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Latest art and antiques news from Antiques Trade Gazette. Browse by topics such as art finance, auctions, insurance and recruitment.

VCs stolen in museum raid

21 December 2007

THIEVES have stolen a collection of war medals Ð including five Victoria Crosses Ð awarded to 12 of New ZealandÕs most highly decorated servicemen. The burglary took place shortly after 1am on December 2 at the Army Museum in Waiouru.

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£200,000 bid sets new record for Scottish sword

21 December 2007

At 3ft 21/4in (97cm) long, this exceptionally rare Scottish Highland two-hand sword or claymore dates to the third quarter of the 16th century. So rare is it, in fact, that no other example has appeared on the market in recent years.

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Lost shield resurfaces and is sold

21 December 2007

This massive silver-gilt shield of Achilles, by Rundell, Bridge & Rundell of London, lost to scholars for the better part of the 20th century, appeared at Sotheby's on December 18 after resurfacing in Belgium.

US to keep $19m Magna Carta in DC National Archives

21 December 2007

The last privately owned copy of Magna Carta will remain in the USA after its $19m (£9.8m) purchase by billionaire David Rubenstein.

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A monk's prayer at £60,000

21 December 2007

WHAT looked like yet another Old Master sleeper in the provinces appeared in Gloucestershire on December 7.

New auction house aims to open up India from Bangalore

18 December 2007

THE new year will see a new auction house open in India – with a wide remit to develop the domestic and international markets.

Chinese help Fine Art Society to best return in 131 years

18 December 2007

BUSINESS from China increased fivefold for the Fine Arts Society in 2007, helping to bring the company the highest turnover in their 131-year history.

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Beware this opportunist couple

18 December 2007

DEALERS are being asked to look out for the couple, pictured here, who attempted to steal a tea caddy from Patrick Sandberg Antiques in London’s Kensington Church Street on November 28.

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All at sea for the first time and earning a £52,000

18 December 2007

A copy of the earliest printed sea atlas sold for a record £52,000 to a Dutch dealer in an Anderson & Garland sale of November 28.

Diva who can still hit the high notes 30 years on

18 December 2007

There is nothing quite like dying young for genius to acquire immortality. An object lesson in this came with the predictably frantic bidding from the four corners of the world at the sale of some effects once belonging to Maria Callas. The total of €1.3m (£900,000) trebled expectations.

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Striking a festive note at £1.5m

18 December 2007

The Nativity and Annunciation to the Shepherds scenes illustrated here are part of a superb group of 51 miniatures dating from the last years of the 12th century.

Clarice Cliff collectors defect to the Midlands over buyer’s premium hike

18 December 2007

Midlands auctioneers Fieldings and the Clarice Cliff Collectors’ Club (CCCC) are to join forces to hold sales of the avidly collected Art Deco pottery.

Something to raise the Christmas spirits

18 December 2007

Christie’s held the first auction of spirits in New York since Prohibition on December 8.

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Is this the finest sculpture on earth?

10 December 2007

It is only 3.25in (8cm) high, but it made more than any sculpture or antiquity ever offered at auction.

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First Fleet gem from the hand of Australia’s first Western immigrant artist

10 December 2007

SMALL in size but large in shock value, this portrait miniature stunned the Gorringes’ saleroom when it sold at £90,000 plus 17.5 per cent buyer’s premium on December 6.

French auctioneers join challenge to eBay’s legal opt-out

10 December 2007

EU ruling may supersede court decision on eBay’s status

Money laundering alert as dealer spots con

10 December 2007

SPECIALIST glass dealer Ron Wheeler is alerting the trade to a possible scam after being approached via email by someone looking for gifts.

£570,000 claim puts vendor contracts under scrutiny

10 December 2007

Bonhams are being sued in a case that could have a significant impact on contracts between vendors and auction houses.

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Cole proves hot at £34,000 hammer

03 December 2007

Among the highlights of Tennants’ Autumn Catalogue sale held in Leyburn on November 22-23 was this exceptional Victorian Egyptian revival table clock.

New tax threat to London art market

03 December 2007

TREASURY plans to close tax loopholes for the wealthiest foreigners living in the UK could seriously damage the art market, it is feared.

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