Latest News Articles by Tom Derbyshire

Second World War beret with star quality sells at Kent sale
22 March 2021A Second World War beret sold at a Kent auction was not only one of the famous maroon British paratrooper examples but had star billing of its own.

Relics from German plane destroyed by Peter Townsend sell in Berkshire auction
22 March 2021Princess Margaret’s lover Flight Lieutenant Peter Townsend (1914-95) has been introduced to a new generation of TV viewers due to Netflix TV series The Crown – but militaria lots sold at auction also underline his renown as an RAF ace.

Auction previews: issue 2483
08 March 2021A selection of eight upcoming lots from auctions taking place around the UK.

Choc full of treats at Hindman
08 March 2021Hindman is holding an auction of Literature from a Private New Orleans Collection on March 19.

Horse to tankard: Oliver Cromwell’s warhorse mug sells in Dorset
01 March 2021A tankard said to be made from the hide of Oliver Cromwell’s warhorse was the toast of an auction in Dorchester.

Be over the moon with this dedicated auction
01 March 2021When astronaut Ed White was pictured during the first US spacewalk it was not only the first still photograph of a human in space, but also the first taken by another human – James McDivitt. Up to that moment all images released were taken by television or monitoring cameras.

Auction previews: issue 2482
01 March 2021A selection of 11 upcoming lots from auctions taking place around the UK.

Pick of the week: ‘Greatest enemy of the East African slave trade’
22 February 2021The handwritten journal of Colonel Christopher Rigby, recording his success in securing freedom for thousands of slaves in east Africa, was the highlight of a collection of his papers sold in London.

Frieze launches ‘pop-up gallery’ space
22 February 2021Frieze is opening No 9 Cork Street, an initiative housed in two converted townhouses that will accommodate visiting galleries throughout the year with a focus on Modern and Contemporary art.

George Cross record broken again by London saleroom
22 February 2021The world record for a George Cross has been broken by a medal awarded to a courageous British soldier who died in captivity during the Korean War.

Roman mosaic to remain in Dorset after fundraising success
22 February 2021A Roman floor panel sold at auction in 2018 and then to an international buyer will be reunited with two other fragments from the same mosaic after a successful fundraising appeal to keep it in the UK.

Shankly inspiration at Liverpool FC sale
15 February 2021Liverpool are leaving their Melwood training centre after 70 years and specialist sport auctioneer Graham Budd has been tasked with selling the contents.

Liverpool FC memorabilia on offer as Melwood training centre comes to an end after 70 years
10 February 2021The Reds are leaving their Melwood training centre and specialist sport auctioneer Graham Budd has been tasked with selling the contents.

Coley joins Hindman
08 February 2021US auction house Hindman has appointed experienced antiquities expert Jacob Coley as director and senior specialist of the Antiquities Department.

Handy combo for a Scottish picnic
01 February 2021This Victorian dirk – with ensuite knife and fork – sold for 10 times the top estimate, £2000, at McTear’s (24% buyer’s premium) in Glasgow on January 21.

How hurling a lump of iron at Churchill earned a medal
01 February 2021A ‘Hunger Strike’ Women’s Social and Political Union Medal awarded to a Suffragette who threw at lump of iron at Winston Churchill’s car made £10,000.

Lockdales finds high demand for militaria in lockdown
01 February 2021Weapons proved a highlight of the Lockdales (18% buyer’s premium) Coins, Medals & Militaria auction on January 23-24 held during the third lockdown.

Early railway toys puff into Newbury
25 January 2021This charming early English-style station below was produced for the export market by German toy manufacturer Märklin.

Bing model fires the imagination at Tennants
25 January 2021As with so many other collecting areas recently, the conditions of lockdown – meaning spare money and time for the fortunate – have led to buoyant demand for toys, models and collectables.

Pelham Puppets galore appear at Devon sale
25 January 2021An extensive selection of Pelham Puppets came up on the first day of the Piers Motley (18% buyer’s premium) auction in Devon on January 18-20.