A slice of Scouting history for sale

It’s Museum Week 2015 and a Plymouth man’s extraordinary collection of Scouting memorabilia, much of which has been on display in Plymouth City Museum, goes up for sale this weekend.

Collectors and museum owners from across the world are heading to Plymouth Auction Rooms in a bid to secure this slice of history.

Hundreds of rare and unique Scouting related items will go under the hammer, many of which feature – or in one case, belonged to – Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement.

His distinctive wide-brimmed hat is amongst the pieces for sale, as are a cut throat razor engraved with his initials and countless other eclectic and well-preserved souvenirs.

The current owner is Graham Brooks, Vice President and former Commissioner of the Plymouth District Scout Council, and the official archivist for Plymouth’s Scouts. Over almost 50 years he has painstakingly gathered and restored this extensive array of unusual Scouting antiques.

Auctioneer Paul Keen says: “Graham is a fascinating man who, thanks to his passion and enthusiasm for the Scouting movement, has built a totally unique collection of items that you simply can’t find the like of elsewhere.

“We know specialist collectors and museum owners are travelling from abroad for the auction and there is a real sense of excitement. Who knows where in the world these pieces will end up, but we – and Graham – hope they will go on to be treasured for years to come.”

This incredible assortment of memorabilia goes on sale this Saturday (28th March) at Plymouth Auction Rooms’ Spring Collectors Auction and is expected to attract a lot of interest. Viewings are being held throughout this week.