Latest News Articles by Tom Derbyshire
Ocean liner Art Deco relief surfaces in saleroom
27 March 2023When RMS Queen Mary was launched in 1934 it was not only at the cutting edge of technology but also featured some of the grandest interior designs ever seen aboard an ocean liner.
Aircraft model made in London proves a cut above in Canadian saleroom
27 March 2023Beautiful construction, rarity and interesting history combined to make a British-made cutaway model sought after in a Canadian auction.
Apology from Beatle Harrison to disappointed schoolgirl fan
27 March 2023A letter of apology written by George Harrison after two autograph-hunting schoolgirls got a distinctly unfriendly reception when they turned up on the doorstep of his home took £6100 at auction.
Busby Babe Johnny Berry remembered thanks to medal sale success
27 March 2023In one way, Johnny Berry (1926-94) was luckier than many of Manchester United’s Busby Babes: he survived the Munich air disaster on February 6, 1958, that killed many of his teammates.
Surrealist carpet designed comes with heart and sole
27 March 2023Footprint design telling a story of lost love stars among a selection of ‘out of the ordinary’ collectables lots sold at auction
Early example of Donald Duck merchandise flies high
27 March 2023On June 9, 1934, Donald Duck made his debut in a supporting role in a Silly Symphony cartoon titled The Wise Little Hen.
Tolkien’s family and friends
27 March 2023Middle-Earth history works edited by Christopher and two copies of The Hobbit with interesting links
Photo shows Gunners still south of the river
27 March 2023With Arsenal still setting the pace at the top of the Premier League as we went to press, several lots offered at Graham Budd’s (24% buyer’s premium) sale on March 7-8 acted as a reminder of the club’s formative days.
First 007 film Dr No still a thriller for poster fans
27 March 2023In the 007 collecting scene Dr No (1962) is usually the film poster buyers are most keen to say yes to.
Alluring advertising plaque looks good at £2100
27 March 2023This polychrome advertising plaque features a portrait of Ninon de L’Enclos, a notorious courtesan who scandalised France by numerous affairs with prominent statesmen and church notables.
Poster from era with Sex Pistols on the cusp of success
27 March 2023On November 26, 1976, the Sex Pistols released their first single, Anarchy in the UK.
Puppy called Fairy was small stuff but a big result nevertheless
27 March 2023Many animals stuffed by taxidermists stand out as fiercesome beasts that could easily have turned on the hunters themselves.
Tapes set Rod Stewart on road to stardom
27 March 2023Shown here is the original 15ips (inches per second) tape of, by repute, Rod Stewart’s first recording on June 18, 1964, together with a second copy.
No Dickens available but a cricket tour at least
27 March 2023“A very rare and early item of cricketing history” is how Knights Sporting Auctions (20% buyer’s premium) describes the large silk handkerchief shown here.
Silver meant first place in the first revived Olympics
27 March 2023Gold has become the standard to aspire to at the Olympics but for the first version of the modern summer Games it was silver.
Pick of the week: Notable name seals the deal at £10,000
20 March 2023An original owner of considerable military renown made the difference when a c.1820 gold fob seal came up for auction in London on March 14.
A Charles II stumpwork casket is among five lots to watch
20 March 2023With estimates from £400, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week.
Manchester United match programmes ‘could be unique survivors’
20 March 2023A pair of football programmes proved the pull of early Manchester United memorabilia remains strong among collectors