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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Mercedes-Benz tools make $8000 on their own

29 April 2024

As an original Mercedes-Benz 300SL now costs something north of $1m, it is perhaps no surprise to learn that original accessories associated with the Flügeltürer are eagerly sought.

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Davenport displays Irish touch

29 April 2024

Irish marquetry furniture is a very distinctive form of decorative technique associated in particular with Killarney.

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Scientist’s microscopes go under a bidding inspection

29 April 2024

A collection of microscopes and other antique scientific instruments from the estate of Ohio scientist John A Davidson Jr (1939-2023) came for sale at Gray’s Auctioneers (20% buyer’s premium) on April 17.

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Collector gripped by Classical Greek pottery appeal

29 April 2024

Among the highlights of Sworders’ (25% buyer’s premium) Fine Interiors sale was a collection of antiquities formed by the late Sir Clinton Charles Donald Cory (1937-2022), 5th Baronet of Coryton.

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Uncle Sam joins the world as influential timeline gets an update

29 April 2024

'A New Chart of History' by the British chemist and natural philosopher Joseph Priestley is considered one of the most influential timelines published in the 18th century.

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Fine copy of Hilliard’s miniature Raleigh portrait comes to light

29 April 2024

The well-known miniature portrait of Sir Walter Raleigh by Nicholas Hilliard (c.1547-1619) in the National Portrait Gallery was painted c.1585, the year after Raleigh was knighted.

Books and works on paper auction calendar, April 30-May 26, 2024

29 April 2024

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

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Indian connections help Devis for a second time

29 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.

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Beautiful binding boosts Nisbet's Holy Land book

29 April 2024

First published by James Nisbet in 1858, 'Lays of the Holy Land from ancient and modern Poets' comprises verse from a range of authors together with black and white Illustrations from Victorian artists including Myles Birket Foster, John Everett Millais and Thomas Seddon.

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Light Ponti armchairs carry weighty auction value

29 April 2024

Among the starring lots at the Wright (26% buyer’s premium) Design sale on March 28 was a pair of Gio Ponti lacquered wood, upholstery and brass Triennale armchairs, dating to 1951.

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Seat coverings come with Scottish family connection

29 April 2024

Pictured here are two lots of seat furniture that impressed bidders in recent auctions in Gloucestershire and Cheshire.

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Death sentence for king's mistress proves popular

29 April 2024

Warrant for Madame du Barry, mistress of Louis XV, sells well eight years after last auction appearance

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Furniture loaned to National Trust properties goes under the hammer

29 April 2024

Many items from a group on offer in west London had been displayed at National Trust sites

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Up with the revolution (for porcelain)

29 April 2024

Russian porcelain is still in demand, especially those early Soviet-era pieces from the years following the Revolution.

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Works sourced from artists' relatives add interest to West Sussex sale

29 April 2024

Works consigned by family descendants of artists proved to be an intriguing aspect of the latest Old Master, British & European Paintings sale at Bellmans (25% buyer’s premium).

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PG Wodehouse presentation copy comes in sought-after dust jacket

29 April 2024

The third book in the 'Blandings Castle' saga by PG Wodehouse was first published in the United States on July 1, 1929 by Doubleday Doran, New York, under the title 'Fish Preferred'.

Alexandre Raoul Morel snuffbox

French royal snuffbox found in vendor’s bathroom cabinet stars in single-owner sale

26 April 2024

A French gold and diamond Royal presentation portrait snuffbox was among the lots drawing strong interest at a large single-owner sale at Gloucestershire saleroom Chorley’s.

April 25 Nelson Horatia Service

Nelson's Worcester teapot brings £42,000

26 April 2024

The so-called Horatia service – named after the daughter of Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton – is among the best documented commissions from the Chamberlain’s factory.

Gustav Klimt portrait

Klimt portrait sets Austrian auction record but fails to ignite bidding battle

25 April 2024

A late portrait by Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) that emerged at Vienna auction house im Kinsky has sold for €30m (£25.9m).

2642AR Edit Dukes Charles I 5000 Gold Unite

Coin hoard found under a farmhouse floor all sold in 'white glove' Dorset auction

25 April 2024

Coin hoards found buried in fields are a relatively common occurrence. One discovered under a concrete floor not so much...

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