2012 saw three major players in the UK fine art and collectibles industry (Apex, Baldwin's and Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions) combine to create the UK's newest 'top 5' generalist auctioneer under the banner of Noble Investments (UK) PLC. 2013 will see Baldwin's and Dreweatts holding their first joint auction of Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria on the 5th June this year at Dreweatts London, 24 Maddox Street.

Noble Investments (UK) PLC Managing Director, Ian Goldbart, commented:'The collective efforts of, and expertise within Baldwin's and Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions will enable us to provide a much broader presence in this fascinating market sector. We are delighted to be holding this inaugural joint auction and look forward to offering our vendors and buyers an enlarged platform through which to buy and sell a much broader range of collectibles.'

This first auction will contain 217 lots including the highlight of the sale, lot 6, the Superb and Extremely Rare WWII Pathfinder's CGM & DFM Group of 5 awarded to Warrant Officer S J H Andrew, No 35 Squadron, No 8 (Pathfinder Force) Group, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.

Lot 37: A Rare and Emotive South Africa 1879 Casualty Medal awarded to Trooper Francis 'Louis' Secretan, Natal Mounted Police, killed in action at the Battle of Isandhlwana during the final retreat along the Fugitives' Trail towards the Buffalo River, the location of his death confirmed as reported by his brother Archer Jeston Secretan in The Standard, March 25th, 1879, comprising: South Africa Medal, 1877-79, single clasp, 1879 (Tr F. Secretan. Natal Md Police.); officially engraved in large upright capitals, court mounted for display. Light and attractive tone, small lower reverse edge bruise and tiny nick, otherwise good very fine, and extremely rare when found with such detailed biographical and historical information.

For more information on the sale, see:www.baldwin.co.uk