‘By the power of Grayskull!’ was the cry in the Masters of the Universe TV cartoon series in the 1980s. Four decades on, that power has taken toy prices to an astonishing new high.

A lot offering five WH Smith enamel advertising signs, c.1930, took the top price as memorabilia from one of the UK’s most enduring and recognisable retail brands came to auction.

A new gallery opens this month at the Holburne Museum in Bath to display “world-class Renaissance treasures” on long-term loan from the Schroder family collection.

A “very fine” bronze helmet of Corinthian type, c.350BC, hammered from a single sheet, with a domed crown, almond-shaped eye cutouts and a prominent nose guard, sold for £32,000 at Apollo Art Auctions (25% buyer’s premium) in London on July 27.

Peter Green’s lyrics for 'Man Of The World' sell at regional auction house

Second World War airborne memorabilia is another in-demand section of the militaria market.

Halls’ (24% buyer’s premium) latest Militaria, Naval and Aviation Auction in Shrewsbury offered a tempting selection of lots such as First World War uniforms in decent condition.

When selling football memorabilia such as programmes and match-worn shirts, items linked to renowned and well-supported clubs such as Manchester United will often be the most valuable.

Our selection of lots from 12 upcoming auctions

What was thought to be the largest private collection of Vivienne Westwood (1941-2022) garments to be sold outside London went under the hammer at Tennants (24% buyer’s premium) in North Yorkshire on August 15.

Four top secret Second World War documents are to go on public display at a Jersey museum after being sold at auction by Hansons (26% buyer’s premium).

Sold at £250, this brooch probably commemorates the opening of Hill House Military Hospital, also known as School Hill House Hospital, in Lewes.

As an entire work, this huge oil on canvas by British artist Paul Cannell (1963-2005) might not seem that familiar.

The first auction staged as a partnership between two renowned specialists produced a wide range of encouraging results

A pair of Minnie and Mickey Mouse car mascots now displayed on a wooden stand once had a much grander location, as a photo included with a lot in The Summer Transport Sale at Tennants (24% buyer’s premium) reveals.

Easy to display and made in multiple variants, glass petrol pump globes are a popular choice at auction.

Following the recent trend of 18th and 19th century helmets making strong prices at auction, this striking example hammered at £5200.

You might not like him when he’s angry, but as a stretch toy The Incredible Hulk is evidently very popular with collectors.