Auctions

News and previews of art and antiques sold at auctions throughout the UK and overseas, from multi-million-pound blockbusters to affordable collectables.


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Giant Garrard wine cistern adds plenty of weight to Heritage Auctions' sale

15 April 2024

Almost 3ft (90cm) wide and weighing a massive 710oz, this Edwardian wine cistern is marked for Garrard & Co, London, 1903.

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More from the Bobins collection: Danube danger overcome by the intrepid Ludwig

15 April 2024

Leading Forum’s (30/24/14.4% buyer’s premium inc VAT) March 27 auction of more books from the remarkable library of Norman Bobins was a complete copy of a German work following the course of the Danube from its source to the Black Sea.

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Wurlitzer organ on a whirl in Staffordshire saleroom

15 April 2024

Around 28 American-built Wurlitzers were originally transported to Britain from 1925 until just before the Second World War.

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Steaming ahead but in safety thanks to lanterns

15 April 2024

Although easily mistaken for railway or ship lamps, this pair of brass and iron lanterns were made for a road locomotive: the steam-driven traction engines that were some of the first powered vehicles to travel on Britain’s highways.

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Microscopes under bidder focus in UK and US auctions

15 April 2024

This aristocratic survivor from the ‘brass and glass’ era of microscope making, a version of Powell & Lealand’s famous ‘No 1’ compound monocular and binocular microscope, is dated 1898.

2639AB Edit Heritage Action Comic Copy WEB VERSION

Copy of Action Comics No 1 featuring Superman debut soars to a world record price

11 April 2024

Priced 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.

ATG Petition Crown Cope Collection

Geoffrey Cope collection of British and Roman coins to be sold in Zurich

10 April 2024

An outstanding collection of British and Roman coins comes to auction in Zurich this year.

Arthur Devis portrait

Arthur Devis portrait soars over estimate in Devon auction

10 April 2024

Following the major sum for a rare picture painted in India by Arthur William Devis (1762-1822) at Gorringe’s, another work by the artist flew over estimate a fortnight later in Devon.

Geo Ham Monaco GP Poster 1934

Geo Ham's Monaco Grand Prix designs lead Travel & Vintage posters auction

09 April 2024

Original printings of two of the most reproduced of all automotive posters come for sale at Lyon & Turnbull this month.

Concetto spaziale, La fine di Dio

Egg-shaped artwork could set new auction record for Italian artist Lucio Fontana

09 April 2024

An artwork by Lucio Fontana, the Argentine-Italian artist known for his 'slashed canvas' creations, is coming to auction in May.

The Fall of King Nebuchadnezzar

Bidding battle for Old Testament painting despite condition issues

08 April 2024

A monumental painting of an Old Testament subject, which came to auction in a gloomy state, drew a remarkable bidding battle at a West Sussex sale.

Rayon X

A Francis Picabia artwork is among five lots to watch

08 April 2024

With estimates from £500, here are five previews of lots coming up at auction this week.

Joshua Reynolds’ portrait

Art collection of film director comes up for auction in London

08 April 2024

The 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.

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Earnshaw and Mudge ensure lots of interest

08 April 2024

Demonstrating the continued interest in pocket watches by most renowned English makers, two Georgian watches, one signed for Thomas Earnshaw and the other for Thomas Mudge, achieved strong results for regional salerooms on the same day in March.

Books and works on paper auction calendar, April 10-29, 2024

08 April 2024

Our regular listing of UK and Irish books and works on paper auctions

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Boxwood comb would be a heartfelt gift to a loved one

08 April 2024

The familiar heart symbol - that today is ‘read’ as love - made its first appearance as a rebus in the late Medieval era.

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Xuande period suspected, £43,000 hammer resulted

08 April 2024

This 8in (19cm) high vase may belong to a select group of Ming cloisonné enamel vases dating to the Xuande period (1426-35).

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Cole clock now with Oz dealer

08 April 2024

This parcel gilt silver cased cheval clock by Thomas Cole (1800-64) is hallmarked for London 1850 and the maker John Samuel Hunt of Hunt & Roskell.

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Louis Vuitton miniature trunk flies over estimate in Maine

08 April 2024

Correct in detail, material and quality of construction, down to brass hardware, stencilled cloth and monogrammed leather trim’, a miniature Louis Vuitton trunk sold for $7500 (£5900) at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries (20% buyer’s premium).

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Frodsham given to a lifesaver

08 April 2024

This 18ct gold pocket watch by Charles Frodsham with accompanying chain (offered separately) was presented by Sir Victor Horsley (1857-1916) to the man he credited for saving his son’s life.

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