28th Nov, 2024 11:00

Fine Jewellery, Watches & Designer

 
  Lot 7
 


Lot 7 - A WWII 'Caterpillar Club' pin.
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7

A WWII 'Caterpillar Club' pin.

Of typical design, awarded to Warrant Officer Morris David Smith, inscribed W/O. M. D. Smith to reverse, length 2cm, gross weight 0.9g. With original presentation box, certificate of membership, and letter dated 24th September 1945 from Leslie L. Irvin, Honorary Secretary of the European Branch, Irving Air Chute.

The Caterpillar Club pin was an unofficial award, founded in 1922, and was presented to Royal Air Force personnel who had 'bailed out' successfully wearing an Irvin parachute made by the Irvin Air Chute Company, the recipient's name was engraved on the reverse.

Morris David Smith was a Warrant Officer, serving in the RNZAF and later 43 Squadron RAF from 1941 onwards. On November 13th 1943, his aircraft, a Spitfire V no. B721 was shot down by an 88mm Flak during a sweep over Frosinone, Italy. He was forced to bail out of the aircraft, sustaining burns to his face and hands from the fall. He was treated for his burns in Italy, and was subsequently captured, ending up in the Stalag Luft IV prisoner-of-war camp. He was part of the forced 86 day 'Death March' from 6th February 1945, marching 600 miles to Fallingbostel (Stalag Luft XIB). Morris David Smith is mentioned in Spitfires Over Sicily by Brian Cull (p 110) and Night Hawk by Roger Darlington (p 91, 98-99).

This is a 'live online' auction - you can bid from the comfort of your own home using our free live bidding service.  Condition reports and additional condition report images can be requested and seen in the 'Condition Report' tab below if present.

Sold for £2,200


 

Auction: Fine Jewellery, Watches & Designer, 28th Nov, 2024

Our Christmas Fine Jewellery, Watches & Designer Auction features a fantastic selection of lots to cater to all tastes! Our cover lot is from our selection of watches - a 1970 Heuer Carrera complete with original box and in impeccable condition. Other remarkable watches include a 1940s pilot's watch by Longines, a selection of Rolexes from the 1930s to the present day, and other makers featured include Cartier, Omega, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Breitling. Also featured is a wonderful selection of watch accessories and boxes related to Patek Philippe, Rolex and Audemars Piguet.

Our jewellery offering includes a wide selection of items, from market-fresh antique jewels, signed retro pieces, gem-set jewellery as well as designer items. Featured makers include Child & Child, Tiffany & Co., Theo Fennell, Boodles, Mappin & Webb, Georg Jensen, Lapponia, and many more!

With a designer section this sale including the likes of Hermès, Chanel, Gucci, Burberry, Mulberry and Prada - this is the perfect opportunity for any outstanding Christmas shopping! 

 

For further information on any of the lots featured, or to enquire about consigning your items into future sales, contact our specialist Liz Bailey MA FGA DGA CPAA via liz.bailey@wilson55.com. 

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Monday 25th 10-4pm

Tuesday 26th 10-4pm

Wednesday 27th 10-4pm

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