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A recent federal law, designed to preserve the integrity of United States medals and decorations, is creating chaos within the militaria collecting field.

This Chinese turquoise ground ewer, standing just 73/4in (19.7cm) high, belongs to a group of ritual wares specially commissioned by the Qing Court for placement on Buddhist altars. Their function was for ceremonial use in palaces and temples either within the Forbidden Palace or Bishushanzhuang in Chengde.

Late trading in New York on February 21 saw the price of gold rocket $23.50 (£16.50) to $680.50 (£482.50) an ounce, its highest close since July 7 last year. The leap followed publication of the US Department of Labour’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) report showing inflation had risen faster than expected in January.

CHRISTIE’S International have raised the stakes in the frantically competitive post-War and Contemporary art markets by acquiring leading dealership Haunch of Venison.

SOTHEBY’s are attempting to gain a lead over their competitors in the crucial area of client services by announcing major enhancements to their website. It follows the decision by rivals Christie’s to bring in new online features such as live bidding last year.

THE FBI have arrested a retired lawyer who became involved in a £20m stolen art saga. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in jail.

A NEW government-backed website is promising to be a one-stop shop to help people buy and sell antiques legally.

The hotels of Newbury were full of lovers on Valentine’s Day – lovers of Chinese jade. A packed room and a full bank of telephones were buzzing as Dreweatt Neate sold Chinese jade from the collection of the late June, Lady Horlick, including many pieces acquired from the London trade in the 1960s and 1970s and not seen on the market since then.

Council commission points to more sympathetic position

THE High Court judge in the dispute over a fragment of limestone relief removed from Persepolis has explained why he did not rule that it should be returned to Iran.

Bonhams have changed their buyer’s premium rates globally to match Sotheby’s and Christie’s with immediate effect.

Auction series takes art sales to new level

NEW YORK’s fairs scene is in some turmoil following a massive rent hike at the Seventh Regiment Armory on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, the city’s chosen venue for art and antiques fairs.

A NEW tax guide for people who trade online has been launched on the Inland Revenue’s website.

According to the terms of her will, when Ann Routh of Beverley in Yorkshire’s East Riding died in 1722, money and land were set aside from her estate to build a hospital in the Parish of St John or St Martin.

Share of places has risen to a quarter as prices have soared, say Artprice

HAVING not seen the light of day for around 40 years, this Bassett Lowke locomotive excited train enthusiasts when it came up for sale at Malcolm’s No 1 Auctions in Boston Spa, Wetherby, North Yorkshire.

CHRISTIE’S have announced that they are raising their 20 per cent buyer’s premium threshold from £100,000 ($200,000) to £250,000 ($500,000). The move matches that made by Sotheby’s in mid January.

A spectacular sleeper was awoken in Sweden on December 5 when an oil sketch catalogued as in the manner of Peter Paul Rubens sold to a British buyer at SEK16.6m (£1,298,000) amidst speculation it was by the artist himself.

The pair of seven-light brass candlestands pictured here proved to be the highlight of a special themed sale held at Bonhams’ on January 29 titled The Gentleman’s Library Sale.