Article: Knocker sale upsets war veterans; MONTE CASSINO MONASTERY RELIC

A Christchurch widow selling a brass door knocker looted from Italy's Monte Cassino monastery is in the gun from World War II veterans who fought there.

The door knocker is being sold on online auction site Trade Me, with a starting price of $500.

It was found by Gunner L V Gain on the floor of the medieval monastery in June 1944, given to his nephew after the war as a souvenir and is being sold by the nephew's widow, Barbara Gain.

Jack Cummins, 87, a veteran of the campaign and member of the Italy Star Association, said it was not right to sell things taken from the monastery.

"It's courtesy to return the stuff that has been brought home," he said.

"Trying to sell it is just not on.

...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!