Latest News Articles by Tom Derbyshire
Rock on with a jukebox purchase
15 April 2024Perfect to impress your friends and family – or annoy them – many vintage jukeboxes can be bought at auction for three or four figures depending on age, model and condition.
Copy of Action Comics No 1 featuring Superman debut soars to a world record price
11 April 2024Priced 10 cents when it appeared in 1938, a copy of Action Comics No 1 which introduced Superman has become the world’s most valuable comic book.
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.
Art collection of film director comes up for auction in London
08 April 2024The personal art collection of film director and intellectual Pierre Rouve (1915-98), kept in his Chelsea house until he died, will be offered at auction.
Lofty prices from attic comics find
08 April 2024A collection of vintage comics has sold at auction in Lichfield for a total hammer price of £13,150.
Original comic artwork in demand
08 April 2024“Our selection of Charley’s War artwork continues to attract new winning bidders”, says Malcolm Phillips.
Ephemera provides treasure trove for a private press fan
08 April 2024Archive offers glimpse into the golden age of small-scale publishing when tiny print runs were the norm
Mersey Beat newspapers sold at auction unveil an up and coming band - the Beatles
02 April 2024By the start of 1962 the Beatles were on the cusp of stardom but challenges remained.
A Steiff teddy bear is among seven lots to watch
01 April 2024With estimates from £60, here are seven previews of items coming up at auction this week.
Bravery of mine defusers recognised by George medals and crosses
01 April 2024George Medals were awarded to military recipients for bravery not in the face of the enemy, so bomb or mine disposal is a classic reason.
Lost in non-translation: honour won by a blagger
01 April 2024On February 29 Fellows (25% buyer’s premium) of Birmingham held its inaugural Monies, Medals & Militaria sale.
Chronicle of a Canadian way of life soon to disappear
01 April 2024Irish-born William W Armstrong (1822-1914) emigrated to Canada in 1851 and initially found success as a civil engineer on the early railways and pioneering photography for industrial purposes.
Snuff box up at auction 'belonged to Napoleon on St Helena'
01 April 2024The Militaria auction at Norfolk saleroom TW Gaze on April 18 includes an item linked to Napoleon’s exile on St Helena.
POW sketches created in secret reveal Japanese camp scenes
01 April 2024A remarkable sketchbook compiled after its creator had been taken prisoner at the fall of Singapore in the Second World War sold for £1650 (estimate £500-700) as part of a timed online sale.
Thanks for keeping my Scottish regalia safe, Charles
01 April 2024This letter signed by Charles II was written in September 1660, mere months after the restoration of the monarchy.
Steele shows his mettle in the North West Mounted Police
01 April 2024This North West Mounted Police hat badge caught the attention when Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood (25% buyer’s premium) of Exeter sold the remaining personal effects of Canadian soldier and policeman Major General Sir Samuel Benfield Steele KCMG CB MVO (1848-1919) on March 19.
Victoria Cross awarded eventually ‘by vote of his brother officers’
01 April 2024Among six-figure successes in the medals market, last year Spink sold the ‘Operation Chastise’ Distinguished Flying Cross group of five given to Dambuster Flt Lt Edward ‘Johnnie’ Johnson for £105,000.
Personal touch on board: the ditty box
01 April 2024With space and privacy at a premium on board ships, sailors used ditty boxes to store their most treasured possessions plus personal necessities and everyday items such as sewing kit.
Medals & militaria: String of six-figure successes in Mayfair
01 April 2024Mayfair auction house builds on an excellent performance last year with stand-out results at the start of 2024