Features

An historically significant document dating from 1785 and a previously unrecorded campaign handbill concerning the election that saw Thomas Jefferson become the third US president were highlights of a February 17 sale at Freeman’s (26/20/12% buyer’s premium).

Two upcoming lots at US book auctions.

The six lots described here are drawn from a hugely successful sale of comics and comic art held in Dallas by Heritage (20% buyer’s premium) over four days, from April 7-10.

Seldom does the stereotypical image of the rare book specialist fit the current generation of dealers and auctioneers. Members of the 21st century book trade come from all walks of life with their interests and areas of specialisation just as varied. ATG speaks to five members of the trade to discover their route into rare books.

Though it is the pineapple that is most prominent, it is the assortment of creatures that flutter around, climb or emerge from its leaves that are the principal attraction of this coloured plate, below.

Dealer Tim Bryars previews this year’s London Map Fair with an eye on current collecting trends

If social media makes you feel like Big Brother is watching you, and if truth occasionally feels stranger than fiction, then like many bibliophiles you might be exploring books that suggest models for society and the role of the individual.

A selection of 14 upcoming lots from auctions taking place around the UK and overseas.

Three upcoming UK book auctions

But Brexit red tape is the talk of the trade as favourite fair returns to Old Town Hall

Can you tell your foxing from your deckle edge? Or quire from collation? Here is a handy guide to some of the terms used in the books and works on paper collecting field.

Charterhouse (25% buyer’s premium) has been holding auctions of classic cars, motorcycles and automobilia for nearly 20 years.

Lyon & Turnbull’s Fine Asian & Islamic Works of Art auction includes this Longquan yuhuchun vase with carved decoration from the early Ming period.

Described by Bonhams (15% buyer’s premium) as “the ultimate in rally equipment from the 1960s”, a pair of stopwatches mounted on an original Heuer plate intended to be attached to the dashboard of a racing or rally car received a suitably enthusiastic response.

European subject matter adorns this rare 18th century painted enamel ‘Jesuit’ bowl.

‘Significant damage and rust’ was spot on as a catalogue description when it came to an enamel sign sold at Cotswold Auction Company (22% buyer’s premium) on February 8. It was a mess.

Globalisation, the phenomenon that first created a Western market for Asian art in the 17th century, is once more changing the way that Chinese works of art, in particular, are being sold.

Bonhams holds a sale titled Polish and Poise: Japanese Art Through the Centuries sale at New Bond Street on May 12.

This 14th century cinnabar lacquer dish measuring almost 14in (35cm) across was acquired in Shanghai by the father of the present owner in the 1930s.

McTear’s in Glasgow conducts an Asian Art sale on June 10 where a set of 11 Satsuma plates is guided at £1000-2000.