Latest News Articles by Tom Derbyshire
Pick of the Week: Rediscovered Nelson portrait surfaces at sale
11 November 2019A hitherto unknown portrait of Nelson sold for three times the top estimate at the Charles Miller (24% buyer’s premium) auction on November 5.
Stroud Auctions gets to the point with a huge collection of bayonets for sale
29 October 2019Tom Mason’s collecting bug began when his father used to send him postcards and gifts from places he had been posted to in the Second World War, and on his return brought home a number of items of military memorabilia.
RAF helmet soars above estimate
28 October 2019An RAF Second World War brown leather Type C flying helmet with goggles estimated at £400-500 in the Halls (23% buyer’s premium) Books, Medals & Militaria Auction on August 21 soared to £3400.
Fan adulation for naval hero Nelson
28 October 2019Nelson’s naval heroics earned him many fans – and among the many souvenirs they bought to mark his greatness were fans of the cooling variety.
Broadened horizons in medal collecting
28 October 2019While some medal collectors stick rigidly to a narrow period or theme, others take a wider view. A broad taste is evident from a large group on offer in Salisbury.
Extra award marks ‘Forlorn Hope’ bravery
28 October 2019The ‘Forlorn Hope’ was well named: a band of soldiers, often volunteers, chosen to take the lead part in a military operation, such as an assault on a defended position, where the risk of casualties is high. Its usage was especially common in accounts of the Peninsular War (1808-14).
Wheelbarrow fells Waterloo hero
28 October 2019Just imagine: you have been through the horrors of the Battle of Waterloo in a regiment which suffered 217 casualties out of 396, and were wounded yourself, and then your career is ended by… a wheelbarrow.
Missing in action but spotted shooting at a bottle of schnapps
28 October 2019‘Highly unusual’ is how the Duke’s (25% buyer’s premium) cataloguer described a Second World War medal group ahead of its sale in Dorchester on August 22 for £420, just over top estimate.
Silver tureen salutes captain’s fighting spirit
28 October 2019American naval expertise and gallantry came as a big shock to the British, who had become used to the Royal Navy ruling the waves.
Great War mascot fits the Bill
28 October 2019The Old Bill motorcar mascot was a popular item during and after the Great War.
Bayonets sale that gets to the point
28 October 2019Tom Mason’s collecting bug began when his father sent him postcards and gifts from places where he was posted during the Second World War. By his early teens he had started his own collection of military memorabilia and began what would become a lifetime obsession with the American Civil War. Pen pals in the US and Canada helped him search for relics.
Poignant plaque for Women’s RAF
28 October 2019A Great War bronze memorial plaque – the ‘Death Penny’ – awarded to Violet Porter, Women’s Royal Air Force, is estimated at £4000- 5000 in the Spink Orders, Medals and Decorations auction in London on November 27-28.
Shako of sadness emerges at Tunbridge Wells sale
28 October 2019This shako worn by an officer of the 26th Regiment of Bengal Native (Light) Infantry is a reminder of tragic times in India.
Using your head to avoid incoming fire
28 October 2019Red jackets and white helmets looked lovely on the parade ground but in the modern world of warfare developing at the end of the 19th century they also made fine targets for accurate long-range rifles.
Bicorne bidder from the US
28 October 2019This felt bicorne hat is of a type worn by all ranks of the British heavy cavalry and most light cavalry officers until replaced in 1812 by crested helmets and shakos.
First days of the Spurs
21 October 2019The earliest days of Tottenham Hotspur FC are revealed in a remarkable hand-written ledger coming up at auction in a November 4-5 London sale.
Unknown portrait of British naval hero Nelson is discovered by auctioneer Charles Miller
21 October 2019A hitherto unknown portrait of Nelson has been discovered and will be offered at auction on November 5.
Wolves legends through the years
23 September 2019This 9ct Rolex Tudor wristwatch below was presented by the Northern Irish FA to forward Derek Dougan, known by his nickname ‘The Doog’.
Cricket collection scores highly in Canterbury test
23 September 2019Amassed by one of the longest-serving members of the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club), a group of cricketing lots notched up a number of auction highlights last month.
Pugilist pioneers bid to punchy price at Dorset saleroom
23 September 2019Daniel Mendoza is considered one of the first ‘modern’ boxers – one who helped elevate boxing to a sport rather than just two blokes beating each other up.