A bag signed by a group of 10 thieves who stole over £2 million during the notorious Great Train Robbery is set to be auctioned. The criminals, armed and organized, intercepted a train, took mail sacks amounting to nearly £50 million in today’s value, and now, after 63 years, some of the stolen items, including the signed mail bag, are being put up for sale.
The collection, preserved by the seller’s father, an enthusiast of London’s underworld and criminal activities, is attracting attention. A spokesperson from Lucas Field Media, representing Ewbank’s Auctions, mentioned that the father had connections in that realm.
The bag, reminiscent of those crafted by the gang members while in prison, is accompanied by a photo of the train they targeted: the Royal Mail Travelling Post Office journeying from Glasgow to London Euston, halted at a bridge in Ledburn, Bucks. The gang tampered with signals, assaulted the train driver, and orchestrated a coordinated effort to seize the cash during the August 1963 heist.
The bag showcases signatures from the mastermind Bruce Reynolds and the rest of the gang, who were apprehended and sentenced later on. The victims of the robbery, particularly Jack Mills and David Whitby, suffered long-term consequences from the traumatic event. All 10 perpetrators were eventually captured and incarcerated, with Ronnie Biggs gaining notoriety for his escape and years on the run.
Ewbank’s Auctions expects the bag to fetch between £70 and £100 at the auction, along with other intriguing items like a Monopoly banknote linked to the case. The auction, scheduled for Friday, August 28, will feature various memorabilia associated with this infamous chapter in British criminal history.