The Durham Light Infantry (DLI) is auctioning its silverware collection to raise funds for a bronze memorial statue. The ornate items, once used in the officers' mess, are expected to fetch between £40,000 and £60,000.
The collection includes a solid silver punch bowl, posy vases, meat skewers, cutlery sets, rose bowls, and salvers. Most pieces originate from the 3rd and 4th Militia Battalions, predecessors of the Territorial Army.
Colonel Arthur Charlton stated, 'The regimental trustees want to support the campaign as much as they can. This is unused silver put to its best purpose.' He encouraged former members to bid on 'a piece of their history.'
The bronze statue will replicate one unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire in July 2012, based on a photograph of 18-year-old Colour Sergeant Brandon Mulvey from Chester-le-Street. It will be placed in Durham City as a permanent reminder of the regiment's sacrifices.
The auction, featuring 132 lots, will be held by Anderson and Garland on 27 March.
