Latest News Articles by Tom Derbyshire
Bob heads off to war
30 October 2023A never-before-seen photo of soldiers leaving Ulster to fight in the First World War and a serviceman’s diary from the trenches have been uncovered.
Aussie uniform heads back Down Under
30 October 2023Although Gallipoli in the Great War became a defining moment in Australian nationhood and identity, the second Boer War from 1899-1902 featured the first-large scale involvement of troops from Down Under.
Pick of the week: Tokens collection attracts keen US interest
23 October 2023This halfpenny featuring a ‘wild man’s head’ from northern Japan actually promotes a rather less fiercesome individual: Richard Summer, a perfumer and dealer in curiosities in Cavendish Street, London.
A George III truncheon is among five lots to watch
16 October 2023With estimates from £500, here are five previews of items coming up this week.
Cat and mice existing in harmony: the Graham Oakley Studio auction
16 October 2023Beautiful watercolours by children’s book author and illustrator come to auction in studio sale
Condition proves crucial to Hulk No 1
16 October 2023Grey rather than green for his debut, the Incredible Hulk made his first appearance in 1962 and continues to enthral comic collectors.
WW1 Jewish flying ace’s medals go to auction
09 October 2023The Distinguished Flying Cross and bar awarded to the highest scoring Jewish ‘ace’ of the First World War is to be offered at Noonans’ auction in London on October 13.
An Art Nouveau design by a woman silversmith is among five lots to watch
09 October 2023With estimates from £600, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week.
First glimpse of what became the cult classic film Withnail and I
09 October 2023When 'Withnail and I' was released in 1987 it was a British film that seemed destined to disappear into obscurity.
Peter Cushing: fangs for the memories
09 October 2023Peter Cushing’s (1913-94) six-decade acting career featured more than 100 films furnished many fond memories – and of course provided plenty of memorabilia.
One of just five copies of a Shakespeare jointly written play in private hands comes up for sale through book dealer
03 October 2023Peter Harrington Rare Books is offering a first edition of The Two Noble Kinsmen (1634) at Frieze Masters in London this month – the only extant Shakespeare play not included in any of the four folio editions.
Two ‘exceptional’ Lucie Rie and Hans Coper collections on offer from significant sources
02 October 2023What has been billed by Phillips as ‘the most exceptional and significant group of works by Lucie Rie and Hans Coper to ever come to auction’ will be offered in London on November 1.
Pick of the week: Railway station sign steams well above the target
02 October 2023When it comes to the value of classic railway station signs, key factors include: is the site now disused? Was it from a holiday resort? Is it an early design?
Shakespeare play was staged as a joint production
02 October 2023Peter Harrington Rare Books is offering a first edition of 'The Two Noble Kinsmen' (1634) at Frieze Masters in London this month – the only extant Shakespeare play not included in any of the four folio editions.
Weapon belonged to Light Brigade prisoner
25 September 2023A sword that saw action in the famed Charge of the Light Brigade sold for £1900 at Elstob Auctioneers’ (25% buyer’s premium) Antiques & Fine Art Sale.