A COLLECTION of historic medals and militaria could fetch tens of thousands of pounds at auction next month.

The death plaque of a soldier killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme is among the assets going up for sale in the two-day auction by Dorset-based Charterhouse on December 1 and 2.

Charterhouse founder Richard Bromell said: “I have known the Devon collector for over 20 years as he regularly bought from our auctions.

“He is looking to retire in the next couple of years and has decided now is the right time for him to dispose of his entire collection and contacted us in Sherborne to arrange this auction.”

Bournemouth Echo: Group of Distinguished Conduct medalsGroup of Distinguished Conduct medals (Image: Charterhouse)

Items in the collection include 200 years of military history. There are helmets, swords, badges bayonets, and trench art.

Additionally, there are a group of First World War bronze death plaques including one given to the family of Frederick Stayton Moses who was killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on July 1, 1916.

Also in the collection is a Waterloo medal estimated to sell for between £1,500 and 2,000 and a Distinguished Conduct Medal group at £1,000 to 1,500.

Overall, the collection is estimated to sell for £20,000 to 30,000.

Visit charterhouse-auction.com for more information.