Latest News Articles by Roland Arkell
Harman flintlock pistols for sale as part of a collection
08 September 2025This fine pair of early 18th century flintlock pistols by John Harman of London are part of a collection of firearms and militaria that goes under the hammer at Catherine Southon on September 17 in Chislehurst, south-east London.
Rare Freemasonry relic brings demand as collar jewel fetches over 50 times estimate
03 September 2025Following disagreements over ritual and governance, two rival Freemasonry grand lodges – the Antients and Moderns – had emerged in the 1750s.
Beatrix Potter hops into auction as Schuster collection comes to Dominic Winter
02 September 2025What is thought to be the largest and most comprehensive private collection of Beatrix Potter memorabilia ever assembled comes for sale in the autumn.
Fisher to head Woolley & Wallis’ decorative arts department
02 September 2025Woolley & Wallis of Salisbury has appointed Max Fisher as head of decorative arts and design.
Royal Doulton stoneware dragon vase sets a house record for Devon saleroom
01 September 2025Devon saleroom Atkins Auctions is celebrating a house record with the sale of this large and impressive Royal Doulton stoneware dragon vase for £16,000.
Two more Kashmir sapphires now discovered by Dublin jewellery specialist
01 September 2025Just four months after the sale of a 6.22ct old-cut Kashmir sapphire for an Irish record of €550,000 (£461,250), Adam’s in Dublin is offering two more of the fabled gemstones.
Guilmet clock creations bring art and industry to design
01 September 2025The weird and wonderful brass, bronze and marble clocks produced by French inventor Guilmet take many forms that are all highly collectable
Vulliamy bracket clock triples estimate in Dorset
01 September 2025A fine George II period bracket clock by Gray and Vulliamy came for sale at Duke’s (25% buyer’s premium) of Dorchester as part of a summer auction.
Finnemore’s collection up for auction includes rare barometer house clearance find
01 September 2025The horology sale at Dreweatts on September 9 features the Michael Finnemore collection of clocks, barometers, scientific instruments and mechanical music.
The mass-produced waterproof watch before Rolex got there
01 September 2025A rare US trench watch emerged for sale at Eastbourne Auctions (27% buyer’s premium) in East Sussex.
Watch salutes a seaplane long-distance record
01 September 2025The Longines Weems stainless steel cased pilot’s wristwatch was invented in 1935 by US naval officer and navigation pioneer Philip van Horn Weems.
Shackleton and Buffalo Bill show how name association will boost watch value
01 September 2025A simple Edwardian open face silver pocket watch used on the Trans-Antarctic Expedition sold for £2600 at Kinghams (26% buyer’s premium) in Moreton-in-Marsh.
Two more Kashmir sapphires emerge at Dublin auction
27 August 2025Just four months after the sale of a 6.22ct old-cut Kashmir sapphire for an Irish record of €550,000 (£461,250), Adam’s in Dublin is offering two more of the fabled gemstones.
Cloak clasp taken as memento after Napoleon’s death creates a big buzz
25 August 2025A gilt metal cloak clasp taken from the apartment of Napoleon Bonaparte after his death on St Helena in 1821 has sold at auction for £10,000.
Royal mail that doesn’t need a stamp
25 August 2025While modern communications would appear to have diminished the role of the King’s or Queen’s Messengers in the 21st century, the job and title remains.
West Sussex saleroom issues its first call to arms auction
25 August 2025Bellmans is holding its first Arms & Armour auction in Billingshurst on September 10.
Copy of earliest book on laws relating to women emerges at Newcastle saleroom
25 August 2025‘The Lawes Resolutions of Women’s Rights: or the Lawes Provision for Women’, attributed to the English lawyer Thomas Edgar and printed in 1632 by John More, is recognised as the earliest book in the English language to compile laws relating to women.
George II mirror measures up nicely to take £20,000 at auction
25 August 2025This George II giltwood mirror in the Chippendale rococo taste c.1755 sold well over hopes for £20,000 at Moore Allen & Innocent (21% buyer’s premium).
Attic amphora displays the god Dionysus
25 August 2025From a deceased estate in Christchurch, this Attic black-figured terracotta neck amphora sold at £23,000 (estimate £3000-5000) at Duke’s (25% buyer’s premium) of Dorchester.