Latest News Articles by Roland Arkell
Chinese vase goes over the moon with 140-times estimate price
29 April 2024The stand-out performance in the March series of Asian art sales was a Qing monochrome clair-de-lune bottle vase offered by Freeman’s Hindman (26% buyer’s premium) in Chicago on March 24.
Tureen dished out the delicacy of turtle soup
29 April 2024Turtle soup, which first became a delicacy on European tables with the emergence of the West Indies trade in the 18th century, was hugely popular among the elite of American society at the turn of the 20th century.
Mercedes-Benz tools make $8000 on their own
29 April 2024As an original Mercedes-Benz 300SL now costs something north of $1m, it is perhaps no surprise to learn that original accessories associated with the Flügeltürer are eagerly sought.
Scientist’s microscopes go under a bidding inspection
29 April 2024A collection of microscopes and other antique scientific instruments from the estate of Ohio scientist John A Davidson Jr (1939-2023) came for sale at Gray’s Auctioneers (20% buyer’s premium) on April 17.
Collector gripped by Classical Greek pottery appeal
29 April 2024Among the highlights of Sworders’ (25% buyer’s premium) Fine Interiors sale was a collection of antiquities formed by the late Sir Clinton Charles Donald Cory (1937-2022), 5th Baronet of Coryton.
Uncle Sam joins the world as influential timeline gets an update
29 April 2024'A New Chart of History' by the British chemist and natural philosopher Joseph Priestley is considered one of the most influential timelines published in the 18th century.
Beautiful binding boosts Nisbet's Holy Land book
29 April 2024First published by James Nisbet in 1858, 'Lays of the Holy Land from ancient and modern Poets' comprises verse from a range of authors together with black and white Illustrations from Victorian artists including Myles Birket Foster, John Everett Millais and Thomas Seddon.
Light Ponti armchairs carry weighty auction value
29 April 2024Among the starring lots at the Wright (26% buyer’s premium) Design sale on March 28 was a pair of Gio Ponti lacquered wood, upholstery and brass Triennale armchairs, dating to 1951.
Death sentence for king's mistress proves popular
29 April 2024Warrant for Madame du Barry, mistress of Louis XV, sells well eight years after last auction appearance
Nelson left Emma an expensive legacy
29 April 2024The so-called Horatia service – named after the daughter of Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton – is among the best documented commissions from the Chamberlain’s factory.
PG Wodehouse presentation copy comes in sought-after dust jacket
29 April 2024The third book in the 'Blandings Castle' saga by PG Wodehouse was first published in the United States on July 1, 1929 by Doubleday Doran, New York, under the title 'Fish Preferred'.
Nelson's Worcester teapot brings £42,000
26 April 2024The so-called Horatia service – named after the daughter of Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton – is among the best documented commissions from the Chamberlain’s factory.
Portrait of short-lived Tudor monarch Edward VI comes to LA auction
23 April 2024A portrait of Edward VI, the Tudor monarch who reigned as a boy for just six years from 1547-53, comes for sale at Andrew Jones Auctions in Los Angeles.
A gift from Emma Hamilton to Nelson is among six lots to watch
22 April 2024With estimates from £600, here are six previews of lots coming up at auction this week.
Spink sells Coins of England reference book to Sovereign Rarities
22 April 2024The industry-standard reference book for British coins has been sold by Spink to fellow London numismatic dealership and auction house Sovereign Rarities.
Collectors respond to call for earliest phone bidding at Massachusetts auction
22 April 2024Relics from the dawn of the electro-magnetic telephone created a sensation when they appeared for sale in Massachusetts.
Blancpain watch bought in 1957 surfaces at auction
22 April 2024The Fifty Fathoms diving watch was born in the 1950s from the encounter between the Swiss firm Blancpain and the French Ministry of Defence.
Kidder the cookery school pioneer comes up at auction
22 April 2024Sought-after book of recipes including a puff-pastry print first was intended for the use of his pupils
Wonders produced worldwide in a west London silver sale focus
22 April 2024London auction shows the collecting appeal and opportunities for silver produced beyond Europe