Australia’s Largest Historic Collection of Militaria Uncovered
Some of the
rarest items ever to be offered to the public have been discovered in Australia
in shipping containers and storage sheds containing a lifetime collection of militaria
from all around the world.
Over 10,000 items across many
acres constituted a lifelong military collector’s passion. “We were in complete
disbelief when we arrived to inspect the collection,” said Mr. Lee Hames, Chief
Operations Officer for Lloyds Auctioneers and Valuers in Australia.
“These are some of the
rarest militaria collectables from WWI and WWII that we have ever seen, there
is everything from military tanks to firearms, swords, military uniforms,
helmets, boots and heavy artillery,” said Mr. Hames.
“As we were uncovering the
special collection of militaria, we came across some very rare pieces many of
which are “one off” and may be worth significant amounts of money,” continued
Mr. Hames.
The “Rod Bellars Collection”
was built by Rod over 60 years, accumulating items from all around the world. Sadly,
his recent passing has meant these amazing icons of history have to find new
custodians.
“We really hope that museums
and libraries and passionate collectors from across the world are successful in
securing some of these important pieces of history, so they can be preserved
and displayed and educate people for many years into the future,” continued Mr.
Hames.
Items featured across the
collection will be sold through 14 separate online auctions which are live now
and include tanks, artillery, swords, firearms, helmets, radios, boots,
parachutes, military uniforms and much more.
If you would like to take a
journey back in time and own some significant pieces of military history then
head to www.lloydsauctions.com.au where bidding is open online now.
If you would like to see
some footage on the collection, then please click here.
