Rare old battle as war items sold at auction

AN array of wartime items built up over a lifetime by a North East collector was sold for £110,000 at an auction that attracted more than 300 online bidders.

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Around half of the collection of the late Denis Thornton, who lived in Boldon in South Tyneside, went abroad.

The 268-lot collection at Boldon Auction Galleries was described by auctioneer Giles Hodges as being of international importance.

He said: “There has always been a fascination for militaria and interest in this collection has been intense.”

A framed display of 34 German cloth and metal badges, estimated at £70-£100, sold for £9,000.