North America

This 1890s automaton made by Vichy (France) is known as Pierrot Serenading the Moon and is considered a signature model of the firm.

This large porcelain lamp modelled as an owl perched on the capital of a corinthian column dates from the golden era of the Riessner, Stellmacher & Kessel factory – better known as Amphora.

Impressions of all three of Albrecht Dürer’s (1471-1528) famous Meisterstiche (master engravings) were sold by Grogan & Co (25% buyer's premium) on May 4.

Recently found in Italy, a previously unrecorded portrait of Benjamin Franklin sold at Freeman’s Hindman (27/21/15% buyer's premium) in Philadelphia for $30,000 (£24,000).

The French toymaker Georges Carette (1861-1954) is thought to have learned how to make magic lanterns from the Paris specialist maker August Lapierre.

The existence of third-party guarantees has been a notable feature in the auction market for more than two decades now. Indeed, it is now the most common form of guarantee issued by salerooms, in particular on high-value artworks.

Image of a horse-drawn coach takes top price as many desirable designs come up at auction

A museum in the US has revealed that it made $500,000 by acting as a third-party guarantor at high-profile sales.

Snake bracelet among the highlights as period jewellery makes a Chicago auction debut

Two oils by the Anglo-American marine artist Robert Salmon, painted while he lived and worked in Scotland, were offered by Stair Galleries (28% buyer’s premium) in Hudson, New York, on April 25.

In his native Hungary, Károly Patkó (1895-1941) is a recognised name in early 20th century art.

René Lalique had already enjoyed a hugely successful career as a jewellery designer in the Art Nouveau taste before he ventured into glass manufacture and the Art Deco.

Marion Antique Auctions’ (23% buyer’s premium) May 4 sale included a 1913 yachting trophy made for the winner of the Eastern Yacht Club Cruise. That winner turned out to be Elena, a 136ft vessel owned by railroad baron Morton Plant (1852-1918).

A spectacular 19th century Steinway concert grand piano sold for $80,000 (£64,000) at Nadeau’s (23% buyer’s premium).

The Memphis Miliano design movement was born on the evening of December 11, 1980, when architect-designer Ettore Sottsass (1917-2007) invited young creators and architects to discuss the future of Italian ‘post-modern’ design.

Manuscript ‘sold in 1776’ at forerunner of Sotheby’s emerges in New York sale