Auctions

In a world in which American superhero comics featuring Superman, Batman and other characters regularly sell for substantial six and seven-figure sums, it is really quite refreshing to be reminded of more modestly priced British rarities.

Our weekly selection from salerooms.

Among the unexpected performers at the Prop Store’s (25% buyer’s premium) entertainment memorabilia sale was a single-sheet Star Wars poster.

Fresh generations of the famous family added to hall’s collections to create eclectic mix. Jonathan Franks reports.

Two very different lots from a November 10 sale held by Dominic Winter (20% buyer’s premium) are noted here.

Pook & Pook will hold a wide-ranging Americana and International auction on January 13-14 in Downington, Pennsylvania.

An early Märklin Central Station dating from c.1901-10 and made for the English market was one of the top-sellers in the large autumn toys sale held by Bertoia (20% buyer’s premium).

The full fall-out from the record-breaking Dr John P Driscoll sale of British studio ceramics is yet to be understood.

Modern British sculptures were the main attraction at Wotton Auction Rooms’ (18% buyer’s premium) recent sale at Stouts Hill Manor.

The undoubted star of the November 24 sale at Tennants (20% buyer’s premium) was the early 15th century folding almanac, or girdle book, that took £95,000.

Pair of bronzes of north African subjects are consigned by a branch of sculptor’s family.

Further lots from ancient country seat star alongside a stellar specialist collection.

Left out of the Christie’s sale 20 years ago, but far from remnant-bag pieces, the 11 early needlework items from the Sir Frederick Richmond collection offered at Gildings (20% buyer’s premium) attracted keen interest from UK collectors and specialist dealers.

While the Tiepolo drawing caused the biggest stir at the Roseberys (25/20/12% buyer’s premium) November 17 sale (see separate story in this edition), there were several other notable results, writes Jonathan Franks.

Copy of ‘most influential work in the history of microscopy’ surfaces in Chicago saleroom.

‘Venus’ figurines from the Upper Paleolithic are recognised as some of the earliest works of prehistoric art.

“The owner had no idea what they were or what they might be worth. Not a Scooby.”

It is thought that Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (1696-1770) executed at least a hundred drawings featuring the Punchinelli, the hook-nosed, humpbacked clowns which were central to the commedia dell’arte. Jonathan Franks reports.

Edouard Manet’s (1832-83) small-scale works have always enjoyed a keen following alongside his larger more finished paintings.