Bronze Barr Beacon topographic map planned to go to auction in Lichfield

Sale date Monday 16th February

A TOPOGRAPH mapping out the lie of the land from the summit of a Midlands landmark is going to auction in Lichfield.

The circular bronze topographic map depicts the contours and elevations of Barr Beacon and surrounding sites which may be seen on a clear day.

At 745ft tall, the landmark on the edge of Walsall is one of the highest points in the region and remains a popular destination for its panoramic views.

Over the years the war memorial at the nature reserve has featured numerous topographical maps – two-dimensional graphics marked with cardinal directions detailing the position of landmarks and places to help visitors get their bearings.

Now one such topograph goes under the hammer as Lot 336 in Richard Winterton Auctioneers' Antiques & Home Sale on Monday, February 16, guided £300 to £500.

"Acquired by the current vendor in the 1970s from Walsall Council, this is a wonderful piece of local history which is in great condition for its age," said auctioneer Tom Winterton.

"It is an impressively detailed bronze which points people in the directions of places including Lichfield, Kings Bromley, Alrewas, Tamworth, Shenstone, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Lickey Hills, Stourbridge, Walsall, Willenhall, Wolverhampton, The Wrekin, Willenhall, Cannock, Cannock Chase, Rugeley, Beaudesert, Castle Ring, Brownhills, Walsall Wood and Aldridge.

"It also shows visitors where to spy landmarks on the horizon such as Lichfield Cathedral and Sutton Coldfield transmitting station to the northeast, Hams Hall Power Station to the southeast, Dudley Castle to the southwest, and Walsall and Birchills power stations to the northwest.

"On clear days, it's said you can see at least 11 counties from atop Barr Beacon and Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Leicestershire are all marked, giving the beholder a bird's eye view whilst their feet remain firmly on the ground."

The auction starts at 9am on Monday, February 16, and the catalogue goes live a week before the sale date via our Auction Calendar.

View in person at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, between 10am and 4pm on Friday, February 13.

For more information, to arrange a free valuation of all types of collectables and antiques or to enquire about a home visit for large collections or house clearances, email office@richardwinterton.co.uk or call 01543 251081.