collecting coins in his childhood. By the 1990s, he had amassed coins ranging from the Roman Empire to the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Find the listed items and more on Noonans and register to place a bid.
Auction PreviewOld Brilliant Cut Diamond Worn by Lady Ezra Leads Noonan’s Upcoming Jewelry and Objects of Vertu Auction
An early-20th-century diamond ring worn by Lady Ezra, also known as Rachel Sassoon Ezra, is coming to Noonans’ Jewellery And Objects Of Vertu auction. The cushion-cut central diamond weighs 3.32 carats and is set within a bow with foliate detailing to the sides. The foliate has single and smaller old brilliant-cut diamonds mounted in platinum. This generational piece is coming to auction for the first time. It was passed down to Lady Ezra from her mother, Flora (Farha) Abraham Sassoon (neé Gubbay). She was the great-granddaughter of David Sassoon, one leader of the Jewish community in Mumbai. The Sassoon family moved from Bagdad to Bombay during the early 18th century, becoming some of the first Baghdadi Jews to settle in India. Flora Sassoon had therefore received the best education of the time and was fluent in six languages. After her husband’s demise, she took over the family business, becoming a successful Jewish Indian businesswoman, scholar, Hebraist, and philanthropist. A late medieval gold posy ring (circa 1400 - 1500) is another notable lot in the auction. It has a broad flattened cross-section, engraved with black letter inscriptions on both the inner and outer surfaces. The external inscription reads ‘mieu en vou,’ meaning ‘best in you.’ The inscription is decorated with flowers and foliage. The internal inscription read ‘a bon am,’ translating as ‘for good love.’ The words are spaced by stylized foliate sprays, with traces of white enamel. Other notable lots are gold presentation cufflinks from the Prince of Wales and the famous Tiffany & Co. scarf necklace by Elsa Peretti. Find the listed items and more on Noonans, and register to place a bid.
Auction PreviewPMG-Certified Iraqi Banknotes Available at the Upcoming Noonans World Banknotes Auction
In 1916, the British expeditionary force introduced Proclamation No.1, disregarding the Ottoman currency circulation. The Indian rupee became the universal Iraqi currency. However, the Government of Iraq wanted its own national currency. The issuance of Iraqi banknotes began on March 16, 1932 with continuous efforts from the Iraqi government. The denominations ranged from ¼ dinar to 100 dinars. The upcoming Banknotes auction from Noonans presents multiple PMG-certified Iraqi banknotes. One highlight is a 1942 100 dinars banknote from the Government of Iraq. The Bradbury Wilkinson and Company-printed banknote features King Faisal II’s portrait. It also carries the signatures of Lord Kennet and Ata Amin. Another key lot is a 100 livres specimen from Banque de Syrie et du Liban, Lebanon. The colorful currency with arabesque patterns is sought-after among collectors. The serial number 0.000-000 note depicts mountain ranges in Bsharri and cedar trees on its reverse. The auction also showcases a two-shilling and six-pence note from England’s Treasury series. These were named Bradbury pounds after John Bradbury, the secretary to the Treasury. The Bradbury notes came into circulation at the start of World War I. These notes were meant to prevent a shortage of gold coins. The available banknote features a side profile crowned portrait of King George V. The reverse side portrays the Houses of Parliament symbol. Also offered is a £1,000 exchequer bill issued on April 19, 1811, world banknotes, and British and Provincial banknotes. Interested collectors can explore the entire catalog and register to bid online on Noonans.
![Vatican City, Second Vatican Council, [1962-5], Gold Medals](https://auctiondaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Vatican-City-Second-Vatican-Council-1962-5-Gold-Medals-150x82.webp)
Auction PreviewCoveted Historical Medals and Rare Gothic Crowns Highlight Noonans’ Upcoming Sale
Renato Signorini was an Italian medalist, sculptor and painter known for crafting busts of popes and other significant dignitaries. In 1958, he carved a portrait of Pope John XXIII during his coronation. The portrait was later manifested in bas-relief on Vatican medals. One of these medals is a key highlight of the upcoming sale at Noonans. Included in a set of four gold medals by Signorini. This set venerates the Pope for convoking the Second Vatican Council. In the other three medals, the artist portrays Jesus Christ on the Cross, St George taming a dragon, and Christ handing a set of keys to St Peter. A 1965 gold medal by M. Rizzello commemorating the 900th Anniversary of Westminster Abbey also leads the listings. It portrays a view of the Abbey with the reverse side depicting the head of Edward, the Confessor in the center surrounded by nine other historical figures. Another noteworthy lot is a rare Gothic Crown issued in 1847. It belongs to a limited edition of 8,000 pieces. Depicting Queen Victoria (1837 - 1901), the design is particularly prized by numismatists for its iconic value. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Noonans.
