Auctions

Objects associated with the infamous 18th century ‘Beggars Bennison’ society command a certain appeal.

Offered as part of a March 2 sale held by Heritage (20% buyer’s premium) that was billed as a Pulp Magazine Showcase was this October 1919 issue of 'The Thrill Book'.

Shown here is what would be an arachnophobe’s nightmare: one of the 29 hand-coloured engraved plates that illustrate a copy of John Blackwell’s 'History of Spiders of Great Britain and Ireland'.

There was plenty of choice for ceramics collectors at the Krehbiel collection sale.

Feather ‘mosaic’ pictures made in Mexico for Christian conquerors are among the most remarkable objects from 16th century Mesoamerica.

By far the most desirable wares from the Goodwin & Harris ‘Metropolitan Scenery’ series of blue and white transfer printed earthenwares are those featuring cricketers in the grounds of Windsor Great Park.

The sale of automobilia at Richard Edmunds Auctions (20% buyer’s premium) in Chippenham on March 25 included a total of 16 different glass pump globes advertising Shell products.

The dust jacket in those familiar red, black and yellow colours favoured by the publisher, Gollancz, had a few shortcomings in terms of condition, including some chips and losses, but this ‘Just out!’ 1935 first of 'Gaudy Night', signed by its author, Dorothy L Sayers, was bid to £2100 on March 3.

Our regular listing of UK and Irish book auctions

This George III blue john vase standing 14in (14cm) high on a square marble base was probably turned and carved by the Derby marble mason Richard Brown for Matthew Boulton.

Across more than 800 objects offered at the Krehbiel sale, the great majority were proper antiques.

A round-up of Arts & Crafts pieces coming up at auction.

The name ‘peg tankard’ is derived from the vertical row of pegs inside that can be used to measure the amount of alcohol drunk as the tankard was passed around the table. The form, made in wood and in silver, was particularly prevalent in Scandinavia.

Ceramic works by the late Lady Anne Gordon, Dowager Marchioness of Aberdeen (1924-2007) are becoming a favourite with a new generation of collectors and decorators.

This monumental white marble frieze titled Nelson receiving the Spanish surrender after the Battle of St Vincent was created c.1826 by the English sculptor Edward Hodges Baily (1788-1867).

Subject to particular competition from Napoleon buffs at the sale of Books and Works on Paper at Chiswick Auctions on March 16 was an original watercolour sketch titled Funeral Procession to the grave of Bonaparte, 9 May 1821.

This military tunic was worn by the English soldier and friend of the Romantic poets Edward John Trelawny during the Greek War of Independence.