A GROUP of Suffragette and other items awarded to and owned by Dr Margaret Ida Balfour will be sold at an auction later this month. 

Born in Edinburgh in 1866, Dr Balfour pursued a career in medicine at a time when few women studied medicine. 

Awarded the silver medallion for Practice of Medicine Session 1889-90, she qualified as a doctor in 1891 

Although women were not permitted to formally graduate from the University of Edinburgh she went to France and Belgium to do so before working in India where she went on to have a long and distinguished career. 

King George awarded her the Kaiser-i-Hind Gold Medal in 1920. Returning to England in 1924 she was made a CBE by King George V. 

“Rarely do we see items relating to the Suffragette movement at auction and to see such a collection you can put a name to is even better,” said Charterhouse auctioneer Richard Bromell. 

Estimated between £300 and £500, the items will be sold at the Charterhouse auction on May 28, 29 and 30. 

Items include the silver medallion awarded to Margaret Balfour, a WWI war volunteer worker badge, a National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies enamel pin badge, a matching enamel brooch and an oval locket. 

Richard Bromell and the Charterhouse team can be contacted for specialist advice and valuations at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, 01935 812277 or via rb@charterhouse-auction.com.