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.

William Morris CHAUCER THE FINEST BOOK SINCE THE GUTENBERG BIBLE. Bonhams

William Morris’s Kelmscott Press books achieve white glove result at Bonhams

23 December 2024

A complete collection of the books published by 19th century designer William Morris (1834-1896) from his printing company Kelmscott Press achieved white glove results at Bonhams New York.

Sarum Master bible

Public fundraising sees Sarum Master bible return to Salisbury Cathedral

20 December 2024

A bible written and illuminated by the Sarum Master has returned to Salisbury Cathedral 700 years after being written there.

Bobby Moore Shirt

Bobby Moore World Cup shirt and Arthur Ashe racket lead sale in Paris

19 December 2024

A red England Bobby Moore shirt from the 1970 World Cup quarter final against West Germany and Arthur Ashe’s tennis racket featured at Agutte’s Memories of Legends sale in Paris.

Barry Humphries

One to watch: Christie’s to offer Barry Humphries collection in 2025

19 December 2024

One of the lesser known facts about the comedian, entertainer and TV personality Barry Humphries was his erudite art collecting.

Beatles Legal Doc

Documents detailing break-up of The Beatles sell at Berkshire auction

18 December 2024

A collection of legal documents relating to the break-up of The Beatles appeared at London auction house Dawsons Auctioneers on December 12.

169397 Seuss

Catching up with the Christmas catalogues

17 December 2024

Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, Emily Dickinson and Toni Morrison: just a few of the notable authors whose work Peter Harrington is highlighting in this year's Christmas catalogue

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Pick of the week: Mouseman chair made by a war hero

16 December 2024

Not only is this a fine and unusual example of pre-war Mouseman furniture but it comes with a remarkable provenance.

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Bring me sunshine and an Eric Morecambe pipe

16 December 2024

British comedy star Eric Morecambe’s (1926-84) lifetime collection of showbiz memorabilia and personal treasures are set for auction at Hansons on January 10-11.

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News in brief including Wizard of Oz slippers making $28m

16 December 2024

A round-up of art and antiques news from the previous seven days, including news of Judy Garland’s ruby slippers from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz setting a record for a piece of entertainment memorabilia

RS Pasche Tour Poster

Rolling Stones posters rock up at auction

16 December 2024

Two early poster designs for Rolling Stones UK tours were offered at Bonhams on November 25

Books and works on paper auction calendar, December 17 to January 16, 2024

16 December 2024

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

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Suffragettes’ colour scheme revealed for the first time

16 December 2024

This printed crepe paper ‘programme’ marks one of the key Suffragette rallies of the Edwardian era.

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Railroad posters power onwards

16 December 2024

Classic Art Deco designs from a prime period for collectors capture the spirit and style of the period

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Silk programmes signalled a stirring firework show

16 December 2024

The spectacular Victorian and Edwardian firework displays conducted by the venerable Mitcham firm of James Pain & Sons were often accompanied by special silk souvenir programmes.

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Get to the point at £4000

16 December 2024

Among the most eagerly contested lots in a recent sale at Chorley’s (23.5/15/12.5/10% buyer’s premium) was a collection of early 20th century tattoo ephemera.

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Ottoman swords give talismanic protection

16 December 2024

The semi-precious stones adorning the hilts and scabbards of many of the best Ottoman swords held talismanic significance.

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Education of the poor promoted through needlework and knitting

16 December 2024

Manual relating to church charity schools is the latest example of its type to impress in a saleroom

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Louis Vuitton trunks stand out in the vintage luggage market

16 December 2024

It is said Louis Vuitton spent 17 years mastering the art of trunk making before establishing his eponymous company in 1854.

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Royal wedding fruitcake served with a tasty extra

16 December 2024

Generating a huge amount of international media coverage both before and after Reeman Dansie’s (25% buyer’s premium) November 5 sale titled Royalty, Antiques & Fine Art was a piece of fruitcake from the wedding of Princess Elizabeth to Lieutenant Prince Philip of Greece on November 20, 1947.

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The Noah’s Ark animals came in two by two – until there were an astonishing 115 pairs of them

16 December 2024

The production of carved and painted pine toys in Erzgebirge, Bavaria, became a thriving cottage industry.

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