Boer War medals sold for £6,000 to soldier’s descendants after century apart

A set of medals awarded to a soldier who fought in the Second Boer War has been returned to his family after more than a hundred years. The group, which includes the Queen’s South Africa Medal and the Edward VII Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, sold for £6,000 at an auction held by Kinghams Auctioneers.

Private J.R. Venning served with the City Imperial Volunteers, a unit formed in response to the war in South Africa. The medals were expected to fetch between £100 and £200 but attracted strong interest, achieving a final price over fifty times the lower estimate.

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Medals carry campaign clasps and maker’s mark

The Queen’s South Africa Medal awarded to Venning bears four campaign clasps: Diamond Hill, Johannesburg, Orange Free State, and Cape Colony. A corresponding miniature dress medal, manufactured by Spink & Son, was also part of the group. The Edward VII Territorial Force Efficiency Medal recognises his later service as a serjeant.

Tarragon Kelham, head of interiors at Kinghams, said the sale demonstrated the emotional value of military memorabilia. He told the Times Series: "This was one of those wonderful moments where history, provenance and family came together."

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“Returning a family's military heritage after more than a century makes this result particularly special and demonstrates the enduring appeal of historically important medal groups with outstanding provenance.”

Tarragon Kelham, head of interiors at Kinghams Auctioneers

City Imperial Volunteers earned reputation for discipline

The City Imperial Volunteers were an elite force of around 1,800 men drawn from London and existing volunteer battalions. Formed in 1899, the unit quickly gained a reputation for discipline and effectiveness during the conflict. Venning’s medals reflect his service with this respected regiment.

The auction result highlights the strong market for military memorabilia with clear provenance. While the medals hold historical significance, their return to Venning’s descendants adds a personal dimension to the sale.