The Queen’s Police Medal group to Sir Robert Mark, Commissio...

Hammer

£9,600

The Queen’s Police Medal group to Sir Robert Mark, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Force 1972-77 comprising: Q.P.M. for Distinguished Service (impressed Robert Mark, Ch. Const. Leicester City Police); 1939-45 star, F&G star, Defence, War and EIIR Coronation 1953, (un-named as issued), Police LS, EIIR 1954-80 issue (impressed Robert Mark Ch. Const.), VF, mounted court style. Accompanying the above awards a number of associated items: Police Commissioner’s uniform tunic, overalls and cap, GC, (very minor moth traces to reverse of tunic which is named to Robert Mark and dated 1/72) and bearing ribbons including GBE and Knight Batchelor badge (the decorations for these two not present); a resin bust entitled “Sir Robert Mark, G.B.E. Q.P.M 1977 Sculptor Alec Dearnley” height 20cm excluding plinth, GC (part of name label missing); a walking cane, the grip being in the form of a police constable’s head and shoulders, the haft impressed “Made by C. Warriner, Foxton Market Harboro 1978” and “R.M. 8.5.78”, length 119cm, GC; a caricature of Sir Robert signed “Sallon 1974” the reverse bearing a presentation inscription, 30.4cm x 43.4cm GC; an oil on canvas portrait signed “F.W. 77” in frame, outer size 43cm x 53cm (repaired split to canvas); two HM silver wine labels: “Happy Birthday Sir Robert Mark our Grand Prix S. Star from your many friends at Good Year Donnnington March 1975” and “Thank You for your major contribution to our success from all your friends at Good Good Year” and HM Birm. 1985; (Sir Robert had advertised Good Year tyres); Note: Sir Robert joined the Manchester City Police in 1937 and in his autobiography stated that his father had been horrified saying it was only one step better than going to prison!; in 1940 he transferred to their Special Branch. 1942 saw him released for his wartime service, and, after training at Sandhurst, joined the 108 Tank Brigade and in Phantom (GHQ Liaison) Regt. He was demobbed in 1947 and returned to Manchester Special Branch, 1950 saw him promoted to Inspector, and Chief Inspector in 1952. In 1957 he was appointed Chief Constable of Leicester City Police. In 1967 he joined the Metropolitan Police as Assistant Commissioner and in 1972 was promoted to Commissioner. Under his leadership much corruption in the force was eliminated; he set up a police complaints department; and in 1975 the Balcombe Street Siege and the Spaghetti House Siege were both bought to a successful conclusion; he left the Met in 1977, and died in 2010. See also lots 49-55 £600-700