Latest News Articles by Roland Arkell
Microscopes under bidder focus in UK and US auctions
15 April 2024This aristocratic survivor from the ‘brass and glass’ era of microscope making, a version of Powell & Lealand’s famous ‘No 1’ compound monocular and binocular microscope, is dated 1898.
Steaming ahead but in safety thanks to lanterns
15 April 2024Although easily mistaken for railway or ship lamps, this pair of brass and iron lanterns were made for a road locomotive: the steam-driven traction engines that were some of the first powered vehicles to travel on Britain’s highways.
More from the Bobins collection: Danube danger overcome by the intrepid Ludwig
15 April 2024Leading Forum’s (30/24/14.4% buyer’s premium inc VAT) March 27 auction of more books from the remarkable library of Norman Bobins was a complete copy of a German work following the course of the Danube from its source to the Black Sea.
Goniometer going, going, gone at £2700
15 April 2024This Victorian lacquered brass device made by Elliot Brothers of London is a reflecting goniometer.
Original phrenology models turn heads at auction
15 April 2024Ceramic phrenology heads have become ubiquitous following numerous reproductions. However, original 19th century models are much harder to come by.
Botanical group features in Battle auction action
15 April 2024Twenty-six lots in the Science, Natural History and Curiosities sale at Burstow & Hewett (20% buyer’s premium) in Battle were previously owned by local botanist and entomologist George West.
Photographic viewing device can operate all day and night
15 April 2024The invention of the megalethoscope by the Swiss-Italian optician and photographer Carlo Ponti greatly enhanced the experience of viewing photographs.
Bonhams expects as best of Nelson-themed ceramics come to auction
12 April 2024A single-owner collection of Nelson-themed ceramics and glass will be offered at Bonhams later this month.
Geoffrey Cope collection of British and Roman coins to be sold in Zurich
10 April 2024An outstanding collection of British and Roman coins comes to auction in Zurich this year.
Louis Vuitton luggage collection – including a trunk made for a large rubber duck - comes to auction
09 April 2024An extraordinary single-owner collection of 37 pieces of Louis Vuitton luggage – including a bespoke trunk made for a large rubber duck - comes to auction this month.
Geo Ham's Monaco Grand Prix designs lead Travel & Vintage posters auction
09 April 2024Original printings of two of the most reproduced of all automotive posters come for sale at Lyon & Turnbull this month.
Pick of the week: Tables spark a bidding battle
08 April 2024A pair of 18th century giltwood side tables from a Scottish country house sparked an international bidding battle at Lyon & Turnbull.
A Francis Picabia artwork is among five lots to watch
08 April 2024With estimates from £500, here are five previews of lots coming up at auction this week.
Intelligence officer's Korean screen goes over 100 times above estimate in New Orleans
08 April 2024This Korean 10-panel folding screen made in the late 19th century in the final years of the Joseon period (1392- 1910) was offered on the second day of the recent Unreserved Sale at the Neal Auction Company (25/15% buyer’s premium).
Japanese ghosts and real women
08 April 2024During his travels to Europe, Winfield Robbins (1841-1910) amassed some 150,000 prints that he later left to his hometown of Arlington, Massachusetts.
Louis Vuitton miniature trunk flies over estimate in Maine
08 April 2024Correct in detail, material and quality of construction, down to brass hardware, stencilled cloth and monogrammed leather trim’, a miniature Louis Vuitton trunk sold for $7500 (£5900) at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries (20% buyer’s premium).
Hey Presto – speedy painter’s work offered in the US
08 April 2024A recent Brunk’s (23% buyer’s premium) auction in Asheville, North Carolina, included a group of six small oil-on-copper mythological scenes by Neapolitan painter Luca Giordano (1634-1705).
Boxwood comb would be a heartfelt gift to a loved one
08 April 2024The familiar heart symbol - that today is ‘read’ as love - made its first appearance as a rebus in the late Medieval era.
Lovely bubbly: Snappy is a happy dragon
08 April 2024Snappy the Happy Bubble Blowing Dragon is a scarce battery-operated toy made by Marx in Japan in the 1960s.
Chair made for the Vanderbilts brings bidding battle at Bonhams Skinner
08 April 2024This Herter Bros inlaid rosewood and upholstered slipper chair was part of a suite made for the Vanderbilt family c.1881-82.