A RARE Victory bell made from metal taken from German warplanes shot down over Britain has sold at auction for £110 - way above its estimated value.

The bell was part of a box of collectibles auctioned at the Anderson and Garland Town & Country sale in Newcastle today (Wednesday December 10).

Although incredibly rare and a highly desirable piece for militaria collectors, the bell was only valued at around £30.

Anderson and Garland militaria expert Fred Wyrley-Birch said: “We were hoping for a good sale as it was a fantastic piece and very few Victory Bells have survived.

“It went for more than we thought to a North-East bidder who spotted the item online. She is a new bidder for Anderson and Garland and this shows just how important the internet is becoming in the auctions’ business.

“We are very pleased that our expert knowledge on this item meant that with the correct description and use of the internet, there was a platform for this item to do so well.”

There was a lot of interest in the bell in the saleroom but the successful buyer had placed a bid with Anderson and Garland before the sale, which went on to top those received in the room.

Victory Bells were crafted after the Second World War from metal taken from downed German aircraft and sold to raise money to support the work of the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The bell is inscribed with Churchill, Stalin and Roosevelt and has a V for victory sign on the handle. Other designs featured handles cast in the shape of a V.

he fund, set up after the First World War to provide financial help for injured airmen, their families and widows, still actively raises money.

It provides help and support for current and former RAF members who need it and is responsible for maintaining the RAF Memorial in London.