MEDALS and militaria from an American man with Welsh history are expected to fetch up to £350,000 at auction later this month.

The Lord family emigrated from Wales to America more than 350 years ago but passed down Welsh Christian names through the generations.

When one member of the family, Llewellyn Lord, developed a passion for British military history he collected hundreds of medals and militaria items.

These items, including medals awarded to rugby player Walter Martin, who was captain of Newport prior to the First World War, are now set to be auctioned by international coins, medals and jewellery specialists Dix Noonan Webb in London later this month on September 27.

The collection, which ranges from the Napoleonic Wars to modern times, is expected to fetch up to £350,000 or more.

One of the partners of Dix Noonan Webb, Pierce Noonan, said that the medals were hugely important to Mr Lord, who passed away in May this year.

Mr Noonan said: “Llew Lord was American-born and served in the US Marines but his family’s Welsh roots were hugely important to him.

“So once he began collecting he soon decided to concentrate on Welsh regiments. It was a wise decision because they have a rich history and a remarkable record of gallantry.”

Mr Lord’s direct ancestor Nathan Lord emigrated from Wales to what were then the British colonies in North America in the 1640s and was married there in 1652.

Born in Maryland in 1925, Mr Lord graduated in history from Princeton University and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. He was spared taking part in the proposed invasion of Japan by the abrupt end of the Second World War but was recalled from the reserve to fight in the Korean War.

However, in his spare time, Mr Lord would go to many vintage and second-hand shops to look for additions to his collection of medals and militaria.

The First World War is strongly represented in the collection and one of the lots to be auctioned is the Conduct Medal for bravery awarded to company sergeant-major Walter Martin of the South Wales Borderers.

Mr Martin’s performances half led to him being appointed captain of Newport in 1912 and to being capped for Wales on several occasions.

He was awarded the DCM in 1918 for persistent gallantry, including carrying in a wounded man under heavy shell fire.

His DCM, three First World War campaign medals, and French Medal of Honour are estimated at £1,000 to £1,200.

Mr Lord’s medals and other items will go up for auction on Tuesday, September 27 in London.