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Winston Churchill’s false teeth, the microphone he used on VE Day to announce the end of World War Two and a treasured RAF Battle of Britain Book of Heroes will ensure February’s sale is among The Cotswold Auction Company’s finest hours.
The Book of Heroes is extremely rare and contains the signatures of 107 RAF officers – many of whom flew in the Battle of Britain and did not survive the war – collected in 1941.
The book’s leather cover was cut from a mess chair by legendary WW2 pilot Douglas Bader, whose signature and photo feature in the book.
Winston Churchill, in conversation with Bader, called the book ‘not a book of names, but a book of heroes. God forbid it should ever be lost’.
Throw in Paul McCartney’s signed ukulele and a boxing glove which reputedly belonged to Mohammed Ali, and the auction house said it can promise a magical mystery tour down the long and winding road of the 20th-century’s heroes and entertainers.
The eclectic assortment of memorabilia has come from the estate of an avid Gloucestershire-based collector, who purchased the Churchill memorabilia and the Book of Heroes at Bonhams and other auctions some years ago. They include all the paperwork showing provenance.
Other highlights of his collection include a framed football boot signed by England World Cup hat-trick hero Geoff Hurst, and guitars signed by The Shadows and Status Quo.
Director Liz Poole said: “This really is a charming and eccentric collection of memorabilia, taking in Churchill, a member of The Beatles, and several sporting and comic legends, including a boxing glove which reputedly belonged to Mohammed Ali, and Morecombe and Wise.
“Buyers have a chance to get their hands on a genuine piece of history with the sale of the microphone Churchill used to announce the end of the Second World War in Europe and the legendary Battle of Britain Book of Heroes.
“Churchill’s false teeth must be among the most unusual items we have ever sold.”
The collection is set to go under the hammer at The Cotswold Auction Company’s auction of Books, Medals, Coins, Stamps and Collectables at its saleroom in Cheltenham on February 6.
