Published: 01/12/2017
An antique valuation day often produces many interesting finds and a recently held event by our Banbury based auctioneers Holloway's, at Millets Farm and Garden Centre in Abingdon proved to be no exception.The valuation team of Jenny Knott and James Lees had a busy day with all manner of items being brought along for valuation.
As the day drew towards a close, a gentleman produced an old medal out of his pocket.
James, a highly experienced valuer, raised an eyebrow.
' This is a Dickin medal ' he exclaimed.
One of only very few that were ever presented to birds during WW2, the recipient was Princess, a carrier pigeon.
Further investigation revealed that Princess bravely flew across the Mediterranean Sea from Crete to Alexandria giving details of German atrocities.
The medal, effectively the VC for animals, is very rare - a collectors dream - and will be going under the hammer at Holloway's sale on Tuesday 12th December.