523

Canada

Currency:CAD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:875.00 CAD Estimated At:1,750.00 - 2,250.00 CAD
Canada
SOLD
1,500.00CAD+ buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2020 May 01 @ 18:13UTC-4 : AST/EDT

Buyer’s Premiums will be added on all items as per the Terms & Conditions of the sale. Invoices will be emailed out after all sessions of the Spring Sale have concluded.

A silver Gibralter key. A very rare specimen of Canadian military history. Gibralter required men to dig underground fortifications during World War II and Britain asked Canada to assist in this endeavor. Miners were recruited in Quebec and Ontario and sent to this important island guarding the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. This led to the formation of No. 1 and No.2 Tunneling Companies of the Royal Canadian Engineers. After the war ended, it was suggested some sort of special recognition should be given to a special group of soldiers. A fob was designed by Sapper Cunningham of silver and presented to all 324 men who served. The exercise was a private affair and was underwritten by the mining company Noranda. This key was issued to Sapper James Henry Spode, born 1909 and passing in 1947. He is buried in Toronto. A special chance to acquire an interesting piece of Canadian military history. This lot also includes a Memorial Cross, commonly known as the silver cross. Instituted in 1919, it was given to next of kin of Canadian soldiers killed in action or as a result of such duty. It is silver, named on the reverse with a purple ribbon. Awarded to Sapper JH Spode as well. 2 Pcs.