Latest News Articles by Roland Arkell
Regimental badge is a cut above
28 October 2019A white-metal regimental badge estimated at £50-100 sold for £4800 at Lindsay Burns (20% buyer’s premium) in Perth, Scotland, on September 3. Why? It probably hailed from the time and place of the American War of Independence (1775-83).
Hands of history for Nelson memorabilia collectors
28 October 2019The great appeal of an otherwise typical early 19th century longcase offered for sale on September 12 by Malvern auctioneer Philip Serrell was its painted dial.
Pick of the week: No.1 microscope proves it’s still the best
28 October 2019The opening lot of Flints Auctions’ photographica and scientific instruments sale in Reading on October 18 was an exceptional Victorian microscope.
Auction record for a £1.2m bottle of Scotch whisky
25 October 2019The £7.6m sale of ‘The Ultimate Whisky Collection’ at Sotheby’s in London on October 24 included a single bottle sold for £1.2m (plus 21% premium).
Moshe Oved silver ring, rare British petrol pump globe and William Gladstone’s grandfather clock – six auction highlights that caught bidders’ eyes in the last week
25 October 2019ATG’s selection of hammer highlights this week includes a silver ring by Moshe Oved that made 70-times estimate, a rare British petrol pump globe that doubled predictions and a longcase clock believed to have been owned by former British Prime Minister William Gladstone that chimed with bidders.
Actress Judi Dench and the Brontë Museum call on public to help fund bid for miniature manuscript by a 14-year-old Charlotte Brontë
24 October 2019The Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth in West Yorkshire has begun a public campaign to raise the final funds needed to bid for a rare manuscript from the Brontës' childhood.
Anyone for Sphairistike? Net gains for tennis rarities
21 October 2019Sphairistike, an ancient Greek term meaning skill in playing at ball, was the name Major Walter Wingfield chose for the game he patented and first advertised early in 1874.
Five lots to watch at auction this week including an ancient Egyptian hippopotamus figure and a Christopher Dresser sake bottle
21 October 2019With estimates from £160-20,000, here are five previews of upcoming sales this week including items from auctions during Islamic & Indian Art Week in London.
Story time - objects with a compelling tale
21 October 2019A wealth of objects shelter under the great ‘Asian art’ umbrella – together representing five millennia of artistic endeavour across one quarter of the globe. Here we preview a series of Asian art objects available for sale at galleries and auctions over the next month, and each from a different moment in time or geography. From the cult of Monju to the beginning of a new Japanese imperial era – all tell a compelling tale.
Silver linings: Qing and later Chinese silver gets moment in spotlight
21 October 2019Dismissed a generation ago as decorative export wares, Qing and later silver is today the focus of lively academic and commercial attention.
The evolving world of Asian Art
21 October 2019For 22 years Asian Art in London has promoted the wide range of specialist auctions, dealer exhibitions, symposia and lectures held in the capital and further afield across 10 autumnal days. Together they spotlight the UK as a repository and a centre of expertise for the finest Asian art.
Asian art hammer highlights
21 October 2019A selection of UK and international auction highs and milestones from the past year.
Meeting demand - Asian Art in London auction and gallery highlights
21 October 2019Upcoming auction highlights plus some of the objects on display in galleries around the capital as part of Asian Art in London.
Opening times - Satsuma wares
21 October 2019The history of Satsuma wares, among the most recognised and profitable export products of the Meiji period, is interwoven with the opening up of Japan after centuries of isolation.