Collectables

The term ‘collectables’ (or collectibles) encompasses a vast range of items in fields as diverse as arms, armour and militaria, bank notes, cameras, coins, entertainment and sporting memorabilia, stamps, taxidermy, wines and writing equipment.

Some collectables are antiques, others are classed as retro, vintage or curios but all are of value to the collector. In any of these fields, buyers seek out rarities and items with specific associations.


Welsh love spoon

Love is in the air: St Valentine’s Day related items with dealers and at auction

12 February 2024

With catalogues titled Love Lust & Lechery and a tour called Love Motifs & Symbols, there is something for everyone among this selection of items for sale ahead of St Valentine’s Day this week.

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Comics make heroic prices in a super sell-out US auction

05 February 2024

Heritage Auctions’ 1170-lot Comics & Comic Art sale held on January 11-14 delivered a white-glove result.

Prime Minister signatures

From Walpole to Sunak, a prime ministerial autograph collection comes to market

26 January 2024

A private collection comprising the signatures of every one of Britain’s Prime Ministers comes for sale at Chiswick Auctions this month.

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Captain America punches in for a debut comic appearance

22 January 2024

Top lot in the Potter & Potter (25% buyer’s premium) comics sale featured the debut of Captain America – introduced on the cover punching Hitler.

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Fortune tellers and Egyptian tombs – all for just a penny

22 January 2024

Penny in the slot machines known as a ‘Working Model’ came in many guises but, essentially, they all formed a large upright cabinet with a glass window top section.

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A corking vernacular selection on offer in South Yorkshire saleroom

15 January 2024

A large collection of corkscrews and all things vernacular were major features of the two-day sale held by Wilkinson’s (20% buyer’s premium) in Doncaster.

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An Art Deco silver cigarette box is among five lots to watch

08 January 2024

With estimates from £100, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week.

Nun’s badge

Pick of the week: Mexican nun’s badge found in Norfolk

02 January 2024

The Christmas Gifts sale at TW Gaze in Diss included a rare example of 18th century Catholic colonial jewellery: a Mexican 'escudo de monja' or nun’s badge.

Miner's lamp

Pick of the week: Biram’s safety lamp shines at auction

30 October 2023

Lot 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.

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Collector interview: father’s fans are on view to all

23 October 2023

Korean businessman Dr Hahn Kwang-ho CBE (1923-2014) was a well-known philanthropist and collector

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Condition proves crucial to Hulk No 1

16 October 2023

Grey rather than green for his debut, the Incredible Hulk made his first appearance in 1962 and continues to enthral comic collectors.

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Club that keeps the flame alive

16 October 2023

Lighter Club of Great Britain holds fair open to both members and non-members

Andrew Morris

Father’s enthusiasm sealed the deal when it came to my passion

09 October 2023

Andrew Morris inherited the collecting bug from his father, David Morris.

Hunger strike medal

Museum buys Suffragette hunger strike medal after successful fundraising campaign

04 October 2023

Glasgow Women’s Library has bought a hunger strike medal at auction at Bonhams after more than 500 people donated to help secure the piece of suffragette history.

Declaration and seal

Ivory seal deemed to be of ‘outstanding’ value comes to Cirencester auction

02 October 2023

The sale at Moore Allen & Innocent on October 11-12 includes a series of personal items relating to William Duke of Clarence, later William IV (1765-1837).

Lyme Regis station target sign

Pick of the week: Railway station sign steams well above the target

02 October 2023

When it comes to the value of classic railway station signs, key factors include: is the site now disused? Was it from a holiday resort? Is it an early design?

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Lighters ignite interest in classic Dunhill design

02 October 2023

In the wake of an auction record for an ‘aquarium’ lighter at Chiswick Auctions (25/12% buyer’s premium), six more of the classic Dunhill accessories lit up the saleroom.

Meerschaum pipe

Pipe dream reality: meerschaum magnificence

25 September 2023

An elaborate Victorian meerschaum pipe stood out at a recent Surrey sale.

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An auction format that proved to be the right time, right place

18 September 2023

Specialist Bleasdale says his sewing antiques and Tunbridgeware timed online sales are working out well

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Shell out for ornamental combs

18 September 2023

Massive ornamental hair combs such as this are associated with the East Sumbanese people of modern Indonesia.

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