Collectables

Occult group listed by specialist bookseller in the 19th century reappears at a 21st century auction

I thought your readers might like to know a little more about the coquilla nut snuff box I recently purchased at Burstow & Hewett [in Battle, East Sussex, UK, on May 28-29] illustrated on the front page of ATG No 2702.

Estimated at £800-1200, a British Antarctic Polar expedition bronze medal and miniature took £4600 at Bentley’s (20% buyer’s premium) in Cranbrook, Kent.

A late 15th century French illuminated manuscript vellum leaf achieved the stand-out result in a collection of illuminated manuscripts offered at Batemans (25% buyer’s premium).

A recent sale held by arms and armour specialist Antony Cribb (25% buyer’s premium) in Compton, Berkshire, included one of the rarest of British patent corkscrews.

Our regular listing of UK and Irish books and works on paper sales

Our regular listing of UK and Irish books and works on paper sales

It’s not often that a group of medals offered at auction includes two that were in fact officially revoked. However, a lot that appeared at an East Yorkshire auction house on June 27 reflected a notorious tale of colonial corruption.

A 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.

Paper money fair organiser and dealer describes the ‘highly collectable’ market she is fascinated by

Even unboxed, this Matchbox Superfast 3c Porsche 911/930 Turbo with BP shield on the door motored away from a £100-150 estimate to hammer at £1900.

Railway locomotive nameplates can bring large sums in the saleroom, even when they are included in general rather than specialist auctions.

A “very rare” First World War pair of medals and memorial plaque to a female casualty of the SS Lusitania came up for auction at Mayfair saleroom Noonans (24% buyer’s premium) on July 16.

Etymologist buys a glossary which provides a rich seam when it comes to English language changes

Builder’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 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.

Among the bidders’ favourites at the sale of antiques on May 16-23 at Kinsky (30% buyer’s premium) in Vienna was a highly ornate, mid-16th century German or Austrian forged iron padlock with key.