Collectables

Aubrey Beardsley and John Batten add the illustrative attractions in North Yorks sale

The big number in a London sale of music books, manuscripts, etc, was a collection of early pieces for guitar described as the most significant manuscript of its kind seen at auction in over 20 years.

Two letters in the hand of Benjamin Franklin, dating from 1782 and 1784 and both relating to the terms of the peace agreement between the newly independent USA and Britain that were being worked out during negotiations in Paris, provided the highest bids at Bonhams New York (27.5/25/20/14.5% buyer’s premium) on December 15.

Graham Budd Auctions is under new ownership, with its founder becoming chairman.

The search for doomed explorer John Franklin grips collectors almost as much as expeditions of discovery themselves.

This Bank of England £1000 note dated October 15, 1935, was issued under chief cashier Kenneth Oswald Peppiatt (1934-49).

Specialist auctions staged in Stowmarket with expert input show encouraging signs

The Antique Scientific Instruments Fair ran for 30-plus years but sadly is no more, with its last outing taking place under the banner of the Scientific Instrument Society held as part of the Antique Arms Fair in London in September 2019.

This 18ct gold and enamel medal was awarded to Reginald Arthur Whitcombe (1898-1957) for winning the 1936 Open Golf Championship of Ireland.

The sales figures and market share of the top London auction houses in 2021

The most cherished coin from the reign of Victoria is the 1839 gold £5 piece by William Wyon.

A three-quarters-length bust of a bare-chested Antinous, the favourite of Hadrian, appears on this medallic coin minted in Mantinea, Arcadia, c.134AD.

Swann Galleries is holding a sale of Books and Autographs in New York on February 17.

Price increases and a good supply fired the London coins and medals market to record levels in 2021

The 150th Victoria Cross ever awarded sold for £180,000 at London auction house Spink on July 29.

The sale at Sovereign Rarities on September 21 included this Charles I (1625-49), silver pattern unite (20 shillings) dated 1630.

The fourth and final part of the North Yorkshire Moors collection of coins and medals sold by Dix Noonan Webb included some exceptional examples from the Interregnum.

The Palais Royale built for Cardinal Richelieu in 1629 had a variety of uses over the years but in the 18th and early 19th century was rebuilt as a place for public recreation and social gathering.

Our regular listing of UK and Irish book auctions.