Latest News Articles by Roland Arkell
Poignant reminder of home front perils in the Second World War
23 January 2023A rare Second World War helmet worn by members of a little-known unit of the UK home front comes for sale at Sworders on February 7.
Locket dedicated to prince who was Napoleon devotee
23 January 2023This 19th century French gold, enamel and gemset locket measures an impressive 5½in (13cm) across.
Rare Qing woodblock print stars in our pick of five auction highlights
20 January 2023ATG’s weekly selection of items that caught bidders’ eyes includes an 18th century print by Ding Yingzong depicting magnolia that made over 300-times estimate.
An English medieval candlestick is among five lots to watch this week
16 January 2023With estimates from £200, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week.
Nymphenburg factory dishes up a high sum
16 January 2023What is very probably a new record for the Nymphenburg porcelain factory was set at the 500 Years of European Ceramics sale at Bonhams (27.5/25% buyer’s premium) on December 7.
Dam Busters poster is stirring stuff
16 January 2023Considered one of the best British movies about the Second World War, the British quad-sized poster for 'The Dam Busters' (1955) was not too bad either.
Sleepers woken up via the internet
16 January 2023Demonstrating how the internet has transformed the market for potential sleepers, three portraits that drew strong interest recently at different auctions in the UK and Europe all sold to online buyers.
Previews: issue 2576
16 January 2023A selection of 13 upcoming lots from auctions taking place around the UK.
Fortune favours the bold designer Cappiello
16 January 2023Among the most eagerly contested lots in a sale of vintage posters was a set of three unrestored advertising posters by the Tuscany-born, Paris-based Leonetto Cappiello (1875-1942).
Famous owner of Steiff bulldog boosts toy value
16 January 2023A collectors’ timed online sale at Mallams (25% buyer’s premium) included a group lot of early 20th century juvenalia owned by a key figure in Second World War naval intelligence.
Adam Partridge spreads his wings to the south
09 January 2023Macclesfield and Liverpool auction house Adam Partridge has expanded its operation into the south-east and south-west of England with the purchase of two existing salerooms.
Pick of the week: Huge jug from 1835 bigs up London china dealer
09 January 2023This monumental and documentary Staffordshire blue and white transfer printed jug sold for $4800 (£4000) as part of Bonhams Skinner’s sale of British pottery and porcelain that ran online from Marlborough, Massachusetts, in the last days of 2022.
Hoard of original Star Wars action figures discovered
09 January 2023The Star Wars collecting world has been rocked by the discovery of a cache of original action figures still packed in original Kenner factory shipping boxes.
Flea market find depicting Charles II takes five-figure sum at auction
09 January 2023Found at a flea market, this tin-glazed earthenware mug sold for £12,000 (plus 19.5% buyer’s premium) at Claydon Auctioneers.
A William & Mary delft plate is among six lots to watch
09 January 2023With estimates from £20, here are six previews of items coming up at auction this week.
Schmidt led cameo fightback
09 January 2023Carved c.1880 and acquired in Shanghai during the 1930s, the opal cameo shown here was the choice of pre-Christmas jewellery offered in a Somerset sale.
Silver pineapple serves a different role
09 January 2023A late 19th century novelty silver teapot offered at Halls (22% buyer’s premium) was made by US silversmith Gorham of Rhode Island.
Furniture combination becomes centre of attention
09 January 2023The chest of drawers and the kneehole desk are both classic forms of early Georgian walnut furniture. However, rarely are they seen on the same piece.
Cabinet plates designed by Dresser make over five times estimate at Bonhams Skinner
09 January 2023A set of eight Minton Aesthetic movement bone cabinet plates topped the Bonhams Skinner (27.5/25% buyer’s premium) sale of British pottery and porcelain that ran online from Marlborough, Massachusetts, in the last days of 2022.
Bidders show faith in Brook’s symbol of love
09 January 2023Discovered by a metal detectorist on Dorset land once owned by Sir Thomas Brook, the late 14th century diamond set gold love ring captured hearts and international interest at Noonans’ (24% buyer’s premium) Mayfair rooms.