Latest News Articles by Tom Derbyshire
Pick of the week: Biram’s safety lamp shines at auction
30 October 2023Lot 57 at Sutton Hill Farm Country Auctions on October 21 comprised ‘2 framed paintings, signed J Cole, one other’, taking a hammer price of £8. Lot 59, a ‘vintage Sesame Street Big Bird piano toy’ (in working order) made it into double figures, at £14.
Two 18th century samplers related to Robert Burns are among five lots to watch
30 October 2023With estimates from £200, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week.
Aussie uniform heads back Down Under
30 October 2023Although Gallipoli in the Great War became a defining moment in Australian nationhood and identity, the second Boer War from 1899-1902 featured the first-large scale involvement of troops from Down Under.
Bob heads off to war
30 October 2023A never-before-seen photo of soldiers leaving Ulster to fight in the First World War and a serviceman’s diary from the trenches have been uncovered.
‘Shell head’ helped to keep the Free French fighting
30 October 2023One of the best performers against estimate at Tennants’ (24% buyer’s premium) Militaria & Ethnographica sale on September 20 was a fascinating collection of photographs and ephemera relating to a French Second World War hero.
Doll defender of Guernsey sells at 10 times estimate
30 October 2023An intriguing painted wooden British soldier doll sold for more than 10 times the top estimate when it was offered at Guernsey auction house Martel Maides (24% buyer’s premium).
Maritime specialist Miller waves goodbye to Fulham and moves to… Fulham
30 October 2023It is a big move for auctioneer Charles Miller. Well, big in terms of his new premises being larger and taller. Not so big in terms of huge distance, however.
Rare Arctic discovery in Dorset auction
30 October 2023Only 155 Arctic Medals 1875-76 were issued, with 59 of those being to HMS Discovery.
Cape features more than 300 thank-yous for nurse Carey
30 October 2023The front page of ATG No 2558 featured a Second World War nurse’s cape decorated with an array of cloth regimental badges that sold at Essex auction house Sworders in August last year.
The Polish eagle has landed in badge form
30 October 2023Among recent paratrooper items that impressed at auction, this Polish badge with combat wreath doubled the top estimate at Bosleys to take £4000 from a UK online private buyer.
Bidders jump to attention for Paratrooper gear
30 October 2023Airborne forces memorabilia is usually a winner at auction but especially when it’s an early example
Pick of the week: Tokens collection attracts keen US interest
23 October 2023This halfpenny featuring a ‘wild man’s head’ from northern Japan actually promotes a rather less fiercesome individual: Richard Summer, a perfumer and dealer in curiosities in Cavendish Street, London.
A George III truncheon is among five lots to watch
16 October 2023With estimates from £500, here are five previews of items coming up this week.
Condition proves crucial to Hulk No 1
16 October 2023Grey rather than green for his debut, the Incredible Hulk made his first appearance in 1962 and continues to enthral comic collectors.
Cat and mice existing in harmony: the Graham Oakley Studio auction
16 October 2023Beautiful watercolours by children’s book author and illustrator come to auction in studio sale
WW1 Jewish flying ace’s medals go to auction
09 October 2023The Distinguished Flying Cross and bar awarded to the highest scoring Jewish ‘ace’ of the First World War is to be offered at Noonans’ auction in London on October 13.
An Art Nouveau design by a woman silversmith is among five lots to watch
09 October 2023With estimates from £600, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week.
First glimpse of what became the cult classic film Withnail and I
09 October 2023When 'Withnail and I' was released in 1987 it was a British film that seemed destined to disappear into obscurity.