Latest News Articles by Tom Derbyshire
Ship models find new moorings after auctions
11 August 2025Builder’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.
The last Austin J40 pedal car gets away to a £7000 finish
11 August 2025The 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.
Wilde and Monet photographs bring in the big money in Cambridge
11 August 2025A 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).
Football shirt recalls when Puskás played on Kilmarnock turf
11 August 2025Hard 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.
Thunderbird 2 takes off in Teesside
11 August 2025As 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.
Bell’s toast to a ninth title for Rangers FC
11 August 2025Modern-day observers of the Scottish football scene could be forgiven for thinking that Celtic dominance is perfectly normal.
A different kind of showhome: fairground living van finds new owner
11 August 2025This classic showman’s living van was made in c.1935 by Hurst’s of Retford for Charles Tuby of Doncaster.
The need for speed - toy tributes to the record breakers
11 August 2025A trio of racing car models captures the excitement of 20th century land speed record attempts.
Why it’s T-time for fire helmet fans
11 August 2025The ‘T’ on the front of this rather grand Victorian or Edwardian fire brigade helmet probably proved the difference when it came to demand.
Concert programme signed by Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor, Sting and Phil Collins at Live Aid sells for £4500
07 August 2025This year marks the 40th anniversary of one of the most extraordinary music concerts ever held: Live Aid.
Magic robe worn by Tommy Cooper during his last performance now bought at auction by David Copperfield
25 July 2025A 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.
Loveday cricket collection pitches in with fascinating early depictions of the game
24 July 2025After cricket fans have been enthralled by the exciting England vs India test series, bidding as well as batting and bowling will come into play at Newbury auction house Dreweatts.
‘What am I bid for… my own lots?’ Toys sale includes Bunny Campione's bunnies
21 July 2025Renowned consignor and Antiques Roadshow specialist invited up to the rostrum in Newbury
Quaker connections outlined in a fascinating collection sold at auction
21 July 2025Manuscripts underline the overlapping lives of families in northern England and their extensive travels
Pre-20th century dolls delight today’s collectors
21 July 2025Described as “rare and exquisite” when it came up for auction at C&T (22% buyer’s premium), an early painted carved wooden doll lived up to her billing.
The Left Bank with dust jacket is just right for buyer
21 July 2025A first edition copy of 'The Left Bank and Other Stories' by the Dominican author Jean Rhys (1890-1979) and 'Portrait of New York' by Cecil Beaton (1904-80) were offered together at Ewbank’s (25% buyer’s premium).
CS Lewis sleeper reveals Malvern and Moore link
21 July 2025A group lot of works by or pertaining to CS Lewis performed rather better than its modest guide at Scottish firm Taylors Auction Rooms (26% buyer’s premium).
