Weird and wonderful militaria lots from Napoleonic fort museum auction

Hull saleroom Gilbert Baitson is selling the contents of nearby Fort Paull, a gun battery which was originally established in Napoleonic times to protect the Humber. In 1960 the fort was released and sold by the Ministry of Defence. Forty years later the Friends of Fort Paull opened its doors to the public as a not-for-profit tourist attraction, now closed.

Covering approximately 10 acres, the museum was full of underground tunnels and rooms containg a wide-ranging and bizarre range of fantastic exhibits – such as a waxwork museum showing figures which have influenced the fort's long history dating back to Tudor times as well as an armoury showing various artillery pieces, deactivated weapons and armoured vehicles.

A highlight is the only remaining XB259 Blackburn Beverley C1 heavy transport aircraft in the world. Other lots include a Hawker Hunter jet fighter, 1917 Anti-Zeppelin triplane (replica), Cold War ‘Berliner’ 1950s Royal Corps of Transport military train dining car, a Marmon Herrington MKIV armoured car and Browning, Bren and Enfield guns.

Here are five lots we have selected as highlights from the Fort Paull timed online sale at Gilbert Baitson which ends on September 19.

Beverley thrills (pictured top)

The last remaining Blackburn Beverley transporter aircraft XB259 on offer at Gilbert Baitson includes the note ‘Purchaser to dismantle, expertise and consultants are available, this lot must be removed within nine months of Purchase’, which gives a clue as to the size. It is a whopper.

According to the Beverley Association (Beverley-association.org.uk): “The Blackburn Beverley was a heavy-lift transport aircraft which served with the Royal Air Force between 1956 and 1967. Only 47 Beverleys were built, but they served with great distinction with 30, 34, 47, 53 and 84 Squadrons and 242 Operational Conversion Unit. The Beverleys were kept busy in many countries including Aden, Brunei, Kenya, East and West Malaysia and Zanzibar.”

The Fort Paull Blackburn Beverley transporter aircraft can be viewed via thesaleroom.com.

Cannon but no ball

George III 12lbs cast-iron cannon on truck available in the Gilbert Baitson Fort Paull timed sale ending on September 19.

This George III 12lbs cast-iron cannon on truck, 125mm bore, 2.6m length and 1.1m high, is available in the Fort Paull auction. Visit thesaleroom.com to view it.

Fill up the tank

This Schutzenpanzer SPZ12-13 West German infantry fighting vehicle is offered at Gilbert Baitson in the Fort Paull timed sale ending on September 19.

Among several vehicles up for sale is this Schutzenpanzer SPZ12-13. These West German infantry fighting vehicles developed from 1956-58 were based on a Swiss Hispano-Suiza design and featured a Rolls Royce petrol engine. They were in service from the 1960s-80s.

You can bid for the Schutzenpanzer SPZ12-13 on thesaleroom.com.

Wax lyrical

A life-size wax model of Henry VIII in full replica costume and regalia included in the Fort Paull timed auction at Gilbert Baitson ending on September 19.

Ever wonder what happened to the contents of the now long-closed Friargate Wax Museum in York? Well, the mystery is solved judging by lots on offer at St Paull. Various life-size models originally displayed there are on sale. Check thesaleroom.com to view this example, a life-size wax model of Henry VIII in full replica costume and regalia.

Handy if you spot a sub in the Humber

This 12lb anti-submarine gun made by Wolseley in 1917 is included in the Fort Paull timed auction at Gilbert Baitson ending on September 19.

In 1901, engineering firm Vickers established the Wolseley Tool and Motor Car Co Limited in Birmingham as a route into the motor-car industry. During the First World War car production was sidelined because of the need for munitions, military vehicles and aircraft parts.

This 12lb anti-submarine gun made by Wolseley in 1917 is included in the Fort Paull auction and can be viewed via thesaleroom.com.