A LIFETIME’S collection of rare Napoleonic War memorabilia has been stolen from a display room at a hoyse in Broadstairs. Antiques specialists and dealers have been put on alert for anyone trying to sell the swords and sabres, worth tens of thousands of pounds.

Collector Michael Meadows gathered the weapons, together with uniforms, from around the world in the last 40 years. The 55-year-old said: “They are extremely rare and to me they are absolutely priceless. I am devastated by the break in.

“The collection is so unusual that any collector or dealer would spot them the minute they surfaced on the market.”

The break-in just before Christmas marked the end of a tragic year for Mr Meadows. His son Simon died in the fire at the Staner Court tower block, Ramsgate, in July.

He said: “Simon was an engineer and made had erected bars at the windows and made sure there were plenty of locks following a burglary I had in November 2000.

In the latest break-in, locked doors and cabinets were wrenched open with a crow bar.

Mr Meadows said: “I have now removed all of my collection from the house. I loved to have it around me so that I could live among the historic mementoes that I treasure. Now they have been removed to a safer place but it means that my joy from the collection has been tarnished.”

Extra security measures had been introduced at the house following a burglary in November 2000, with bars put up at windows and more locks fitted.

The theft included his personal favourite, “ a musket from the Perthshire Highland regiment that I scrimped and saved to buy.”

Other notable sabre stolen were blue and gilt cavalry officers weapons from light infantry and rifle brigades. Medals from the first and second world wars were also stolen.

He said: “My slim hope is that someone somewhere knows of the whereabouts of my collection.” Thanet police are investigating the theft. Anyone with information is asked to telephone WPC Tina Jones 01843 222179.