Auction Reports

Bidders who missed out on a version of Gerald Summers’ 1933-34 plywood armchair sold for £20,000 as part of a collection of Simple Furniture at Lyon & Turnbull last October did not have too long to wait for another to appear for sale.

What is very probably a new record for the Nymphenburg porcelain factory was set at the 500 Years of European Ceramics sale at Bonhams (27.5/25% buyer’s premium) on December 7.

Considered one of the best British movies about the Second World War, the British quad-sized poster for 'The Dam Busters' (1955) was not too bad either.

Top price at the Ewbank’s (25% buyer’s premium) poster auction on January 6 came for a design that was a work of art in itself.

English names from a defunct clock manufactory were used for familiarity in an export market

Among the most eagerly contested lots in a sale of vintage posters was a set of three unrestored advertising posters by the Tuscany-born, Paris-based Leonetto Cappiello (1875-1942).

A collectors’ timed online sale at Mallams (25% buyer’s premium) included a group lot of early 20th century juvenalia owned by a key figure in Second World War naval intelligence.

Eye-catching bijouterie attracted international buyers to Olympia Auctions’ (25% buyer’s premium) 320-lot European Works of Art sale.

Collection amassed by the popular TV magician leaves bidders spellbound as nearly all items get away

Carved c.1880 and acquired in Shanghai during the 1930s, the opal cameo shown here was the choice of pre-Christmas jewellery offered in a Somerset sale.

A late 19th century novelty silver teapot offered at Halls (22% buyer’s premium) was made by US silversmith Gorham of Rhode Island.

The chest of drawers and the kneehole desk are both classic forms of early Georgian walnut furniture. However, rarely are they seen on the same piece.

Discovered by a metal detectorist on Dorset land once owned by Sir Thomas Brook, the late 14th century diamond set gold love ring captured hearts and international interest at Noonans’ (24% buyer’s premium) Mayfair rooms.

Among a wealth of English furniture consigned from a Wiltshire country house the outstanding items were a George I japanned bureau-cabinet and a pair of George III carved giltwood girandoles.

Collectors of Staffordshire have noted a number of higher prices of late and further evidence of a more active market came when a pair of Victorian Staffordshire flatback figures was offered by Lacy, Scott & Knight (22.5% buyer’s premium).

The most famous of the many silversmiths in the German city of Hanau in the late 19th century was Neresheimer & Söhne.

At Frant there dwells a Man of fame. By trade a Tailor, Smart by name.

'Plumb-pudding in danger or State Epicures taking un Petit Souper' is the most famous of all James Gillray’s satirical caricatures and perhaps the most well-known of all Georgian political cartoons.

Comprehensive sewing kit, playing cards, mirror and pocketknife are among the attractions at Warwick sale

This Thailand 10 Baht note appears to be a printer’s design that was unissued.