Association for Wellbeing of Soldiers Auctions Rare Historical Artifacts
The Association for the Wellbeing of Soldiers is auctioning rare historical documents, art, and silver via Ishtar to fund soldier welfare, featuring items like King George VI papers and Zubin Mehta's baton.
The Association for the Wellbeing of Soldiers is auctioning a treasure trove of rare historical documents, fine art, silver items, and Judaica accumulated over decades. Managed in collaboration with the Ishtar auction house, the main auction event takes place this evening, November 15, at 18:00, with online bidding accessible via Bidspirit. All proceeds from the sale will directly fund welfare initiatives for IDF soldiers.
Eyal Elok, CEO of the association, noted that every item carries a unique story unified by a single purpose: supporting troops. Following a meticulous professional sorting, valuation, and cataloging process, these stored historical items are gaining a new lease on life to fulfill their original charitable intent.
Historic Documents and State Artifacts
Among the standout historical lots is a 1938 British imperial appointment document granting an MBE to senior Jewish administrative officer Jacob Kysilove, bearing the original signatures of King George VI and Queen Mary alongside the official medal. Another prominent piece is a rare 1954 military history map book detailing the Independence War—printed in just 100 copies by the government survey department—bearing a personal dedication to then-Defense Minister Pinhas Lavon. The collection also features a visual poster commemorating Egyptian President Anwar Sadat’s historic 1977 visit to Jerusalem.
Military Heritage and Personal Memorabilia
Military history enthusiasts can bid on a 1918 photograph of a Jewish Legion military parade captured by pioneering photographer Yaakov Ben-Dov, as well as a 1924 signed portrait of Colonel Eliezer Margolin. A pencil portrait of World War I Jewish Legion commander John Henry Patterson, created by artist Ruth Light Brown, features Patterson's personal signature. The auction also includes signed official 1939 portraits of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, alongside a wooden conducting baton with a cork handle belonging to renowned conductor Zubin Mehta, dated 1998 with his personal signature.
Judaica, Silverware, and Fine Collectibles
The auction showcases exquisite Judaica and luxury goods, highlighted by a kinetic silver mezuzah shaped like a hanukkiah crafted by artist Naim Basson from 999 pure silver with gold plating. Other notable pieces include a 14-karat gold "Shema Yisrael" pendant weighing 4.2 grams, and a partial Polish silver cutlery set for 12 diners weighing over 4.4 kilograms of pure silver, which has already drawn preliminary bids exceeding $4,000.
