Collectables

A London saleroom offered what was billed as the only “known” surviving set of uncorrected galley proofs for Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone.

The classic enamel station totem signs used in the early days of the newly formed British Railways have long shown their pulling power at auction.

More than 60 Dickens lots appeared in an April 26 sale of the library of Jeremy and Penny Martin, several of them bearing presentation inscriptions.

Work sold in Cambridge is thought to reflect US author's friendship with Scottish physician and essayist

This remarkable Baccarat tantalus in the form of an elephant and howdah sold at Can$120,000 (£75,000) at an auction in Victoria, British Columbia.

Our regular listing of UK and Irish book auctions.

An historically significant document dating from 1785 and a previously unrecorded campaign handbill concerning the election that saw Thomas Jefferson become the third US president were highlights of a February 17 sale at Freeman’s (26/20/12% buyer’s premium).

Alchemical work is best-seller as Vishniac lots create a valuable mix in the saleroom

The Marine Sale at Bonhams (27.5/25/20/14.5% buyer’s premium) included a very rare gold and enamel ring marking the death of Admiral Lord Nelson in 1805.

Seldom does the stereotypical image of the rare book specialist fit the current generation of dealers and auctioneers. Members of the 21st century book trade come from all walks of life with their interests and areas of specialisation just as varied. ATG speaks to five members of the trade to discover their route into rare books.

The Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association hosts more events in this sector than any other organiser.

London auctioneer overcomes power cut to complete sale including a mighty Fresnel lens

Market continues to thrive and evolve as a new chapter begins in the Forum Auctions story

Can you tell your foxing from your deckle edge? Or quire from collation? Here is a handy guide to some of the terms used in the books and works on paper collecting field.

Two upcoming lots at US book auctions.

In what was the auction house’s most successful sale ever in financial terms, and one that boasted a 97% selling rate, a March 4 sale at Potter & Potter (20% buyer’s premium) was led at $65,000 (£49,240) by a 'Narrative of Colonel Ethan Allen’s Captivity from the Time of his Being Taken by the British, near Montreal… in 1775, to the Time of his Exchange…in May 1778'.

A selection of 14 upcoming lots from auctions taking place around the UK and overseas.

Three upcoming UK book auctions

Dealer Tim Bryars previews this year’s London Map Fair with an eye on current collecting trends