Latest News Articles by Tom Derbyshire
The other evacuation at the time of Dunkirk
22 June 2020The 80th anniversary of Operation Dynamo, aka the Dunkirk evacuation in May-June 1940, has been in the headlines recently. However, less well known is the fate of the British 51st Highland Division almost 100 miles further along the French coast.
Rare spy camera disguised as pocket watch from 1905 brings bidding battle between two museums
15 June 2020A rare ‘pocket watch’ sold by East Bristol Auctions (18% buyer’s premium) was more surveillance device than timekeeper.
Auction previews: issue 2447
15 June 2020Fifteen upcoming lots from auctions taking place around the UK.
Pick of the week: Into battle armed with bagpipes
18 May 2020As the Scottish regiments went over the top on July 1, 1916 – the fateful First Day of the Somme – they were led into battle by the wail of bagpipes.
The force is with first-ever Star Wars poster
11 May 2020A long time ago, a poster costing $1.75 launched a series of films set in a galaxy far, far away. Forty-four years later, that series has become the phenomenally successful Star Wars blockbuster and a rare example of that same design sold at auction for £4000.
Wolverhampton Wanderers FA Cup and Olympic medals sell at Mullock’s
11 May 2020A gold winner’s medal awarded for the 1893 FA Cup – Wolverhampton Wanderers’ first major trophy – sold for £8000 at Mullock’s (20% buyer’s premium) on April 29-30.
First ever Star Wars poster from 1976 comics event sells for £4000 at auction 44 years later
05 May 2020A long time ago, a poster costing $1.75 launched a series of films set in a galaxy far, far away. Forty-four years later, that series has become the phenomenally successful Star Wars blockbuster and a rare example of that same poster has just sold at auction for £4000.
Pow! Batman poster and toy are hits
04 May 2020Well before the darker Batman film versions of directors Tim Burton and Christopher Nolan there was a more innocent era of Batman on the big and small screens.
Edward the Martyr penny found in ‘remarkable condition’ sells at DNW
27 April 2020A silver penny of the boy king Edward the Martyr – the teenager who ruled Saxon Britain in the 10th century and was later venerated as a saint – has sold to a UK collector for £9000 at Dix Noonan Webb (24% buyer’s premium).
Childhood scrapbook of double Victoria Cross winner Noel Chavasse sells to his old school
22 April 2020A childhood scrapbook including tales of valour written and illustrated by double Victoria Cross winner Noel Chavasse and his twin brother has been bought by their old school in Oxford.
Two very different Florence Nightingale letters for sale in UK and US auctions - plus dealer offers signed photograph
20 April 2020One to a lord about an Ottoman sultan, the other asking for six eggs - two very different letters from Florence Nightingale have emerged at salerooms in the UK and US.
Award for a voyage of non-discovery
20 April 2020In May 1875 the British Arctic Expedition under the command of George Nares (1831-1915) set off on a mission to reach the North Pole via the unchartered ‘open polar sea’.
Vendor not so sad about this price
20 April 2020On April 10, 1970, a Paul McCartney ‘self-interview’ ahead of the release of his debut solo album had been taken by the media to be an announcement that the band was no more.
Metal detectorist discovers Edward the Martyr Saxon boy king silver penny
16 April 2020A metal detectorist who was ready to give up for the day after finding only three .22 lead bullets then got another signal in the same area and dug down about five inches deeper.
Beatrix Potter bonanza as large collection comes up at New York auction
15 April 2020Early works from the ever-popular Beatrix Potter including original drawings or letters are coming up for sale in a New York online auction.
Paul McCartney 'Hey Jude' lyrics used in studio recording sell for not so sad $910,000
14 April 2020A break-up may seem an unusual occasion to celebrate but a US auction held on the 50th anniversary of The Beatles going their separate ways gave vendors and collectors plenty to cheer.
Fab Four in ‘ballroom of the stars’
06 April 2020One of the highlights of actor Peter Wyngarde’s estate sale held live, online-only at East Bristol Auctions (18% buyer’s premium) was a Beatles concert poster from 1963.
Sense of occasion suits the Peter Wyngarde estate sale perfectly
31 March 2020Peter Wyngarde would surely have appreciated the drama that accompanied the auction of his estate – held with the country in the grip of coronavirus.
Badges: the big attraction at Stroud Auctions
16 March 2020Interest from bidders in more than 40 countries competed for what Stroud Auctions (18% buyer’s premium plus VAT) called a “world-class private collection of over 4000 military badges”.
Bosleys moves auction from Marlow to Staffordshire and launches new sale format
16 March 2020Bosleys has launched a new format for its auctions, including a move from Marlow to Staffordshire.