Collectables

From mid-June Brussels will be a hive of activity on the art and antiques front with plenty on offer to interest residents and draw visitors to the city.

English jubilees, coronations and investitures have long been occasions not only for a national celebration but also for manufacturers to cash in with an array of souvenirs. In this special report we turn the spotlight on royal items offered and sold by dealers and auction houses

This original concert poster advertises the second of two now legendary punk rock concerts in Manchester in the summer of 1976.

Estimated at just $200-300, this folding map of the island of Antigua proved rather more expensive than expected.

This large iron lock and key is inscribed Presented to WP Brookes Esq by a Member of the Wenlock Olympian Class May 18th 1869.

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