International

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.

According to the engraved plaque, this Russian silver cycling trophy, offered by Antiqon (25% buyer’s premium) in Riga, Latvia, on May 18, was presented by Grand Duke Sergei Mikhailovich to the best cyclist in northern Russia and champion of the Tour of St Michaels.

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.

A world atlas produced by a Dublin-born man who is considered the first US commercial publisher made its way to the Irish capital to be sold at auction house Adam’s (25% buyer’s premium).

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).