A mail bag bearing the signatures of 10 thieves involved in the notorious Great Train Robbery, where over £2 million was stolen, is set to be auctioned. The daring criminals, who conducted one of Britain’s most infamous heists, stole 120 mail sacks containing an amount equivalent to nearly £50 million today. The auction items, including the signed mail bag, were collected by the vendor’s father, a passionate collector of gang-related memorabilia.
The unique cream drawstring mail bag, reminiscent of those crafted by the gang members during their prison terms post-robbery, comes with a color photograph showing the Royal Mail Travelling Post Office, which was halted at a bridge in Ledburn, Bucks, while en route from Glasgow to London Euston. The robbers tampered with a signal light using a glove and a battery, forcing the train to stop before executing their meticulously planned heist.
During the 1963 robbery, the gang formed a chain to unload cash into awaiting vehicles. The bag carries the signatures of key members, such as Bruce Reynolds and Ronnie Biggs, among others. The violent incident left train driver Jack Mills with lasting health issues, while David Whitby, another victim, never recovered from the psychological trauma and died prematurely.
All ten criminals were apprehended and sentenced, with Ronnie Biggs achieving notoriety by escaping prison and living abroad for several decades. The auction, to be conducted by Ewbank’s near Guildford, Surrey, will feature the mail bag with an estimated price range of £70 to £100. Additionally, a Monopoly banknote linked to the case will be auctioned, along with signed photographs of the gang members. The auction is scheduled for Friday, August 28.
