Auctions

A portrait of a 15th century Flemish man drew a protracted bidding battle in Barcelona this month after speculation it could be an elusive work by Dieric Bouts (c.1415-75).

An early work believed to have been painted by Thomas Gainsborough (1727-88) at the age of 16 has emerged at Cambridge saleroom Cheffins.

The collecting history of English silver spoons spans well over a century.

An Anglo-Saxon gold shilling or thrymsa dating from 650- 670AD took £15,000 at Dix Noonan Webb in Mayfair.

Anonymous complete edition from 1696-97 is now recognised as the work of Mary Astell

Christie’s was first off the mark in terms of releasing details of upcoming lots at this summer’s Old Masters auction series in London. Last week it announced two important consignments from the collection of Cecil and Hilda Lewis.

RAF Wing Commander Terence Helfer’s Distinguished Flying Cross citation stated: “He has undertaken many hazardous missions…”

Works by Alfred Kubin will be offered at a Swiss auction this month.

The most cherished coin from the reign of Victoria proved popular at a German saleroom

For several years, from 1902-06, the 'Oihonna', an ice-strengthened passenger ship belonging to the Finland Steamship Company, undertook regular cruises to the Norwegian archipelago of Spitzbergen.

An unfinished portrait attributed to Sir Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641) led the inaugural sale held by Sloane Street Auctions (25% buyer’s premium) in London.

A portrait of a young woman which was previously attributed to Angelica Kauffman drew bidding at Toovey’s (24.5% buyer’s premium) after being reattributed to George Romney (1734-1802).

Earlier this year the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Brussels restituted a painting from its collection for the first time: Lovis Corinth’s (1858-1925) 'Still Life: Red and Pink Roses in a Vase on a Tablecloth (Flowers)' of 1913.

More than 1000 Old Master drawings offered in around 500 lots over two days went under the hammer of Beaussant Lefèvre (27% buyer’s premium inc VAT) at Drouot on February 10-11 when the auction firm dispersed the collection of Jacques and Colette Ulmann.

ATG’s pick of auction lots bought by internet bidders on thesaleroom.com, featuring both the highest prices over estimate and the top prices paid online.

The only known blueprint of a Great War British Mark I tank has been sold by Carlisle auction house Laidlaw (18.5% buyer’s premium) to The Tank Museum in Bovington.