Latest News Articles by Tom Derbyshire
German-made toy trains steamed into the British market but with a local identity
18 November 2024In the early years of the 20th century toy trains made in Germany were also aimed at the British domestic market, eagerly sold by retailers such as Gamages.
Danish designer's storage system among five lots to watch
11 November 2024With estimates from £150, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week
Solar power suited special forces navigating in the desert
11 November 2024“The Long Range Desert Group were masters of navigation and one of Britain’s most famous special forces. They owed much of their success to the scientific talents of their first commander, Major Ralph Bagnold, whose sun-compass invention revolutionised desert travel.” (National Army Museum.)
Impressive model guns fire the imagination
11 November 2024Two examples of substantial model presentation cannon came up at different salerooms recently.
Claudet helped to develop UK photography
11 November 2024Although born in the La Croix-Rousse district of Lyon, Antoine François Jean Claudet (1797-1867) is best known for his contribution to the history of British photography.
Bovril and penguins: a sustaining polar diet
11 November 2024Advertising showcards were displayed in grocers and chemist shops, often as counter displays or hanging signs.
18th century London view among five lots to watch this week
04 November 2024With estimates from £400, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week
Colditz Castle and prisoner of war memorabilia captures bidders' attention
04 November 2024The infamous Colditz Castle prisoner of war camp catches the eye of many a Second World War history buff and militaria collector with tales of daring escapes.
Colditz captures bidders’ interest
04 November 2024Michael Booker’s lifelong passion for Second World War history began in London’s East End during the Blitz. Memorabilia related to the prisoner of war camp at Colditz castle became a particular obsession.
Tolkien Rings trilogy shines bright
04 November 2024Copies of the Lord of the Rings trilogy just don’t get much better than the set shown here.
Qianlong painted enamels feature among five lots to watch this week
28 October 2024With estimates from £300, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week
Handsome silver fox with a Cunard connection emerges in North Yorkshire auction
28 October 2024Silver works by Sir Bache Cunard, Bt (1851-1925), legendary huntsman and scion of the Cunard shipping family, are incredibly rare – he presumably made items only for his family and friends.
Medical journals from East India Company surgeon prove to be the remedy for success
28 October 2024Comprehensive group of medical records from East India Company surgeon star in eclectic sale
Scalextric races up to record sum
28 October 2024“Extremely scarce” was the description of a Scalextric C70 Type 59 Bugatti offered at auction in Lewes and it certainly lived up to that billing.
Sword tells stirring tale of Trafalgar bravery
21 October 2024As thanks for their bravery (and win) at Trafalgar on October 21, 1805, Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund awarded swords to 23 Royal Navy captains for their service in the naval battle.
Neptune stand with an Egerton provenance features among five lots to watch
21 October 2024With estimates from £400, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week
Sword of honour: Award for captain's Battle of Trafalgar bravery could make six figure result at auction
16 October 2024Next year marks the 220th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, the most famous naval battle in British history.