Victoria Cross package sold at auction

A telephone bidder has purchased the first Victoria Cross awarded to a British Army soldier, in news that may interest any one after antique silver. It has a value estimated at between £100,000 and £120,000 and was originally given to Major John Simpson Knox for his role in theCrimean war between 1854 and 1855.

Mr Knox enlisted in the army at the age of 14 and joined theScots Fusilier Guards. The cross is the highest military award for valour available in the British armed forces. It was sold as the main item in a lot that went for £252,000 at the auction in London.

A cannonball which injured the soldier was also included as part of the sale.

Oliver Pepys, a specialist from the Spinks auctioneers' medal department, is quoted by the Guardian as saying: "This medal is obviously historically important, being the first army VictoriaCross awarded."It caught the public's imagination and they bid accordingly. Elsewhere, anyone interested in antique ceramics could head to the Sampson and Horne Collection sale at Bonhams next week, where a series of porcelain Staffordshire figures are going under the hammer.