The Falklands War medals of Corporal Michael Eccles sold for £82,000 at Plymouth Auction Rooms.
A classic example came from a group of four medals and miniatures consigned by the Eccles family to Plymouth Auction Rooms (24% buyer’s premium) on October 11.
The Battle of Mount Harriet on June 12, 1982, was an intense night attack spearheaded by ‘K’ Company, 42 Commando, Royal Marines. Corporal Michael Eccles led his men under fierce machine gun and rocket fire to the Argentine position, overrunning them and securing the critical high ground over Port Stanley.
He was awarded the Military Medal – one of only 10 issued during the conflict and one of four issued to 42 Commando. He later served in Northern Ireland, northern Iraq and southern Turkey.
The Falklands War medals of Corporal Michael Eccles sold for £82,000 at Plymouth Auction Rooms.
Bought by UK collector
The estimate was £30,000-40,000. Paul Keen from the auction house said: “Bidding opened at £20,000, with a commission bid taking the lot to £25,000 then a battle between two phone bidders. Bidding jumped straight from £25,000 to 30,000 and then with £1000 increments but the occasional jump forward on bids by the underbidder keen to bid.”
The lot was finally won by a UK collector at £82,000.
Two Falklands War Distinguished Conduct Medal groups offered in 2020 by Dix Noonan Webb sold for £150,000 and £130,000. Eight DCMs were awarded during the conflict.