Auction PreviewRare Medals and Honorary Orders Lined Up in Noonans’ Upcoming Sale
The upcoming Noonans auction is dedicated to the sale of rare Orders, Decorations, Medals, and Militaria. Leading the catalog is a set of honorary medals and badges, including The Most Honourable Order of the Bath made for K.C.B. (Military) Knight Commander. The contemporary Paris-made breast star from circa 1815 was awarded to Colonel Cameron, appointed as one of the first KCBs. The Order of the Bath was a British order of chivalry founded by George I on May 18, 1725. Since 1815, KCB knighthood was recognized as the second level of the Order of the Bath. A group of six unique medals belonging to Sergeant D. C. Ellis for his service during the Second World War is also available. The set includes a military medal, a 1939 to ‘45 Star, an Africa Star, a Burma Star, and Defense and War Medals from 1939 to ‘45. A fine Regency period breast star of the Order of the Garter designed by London-based jewelry firm Rundell Bridge & Rundell is also part of the sale. To view the full catalog or to place a bid, visit Noonans.
Auction PreviewRare Coins and Historical Medals at Noonan’s Upcoming Event
The 1970 Football Association Challenge Cup Finals was ranked as one of the greatest FA cup finals and often called the most brutal game in the history of English football. The match between popular football teams Chelsea and Leeds concluded with a score of two to two— making it the first FA Cup Final since 1912 that required a replay. A unique 1970 FA Cup Final Winners’ gold medal was awarded to player Alan Hudson for making 145 first-team appearances for Chelsea FC between 1969 and 1974. This medal is available for sale in Noonans’ upcoming auction of coins and historical medals. Over 700 coins and historical medals from a private collection comprise the catalog. An 1887 specimen set of gold and silver coins is one of the highlights. The set includes five and two pounds, sovereign and half-sovereign, a crown, and threepence. A very rare coin from the North East Thames, belonging to the British Iron Age, is also available. Visit Noonans to view the full catalog or place a bid.
Auction PreviewNotable Currency Collectibles Available at Noonans, Including Rare Russo-Chinese Bank Note From 1903
The Russo-Chinese Bank was founded in 1896 to oversee the loans intended to back China’s indemnity to Japan following the First Sino-Japanese War. The bank would eventually become the second largest in China with headquarters in St. Petersburg and branches in China, East Asia, Calcutta, San Francisco, Paris and London. The bank also issued legal tender at the time, including a $5 note such as the example issued in September, 1903, on offer in the Banknotes auction from Noonans. Very few examples of this note are known to exist, and Noonans has been unable to find records of its sale in decades. Other rare items in the auction include a National Bank Limited £3 note, a Banque de l’Indochine 100 Piastres note, a United Arab Emirates Currency Board 1000 Dirhams note from 1973, and more. With over 1,204 lots in the auction, there are many nations and periods represented, such as a Bank of Ireland color trial from 1978, a Government of Ceylon 100 Rupees note from 1945, and an Imperial Bank of Persia 1 Toman note from 1930. View any of these lots and register to bid on Noonans.
Auction IndustryImportant group of medals awarded to Captain Peter Townsend to be sold at Dix Noonan Webb
The group of eleven includes a C.V.O., D.S.O., D.F.C. and Second Award Bar and will be sold with the recipient’s original Flying Log Books, bound in one volume - with later annotation in his own hand - covering the entirety of his operational career. LONDON.- The Important Battle of Britain fighter ace’s group of eleven awarded to Group Captain Peter Townsend (1914-1995) of the Royal Air Force, who was also known for his famously controversial romance with the Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret will be offered by Dix Noonan Webb in their live/ online auction of Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 on their website www.dnw.co.uk. It is expected to fetch £160,000 - 200,000. Peter Wooldridge Townsend was born in Rangoon, Burma on November 22, 1914 and was brought home to be raised in Devon. In February 1940, he became the first pilot to bring down an enemy aircraft on English soil, later commanding No. 85 Squadron from May 1940 until June 1941, a period that witnessed him completing over 300 operational sorties, twice taking to his parachute - once when wounded - and raising his score to at least eleven enemy aircraft destroyed. He was subsequently awarded a richly deserved D.S.O, and in June 1942 he assumed command of No. 605 Squadron, recently back from the Far East, and later R.A.F. West Malling and the Free French Training Wing. He was then appointed Equerry to H.M. King George VI in 1944, and Comptroller to the Queen Mother’s Household in 1953, his ultimately forlorn romance with the Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret, brought him further celebrity status to add to his spectacular wartime achievements. Turning his attention to writing, in later years he authored the classic Battle of Britain memoir ‘Duel of Eagles’ whilst his well regarded 1978 autobiography ‘Time and Chance’ tells the story of his eventful personal life. The group of eleven includes a C.V.O., D.S.O., D.F.C. and Second Award Bar and will be sold with the recipient’s original Flying Log Books, bound in one volume - with later annotation in his own hand - covering the entirety of…
Auction PreviewDNW Auctions Brings Mercian King’s Coinage
During the reign of King Offa in the 7th century, Mercia’s coinage went through multiple changes. In one of the major changes, the coins bore the image of his queen, Cynethryth. She became the only Anglo-Saxon queen to appear on a coin during the Middle Ages. An example of this particular coin will lead the upcoming Coins, Tokens, Historical Medals, and Antiquities sale, presented by DNW Auctions. Alongside the portrait of Cynethryth is the name of the moneyer who issued the coins. The inscription reads CENEÐRYÐ REGINA (Queen Cynethryth) on the reverse. Coin collectors can also find a pale gold Thrymsa that dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period. Around 600 CE, the Anglo-Saxons began making their first gold Thrymsa coins. The design of these early coins closely imitated gold Merovingian tremisses, the currency of late ancient Rome. This piece is one of only nine known examples of Thrymsa coins. Also highlighted in this auction are Roman gold coins featuring Carausius, Nero, and Agrippina II. For more information about these or any other lots, visit DNW Auctions and register to bid.
