Latest News Articles by Tom Derbyshire

WEB Henry Aldridge Jukebox 1

US space age jukebox inspired by Cold War rival shoots to £5000 top estimate result

15 August 2025

The AMI Continental II jukebox appeared in 1962, a time when space race excitement was gripping the US.

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Medals tell tale of Hong Kong police scandal

11 August 2025

It’s not often that a group of medals offered at auction includes two that were in fact officially revoked. However, a lot that appeared at an East Yorkshire auction house on June 27 reflected a notorious tale of colonial corruption.

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Tommy Cooper magic robe bought by illusionist David Copperfield

11 August 2025

A robe worn by magician and comedian Tommy Cooper (1921-84) during the performance in which he which he suffered a heart attack and collapsed on stage has been sold at a North Yorkshire auction.

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Promotional Porsche in miniature form powers to £1900

11 August 2025

Even unboxed, this Matchbox Superfast 3c Porsche 911/930 Turbo with BP shield on the door motored away from a £100-150 estimate to hammer at £1900.

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Duchess nameplate steams off at £18,200 hammer

11 August 2025

Railway locomotive nameplates can bring large sums in the saleroom, even when they are included in general rather than specialist auctions.

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Shawl was gifted by a very famous Victoria to Horatia

11 August 2025

A fine Indian Kashmir shawl of intricate traditional design offered in Colchester included a sewn label 'Horatia E Erskine, June 26th 1861 (Indian) from H.M. Queen Victoria'.

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Lusitania casualty medal pair and ‘death penny’ sell for five-figure sum

11 August 2025

A “very rare” First World War pair of medals and memorial plaque to a female casualty of the SS Lusitania came up for auction at Mayfair saleroom Noonans (24% buyer’s premium) on July 16.

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Ship models find new moorings after auctions

11 August 2025

Builder’s ship models are exactly the kind of old-school exhibits that museums are hiding away in dusty storage or selling off. Fortunately for auction houses, they are instead being welcomed into collections by eager buyers.

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The last Austin J40 pedal car gets away to a £7000 finish

11 August 2025

The A 1971 Austin J40 pedal car is a relatively common sight at auction and the best tend to make around the £3000-5000 mark. For an example to make more than that it would have to be something very special.

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Previews: issue 2705

11 August 2025

Our selection of stand-out lots from upcoming auctions.

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Wilde and Monet photographs bring in the big money in Cambridge

11 August 2025

A signed postcard of Oscar Wilde from an image by Alfred Ellis of Baker Street impressed in a timed online sale at Cheffins (25% buyer’s premium).

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Football shirt recalls when Puskás played on Kilmarnock turf

11 August 2025

Hard to believe perhaps in today’s glamorous world of the Champions League, but the great Ferenc Puskás (1927-2006) and Real Madrid once graced the turf of Scottish football club Kilmarnock.

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Thunderbird 2 takes off in Teesside

11 August 2025

As with many popular film and TV brands such as James Bond and The Avengers, manufacturers were eager to cash in on Thunderbirds with an array of merchandise.

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Bell’s toast to a ninth title for Rangers FC

11 August 2025

Modern-day observers of the Scottish football scene could be forgiven for thinking that Celtic dominance is perfectly normal.

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A different kind of showhome: fairground living van finds new owner

11 August 2025

This classic showman’s living van was made in c.1935 by Hurst’s of Retford for Charles Tuby of Doncaster.

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The need for speed - toy tributes to the record breakers

11 August 2025

A trio of racing car models captures the excitement of 20th century land speed record attempts.

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Why it’s T-time for fire helmet fans

11 August 2025

The ‘T’ on the front of this rather grand Victorian or Edwardian fire brigade helmet probably proved the difference when it came to demand.

2705NEDI Live Aid Lockdales 1

Concert programme signed by Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor, Sting and Phil Collins at Live Aid sells for £4500

07 August 2025

This year marks the 40th anniversary of one of the most extraordinary music concerts ever held: Live Aid.

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Previews: issue 2704

04 August 2025

Our selection of lots from seven upcoming auctions

2705AR Tennants Tommy Cooper Robe

Magic robe worn by Tommy Cooper during his last performance now bought at auction by David Copperfield

25 July 2025

A robe worn by magician and comedian Tommy Cooper (1921-84) during the performance in which he which he suffered a heart attack and collapsed on stage has been sold at a North Yorkshire auction.