They were unearthed in Derbyshire and are now heading into the Hansons auction in Etwall on December 19 along with a collection of items that once belonged to one of Britain’s most famous military figures.
They include a book, Napier's English Battles and Sieges in the Peninsula, which was awarded to Thomas Edward Lawrence by the City of Oxford High School in 1903 and has a Midsummer Examination prize label.
The full array of items including Lawrence of Arabia's sandals from a collection on sale at Hansons on December 19 (photo by Chloe Humenko/Hansons).
Also among the treasures is a copy of Lawrence’s book Seven Pillars of Wisdom. It is dedicated To Rodney Havelock Walker on your Christening Day, 10th November 1935. From Father & Mother, as a memento that you were christened in the author's Christening robe. Pictures of the baby wearing the robe are included in the lot together with a photo taken in Libya by Lawrence.
The Lawrence of Arabia collection has an estimate of £2000-3000.
Family friends
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said the items come with “great provenance”.
“The entire collection once belonged to the Rodney Havelock Walker who wore Lawrence of Arabia’s christening gown,” he said. “The families were great friends and Rodney Havelock Walker bequeathed the items to our vendor’s family.
“We understand the sandals were worn by the great man himself. Though in a delicate condition, they are remarkable survivors from almost a century ago. They must have faced rocky and sandy terrain and may be war-weary.”