Auction Preview17th-Century Cromwell Broad Gold Coin Headlines Dix Noonan Webb’s May Auction
An Oliver Cromwell Broad gold coin is the leading lot of Dix Noonan Webb’s upcoming auction. Born in 1599, Oliver Cromwell rose to prominence at the beginning of the English Civil War. After Cromwell and his allies proved victorious in the Civil War, they executed King Charles I to establish the Commonwealth of England. Cromwell earned the title of Lord Protector in 1653. Soon after, he introduced the new coinage. The Cromwell Broad gold 20 shillings was struck between 1656 and 1658; production soon halted due to Cromwell’s sudden death. The 1656 is an early example of the first milled coins in England. The available coin features Cromwell’s portrait with a laureate wreath on one side. The other side bears his personal motto ‘PAX QVÆRITVR BELLO,’ meaning ‘peace is sought by war.’ The sale also offers coins dating from the time of Alfred the Great and Harold II. A silver penny of Harold II is one of the highlights. Harold Godwinson, popularly called Harold II, was the last crowned Anglo-Saxon king of England. He only ruled for nine months before William the Conqueror invaded England in 1066, defeating Harold at the Battle of Hastings. Coins minted during Harold’s reign featured a bust facing left on one side and ‘Peace’ written on the other side. Those interested in this or any other lot can register to bid by visiting Dix Noonan Webb.
Auction ResultMedals awarded to doctor in West Africa and China highlight medal sale at Dix Noonan Webb
This highly-prized group of four was awarded to Dr. Wordsworth Poole. LONDON.- An important and unique group of medals relating to West Africa and the Defence of Legations in China during the Boxer Rebellion sold for £39,680 at Dix Noonan Webb in auction of Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. Estimated at £20,000-26,000, this highly-prized group of four was awarded to Dr. Wordsworth Poole, who was the Principal Medical Officer in Central Africa between 1895-97; West Africa during 1897-99 and was also Mentioned in Despatches for his services as Physician to the British Legation during the Siege at Peking. He was the only Doctor attending the wounded and kept diaries of his time in Africa and China. A copy of 'Doctor on Lake Nyasa. Being the Journal and Letters of Dr. Wordsworth Poole (1895-1897)' published circa 1960 was also included in the lot, which was bought by a collector of medical related awards [lot 4]. As Christopher Mellor-Hill, Head of Client Liaison (Associate Director) of Dix, Noonan, Webb, explains: “This is a extremely rare group to a Doctor who was responsible for the health and wellbeing of all the British serviceman serving in Africa and China. This fascinating group of medals reflect the other side of these famous events that were happening around the world at the time.” Also of note in the sale was the Impressive ‘Malaya, Borneo and South Vietnam Jungle Fighter’ D.C.M. group of eight awarded to Warrant Officer First Class J. G. Sandford, 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, for great gallantry, forceful leadership and aggressive demeanour as a Platoon Commander during multiple close-quarter jungle fights. This was one of the four D.C.M.s awarded to New Zealanders during the Vietnam War, and Sandford was probably the most decorated New Zealand combatant senior Non Commissioned Officer of his generation. After a fierce battle in the saleroom between a New Zealand collector and a collector of SAS medal and awards, it sold for £27,280 against an estimate of £12,000-15,000 to the SAS collector [lot 25]. Mr. Mellor-Hill noted: “This very rare gallantry award, second to the…
