Latest News Articles by Tom Derbyshire
How Victoria Crosses can be rare but also frequently seen at auction
22 September 2025An honour hailing from the Second World War demonstrates the peculiarity of this collecting market
India flag first to fly in the UK emerges at auction
15 September 2025The national flag of India on offer at west London saleroom Lots Road in a Two Day Fine Interiors Auction was by the appearance alone seemingly nothing special.
Burges jade bowl revealed as Bedford museum purchase from Scottish auction
15 September 2025The long journey through private collections, auctions and dealerships taken by a William Burges (1827-81) jade bowl has ended at a museum and art gallery in Bedford, it has emerged.
Rare prison records judged to be worth an £11,000 bid
15 September 2025Calendars listing details of prisoners in a 17th century gaol prove popular in North Yorkshire saleroom
Chronometer used on HMS Beagle voyage with Charles Darwin given export bar
10 September 2025A pocket chronometer known to be on board HMS Beagle when Charles Darwin sailed on the ship’s second voyage from 1831-36 is subject to a temporary export bar in the hope of keeping it in the UK.
Collectables reach new heights as US auction achieves huge sums
08 September 2025‘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.
WH Smith archive delivers high street nostalgia at auction
08 September 2025A 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.
Spectacular Schroder collection goes on display in Bath
08 September 2025A 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.
Greek bronze reward and a Roman relic coming up
08 September 2025A “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.
Second time lucky in Surrey as Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac lyrics get away at £19,000
08 September 2025Peter Green’s lyrics for 'Man Of The World' sell at regional auction house
British paratrooper helmet picked out in Exeter auction for £3900
08 September 2025Second World War airborne memorabilia is another in-demand section of the militaria market.
Comprehensive First World War uniform groupings catch the eye
08 September 2025Halls’ (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.
Rare kit combinations score at auction with tabletopping Subbuteo teams
08 September 2025When 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.
Westwood sale brings seventies punk spirit to rural Yorkshire
08 September 2025What 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.
Jersey museum secures top secret Second World War D-Day landing maps and Channel Islands liberation plan
08 September 2025Four 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).
Brooch brings memories of a military hospital
08 September 2025Sold at £250, this brooch probably commemorates the opening of Hill House Military Hospital, also known as School Hill House Hospital, in Lewes.
Screamadelica album sun cover art taken higher than estimate
08 September 2025As an entire work, this huge oil on canvas by British artist Paul Cannell (1963-2005) might not seem that familiar.
Better together: the new Olympia Auctions duo delighted by their debut achievement
08 September 2025The first auction staged as a partnership between two renowned specialists produced a wide range of encouraging results