Collectables

The term ‘collectables’ (or collectibles) encompasses a vast range of items in fields as diverse as arms, armour and militaria, bank notes, cameras, coins, entertainment and sporting memorabilia, stamps, taxidermy, wines and writing equipment.

Some collectables are antiques, others are classed as retro, vintage or curios but all are of value to the collector. In any of these fields, buyers seek out rarities and items with specific associations.

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Book fairs find a new London home

12 May 2025

Etc Fairs has announced the new London location for the three autumn book events which have been changed venues due to renovation work at the Holiday Inn in Bloomsbury, their regular spot.

Books and works on paper auction calendar, May 13 to June 2, 2025

12 May 2025

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

Mckenzie & Hamilton Joseph Mckenzie Gorbals Children 1964

A selection of highlights from London's summer book and map fairs

09 May 2025

This year, the 'London Rare & Antiquarian Book Fair' will be held on May 17-18 at the ILEC Conference Centre.

Battle of Flodden

Battle of Flodden sword makes 30 times estimate in Nottingham

08 May 2025

A Scottish dirk believed to have been used at the Battle of Flodden recently surfaced at Arthur Johnson & Sons in Nottingham.

Suffragettes

Autographs of early 20th century political and cultural figures emerge at Chiswick Auctions

07 May 2025

An autograph album containing the signatures of notable figures from the early 20th century is to appear at Chiswick Auctions in a timed sale ending May 18.

Indian Mutiny Journal And Letter

Hand-written account of Indian Mutiny makes six times estimate

06 May 2025

A handwritten first-hand account of the Indian Mutiny contained in a journal kept from April 1857 to March 1858 hammered down at six times its £600-800 estimate to achieve £5200 at Reeman Dansie in Colchester on May 1.

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Brave RAF Lancaster bomber pilot flew nine times in the 'Battle of Berlin'

05 May 2025

Noonans’ Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria sale on April 9 included a rare group of medals awarded to Lancaster Bomber pilot, Warrant Officer, later Flight Lieutenant, Edward Sydney Ellis of 625 Squadron of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.

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Cricketer Ranji rare gold Great War medal hits five figures

05 May 2025

The British War Medal 1914-20 is not exactly uncommon. Issued in the First World War, about 6.5 million were struck in silver and 110,000 in bronze.

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Trafalgar combination counts as family medals group takes £19,000

05 May 2025

Four medals awarded to members of the Robertson family included one to a Battle of Trafalgar veteran.

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Five questions with book dealer Tom W Ayling

05 May 2025

Tom W Ayling is an antiquarian bookseller dealing in rare books and manuscripts.

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Need ointment for your ‘emrods’? Why early remedy books help in the modern day

05 May 2025

With crossover interest to several collecting disciplines, early manuscript recipe and remedy books continue to thrive at auction.

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Firm interest in film cameras

05 May 2025

Specialist dealer attending photographic fair tells ATG about the latest trends in this market

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Duke of Wellington’s plumage causes a flutter in the saleroom

05 May 2025

A case containing plumes from the Duke of Wellington’s hat was central to a lot offered by Hannams (25% buyer’s premium) in Hampshire on March 11.

Books and works on paper auction calendar, May 7-25, 2025

05 May 2025

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

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15th century carving from dealers' collection bid to eight times estimate

05 May 2025

The Age of Oak sale at Woolley & Wallis (26% buyer’s premium) on April 9 was built around the collection formed by antiques dealers Bruce and Margaret Howard.

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RAF relics on display in Cornish theme park reflect courage of one of ‘The Few’

05 May 2025

An RAF uniform, log book and medals that belonged to one of ‘The Few’ was a highlight when Cornish saleroom Lay’s (21% buyer’s premium) dispersed the contents of Flambards theme park.

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Superb naval medals on crest of a wave

05 May 2025

Both parts of the excellent Jason Pilalas collection delivered suitably impressive results for London auction house Noonans

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Printed catalogues retain their charm for book buyers

05 May 2025

It’s probably no surprise that, even in the days of digital first, printed catalogues are still loved by rare book collectors.

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Charles II glove ‘worn at coronation’

05 May 2025

An embroidered glove understood to have been worn by Charles II at his Scottish Coronation in Scone in 1651 sold for £7000 at Ewbank’s (25% buyer’s premium) in Woking.

Feather golf ball

‘Featherie’ golf balls: ideal to score a birdie?

05 May 2025

An early leather-bound feather golf ball consigned for sale from a house move in Old Woking in Surrey comes for sale at John Nicholson’s in Haslemere on May 14.

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