Collectables

Large collection of action figures offers multiple examples of hitherto scarce models to test the market

An unusual visitor to UK shores last year was this gold ‘Liberty head’ quarter eagle (two and a half dollars) from 1830.

The Indian Mutiny Victoria Cross offered by Morton & Eden (20% buyer’s premium) on July 20 was awarded to Master George Bell Chicken, a civilian volunteer attached to the Indian Naval Brigade.

Of only 26 flying Victoria Crosses issued to date, four were awarded for the Malayan campaign in December 1941-February 1942.

Potter & Potter in Chicago will sell more items from the collection of magician Ricky Jay on February 25.

This 4ft 7in (1.4m) Victorian painted mahogany shop display sign promotes the merits of guns by Holland & Holland.

A 15th century first edition of a pioneering work by Johannes Gallensis surfaced at auction late last month.

The completion of the US transcontinental railroad in 1869 was the marvel of its age.

Extraordinary collection generates £64,000 bid for collaborative works by the playwright and poet

Lot sold for multiple-estimate sum in Cumbrian sale relates to a notorious election in Northumberland

Included in Potter & Potter’s latest sale of Books and Manuscripts is a rare first edition limited issue of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Ernest.

Wife describes how collector husband Chris Hancock’s latest artworks had to fight for space in a family home

Thousands of items are available to buy from dealers online. Here we pick out one that caught our eye this week.

Our regular listing of UK and Irish book auctions

“Our ephemera fairs are very popular and the next one on February 26 is fully booked with 43 dealers,” said Etc Fairs’ organiser Kim Jeffery, who added: “This fair only takes place six times a year but interest in the dates is very strong.”

Among the best performing lots at the Country House sale at Tennants (22% buyer’s premium) in Leyburn was a fruitwood calendar stick or primstav.

A copy of the very first 'Superman' comic of 1939 that came to auction in the US was not in the finest of conditions, indeed rated only VG/FN 5.O.