Lawrence of Arabia, a diplomat, archaeologist, and writer, was born in Wales in 1888 and earned renown for his role in helping Arab tribesmen against the Turks in the 1914-18 conflict. Reports say that a pair of sandals worn by Lawrence of Arabia during World War One is set to go up for auction having been kept safe for years in a Waitrose carrier bag.
The brown shoes were left by former British Army officer T. E. Lawrence – who made his name aiding the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire to family friend Rodney Havelock Walker.
Experts believe he clocked up a large number of miles in the well-worn shoes. The collection, which goes on sale at Hansons Auctioneers in Etwall, Derbyshire, on December 19, is expected to fetch up to £3,000.
Auctioneer and antiquities expert Charles Hanson said: “When I pulled Lawrence of Arabia’s sandals out of a Waitrose carrier bag, I was astonished – and delighted. “He is one of Britain’s most iconic figures, a man who played a key role in world history and inspired one of the most famous films ever made.
Hanson added that he successfully united diverse, often warring, Arab tribes to fight the Turks and led military activities against Ottoman forces, culminating in the capture of Damascus in October 1918.
Post Your Comments