Sale goes boom!

By Rebecca Fraser
MORE than 1000 war memorabilia enthusiasts and curious spectators flocked to Narre Warren North on Sunday to watch a hoard of historic army tanks go under the hammer.
Buyers from all corners of the globe travelled to the Melbourne Tank Museum in Belgrave Hallam Road as John and Pat Belfield parted with their life’s collection.
More than $1 million was raised, with the most expensive purchase of the day an Australian Cruiser tank that fetched $55,000.
As reported in last week’s News, the Belfields decided to sell their historic collection after struggling for seven years to find a new home for the contents of their military museum, which houses more than 70 military and artillery pieces from World War 1 and the Vietnam War.
The couple, both aged in their 70s, had expressed fears that many of the items would be taken overseas and a key part of Australia’s war history would be lost.
But, to the couple’s delight, only a few items will be leaving Australia’s shores and the more historically significant items will not be taken abroad.
This week the Belfields said they were extremely happy with the auction and they would be very busy over the next two weeks preparing the tanks for pick-up.
They said overseas dealers representing England, America, New Zealand and parts of Europe had attended the sale and they were extremely pleased with the outcome.
Many sales were also conducted over the phone with dealers conversing with international buyers.