Sale Highlights

An impressive platinum ring set with a central 7.99 carat cushion cut natural Sri Lankan sapphire, measuring 11.26 x 9.02 x 7.10mm, set with three tapered baguette cut diamonds to each side, total diamond weight approx. 0.65 carats (measured within the restrictions of the settings), 6.80gm, size P 1/2, (please note this ring is not hallmarked or tested by us but there is a small indistinct mark on the outside of the shank), comes with a Sapphire Report from The Gem & Pearl Laboratory dated 11 January 2013, number 07024, result natural sapphire with no evidence of heat treatment observed.

To be sold on behalf of the Eccles family, the important ‘Falklands War’ Military Medal group of four awarded to Corporal Michael Eccles, P028263C , 42 Commando RM, for his gallantry during operations on the Falkland Islands. Citation On 12th June 1982 ‘K' Coy was the leading company for a unit night attack against a strongly held Argentine position on Mount Harriet. After surprising the enemy fierce fighting followed at close quarters amongst the rocks in which decisive and inspiring leadership at section level proved critical. Corporal Eccles set an outstanding example in this respect by leading from the front to encourage his section to exploit shock action and successfully overrun the position. This was only achieved, in fact, by a series of assaults against machine gun positions and groups of snipers. Several ranks were wounded, including another section commander, while the troop became even more depleted as increasing numbers of the enemy surrendered and had to be guarded. Corporal Eccles pressed on relentlessly, however, to inflict sufficient casualties for the remainder to abandon further resistance. The set comprises: Military Medal, EIIR, for Bravery in the Field, (P028263C Cpl M. Eccles RM), General Service Medal GSM, for Campaign Service, with two clasps ‘Northern Ireland’ and ‘N. Iraq & S. Turkey’, (RM 28263 M. Eccles MNE RM), South Atlantic Medal 1982 with rosette (Cpl M. Eccles PO 28263 C), Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, LS & GC, (Sgt M. Eccles PO28263C RM) EIIR with additional Long Service Bar. Together with a miniature set. Follow this link to Commando Veterans Archive to find out more http://www.commandoveterans.org/MichaelEcclesRM Follow this link to find out full details on the Battle of Mount Harriet https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mount_Harriet Follow this link to see the full story on our News From the Rostrum https://plymouthauctions.co.uk/the-important-military-medal-group-awarded-to-corporal-michael-eccles-42-commando-royal-marines-plymouth/ Note: Just ten military medals were awarded during the Falkland Conflict from 9,000 troops. Michael 'Mick' Eccles (born 1949-) was a keen sportsman and won various cups for football."All Battles are Won by Corporals" quote from Michael Eccles. The night battles on 11/12th June including Mount Harriet let to British Troops capturing all the heights above Port Stanley leading to the surrender of Argentine Forces.400 Royal marines and 170 Welsh Guards were involved in the three night battles leading to some 300 Argentine soldiers being captured. Ref ; Corporal Eccles is featured in a photograph in the book 'March to the South Atlantic' by Nick Vaux, leading of a fighting patrol to Mount Harriet. Also on page 249 listed as one of the four commando's from 42 Commando that was awarded the MM. Michael Eccles trained Prince Edward from September 1986 to January 1987.