The E-Sylum:  Volume 7, Number 49, December 5, 2004, Article 5

SPY PIGEON'S MEDAL FETCHES £39,200

Last week we discusses the Dickin medal, and the following 
article recounts the latest specimen to be sold, where we
learn of an unnamed collector seeking to acquire all the Dickin 
medals issued to pigeons. Four down, 28 to go:

"A prized bravery medal awarded to a spy pigeon which flew 
vital intelligence out of occupied France during the Second 
World War was sold at auction today for £39,200.

The rare PDSA Dickin Medal was awarded to Commando the 
pigeon for his heroics helping British secret agents unearth 
Nazi military tactics.

The medal is the equivalent of the Victoria Cross for animals 
and is one of only 60 awarded to the true beasts of war.

It was auctioned by Spink of London today on behalf of the 
grandson of the pigeon's owner and bought by a British 
collector who already has three such medals awarded to 
pigeons and is aiming to get all 32 issued.

A spokeswoman for the auction house said: "It was a good 
sale and a crowded room so we're very happy."

To read the full article, see: Full Article

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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