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- MARKMILES77

Just got back from the auction, here are some of theprices in Australian dollars.

Well there's more than half a million dollars right there.

- Coldsteel

Well there's more than half a million dollars right there.

So that equates to around US$25?

Right now, 1 Australian Dollar = $0.74 US.

Here's the Bonhams & Goodman release on the results of the auction:

Spectacular Results as Over 1000 people attend the Auction of The Melbourne Tank Museum
21 April 2006

On the eve of Anzac Day, a 50 year old military museum has been dispersed at auction outside Melbourne with spectacular results. Over 1000 people turned up for the auction of the Melbourne Tank Museum - a life long collection of military tanks, armoured personnel carriers, artillery and anti aircraft guns, compiled by an ex-serviceman, John Belfield. They came from far and wide with their trucks and trailers hoping to take back a piece of the museum. Bonhams & Goodman had hired 15 mobile telephones to cope with the unprecedented phone bidding from interstate and overseas.

"It was an extraordinary auction. Although we had little idea of how to value the tanks as they so rarely come to auction, the result was more than double our expectations, "said Bonhams & Goodman Chief Executive, Tim Goodman.

Private collectors and dealers traveled from England, the Netherlands and the USA to attend the auction which grossed AU$1.47M including buyer's premium of 13.5%. Highlights included Lot 49, an M3 A1 Stuart Light Tank which made $45,000 to the UK trade. Lot 56, a Staghound Heavy Armoured Personnel Car, fetched $62,000 - an incredible price in that it is missing its engine and had pre-sale estimates of $15,000 - 20,000. Lot 61, a lightweight folding Wellbike Motorcycle sold for $6,200 and will remain in Australia. Lot 70, an Australian made Bren Gun Carrier made $21,500 which was an international price. Lot 144, a WW2 anti aircraft gun, at $34,000 was about 30% over the international expectation for that lot.

The wet, freezing cold weather on the outskirts of Melbourne failed to discourage the crowd. Hundreds stayed as the sun set and the light dimmed to bid on the final lots. John Belfield was delighted with the result and now plans to travel on a long trip overseas with his wife Pat as they enter into their retirement. At least four Australian museums and government departments attended the auction and acquired lots. It is unlikely that this event will ever be reproduced in Australia as it was one of the most unique military museums in the world. John Belfield had attempted to sell the museum in its entirety over the last 8 years without success.

Mark, I take it a lot of the buyers were from overseas? Can you give us any idea what might be coming to the US, UK, etc?

Neil

- JimWeb

So that equates to around US$25?

US$2.38*

Sounds like the Stuart is going to the UK, maybe the LP2 as well?

*Price includes currency conversion fees and 13.5% buyer's premium.

- Neil_Baumgardner

Mark, I take it a lot of the buyers were from overseas? Can you give us any idea what might be coming to the US, UK, etc?

Neil

Not really, the only ones I know are definitely going overseas are the Buffalo Mk4 , Matida flame thrower tank and M3 Stuart Light Tank.
There was an English guy who bought multiple lots but with differing bidding numbers. That was because he is a Military vehicle dealer from the Uk and was bidding on behalf of different clients. He is reported, in the press, as saying that many of the vehicles were for a middle eastern client who is setting up a collection. Another client of his, planned to strip the tank he bought for parts, as he already has one of the same model!

I guess it wil take several years to find out where everything ends up, and even then some may disappear forever from public view.

Any idea who bought the Sentinal Cruiser tank?

- bsmart

Any idea who bought the Sentinal Cruiser tank?

Sorry, No.

- MARKMILES77

There was an English guy who bought multiple lots but with differing bidding numbers. That was because he is a Military vehicle dealer from the Uk and was bidding on behalf of different clients.

That sounds like Bob Fleming.

Unfortunately, the Churchill VII was bought by someone who intends to 'return it to the UK'.

What really concerns me is the fate of the hulks, wrecks and bits and pieces in John's yard. While some may not be particularly significant, there are some gems like the Terrapin amphibious truck - as far as I know, the only one left!

David

- MARKMILES77

- Neil_Baumgardner

Mark, I take it a lot of the buyers were from overseas? Can you give us any idea what might be coming to the US, UK, etc?

Neil

He is reported, in the press, as saying that many of the vehicles were for a middle eastern client who is setting up a collection.

IIRC King Abdullah II of Jordan is a military vehicle fan. I think he visited the Virginia Military Museum a little while ago.