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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In defence of a British military disaster

24 February 2025

Lieutenant General John Burgoyne (1722-92) was put in command of the British forces in Canada in 1777 after outlining the shortcomings of his own commanding officer.

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Against the odds – honours for the doomed Wilson's Patrol

24 February 2025

Although much less well known than many ‘last stands’, medals for the Wilson’s Patrol in 1893 are prized by collectors

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Robert-Houdin mystery clock greeted by real bidder interest

24 February 2025

Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin (1805-71) began to develop the very first mystery clocks in c.1830.

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Whale attack, cannibalism and a boy wizard debut on offer

24 February 2025

A first edition copy of a book documenting the sinking of a ship by a sperm whale in 1820 went under the hammer at Potter & Potter (25% buyer’s premium).

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Smart idea to portray golf courses not just the players

24 February 2025

John Smart (1838-99) was one of the first artists to focus on golf courses themselves rather than the actual players.

Books and works on paper auction calendar, February 26 to March 13, 2025

24 February 2025

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

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Arts journal page displays pioneering print

24 February 2025

Victorian arts journal was first to be illustrated with a photograph to promote Fox Talbot book

Howard Carter's suitcase

Famed archaeologist Howard Carter’s suitcase emerges at Elstob

21 February 2025

The archaeologist who discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 gifted his suitcase to his colleague and friend John Healey in 1939 and will now be auctioned at Elstob

Victorian butcher’s shop

Quirky contents of now-defunct Flambards theme park to be sold at Lay’s

21 February 2025

It’s not often that you find a Concorde cockpit, a Victorian pharmacy and a butcher’s shop appearing at the same sale.

Christie's auction

Five highlights from Christie’s auction of the Barry Humphries collection

20 February 2025

“Hello Possums”. Bidders were greeted by Dame Edna Everage’s imitable phrase as Christie’s auctioneer Piers Boothman took to the rostrum to offer the extraordinary collection of the late Barry Humphries (1934-2023).

Cigar case

Cigar case given to Navy lieutenant by Spanish leader offered at Noonans

19 February 2025

When General Baldomero Espartero (1793-1879) disembarked the Royal Navy steam vessel Prometheus in 1843 and set foot on English soil, he was enormously relieved.

1936 Olympic Gold Medal

1936 Olympic gold medal set to star at Graham Budd Auctions

19 February 2025

A 1936 Olympic gold medal, a 1931-32 Football League Division 1 winner’s medal and a Ferenc Puskas Real Madrid shirt are among some of the sporting memorabilia items on sale at Graham Budd Auctions on March 3-6.

2682PV Comic Book Auctions Oz

'Particularly tough to find': Rare first copy of the notorious Oz magazine is up for sale

18 February 2025

'Oz' magazine became the leading underground publication of its day after it came out in 1967.

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German toys collection comes full of character

17 February 2025

A gentleman (Dukatenscheißer) with his trousers pulled down excreting a gilt metal coin from his bottom or a composition nodder of a grotesque women beating a child might not be for everyone.

Works in Architecture by Robert and James Adam

Book that inspired neoclassical architecture in the UK to appear at Dreweatts

17 February 2025

'Works in Architecture' by Robert and James Adam is considered by many as the 18th century’s most important book on architecture

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Magic Mini and a magnificent ark star in US salerooms

17 February 2025

Candy and Andy were just like any other children in the late 1960s, except that they lived with two pandas called Mr and Mrs Bearanda and owned a Mini called Stripey.

Books and works on paper auction calendar, February 19 to March 6, 2025

17 February 2025

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

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Royal Doulton workshop design books fly to 14 times estimate

17 February 2025

Estimated at £200-300 but sold for £4200 at Charterhouse (25% buyer’s premium) in Sherborne, Dorset, were two design books from the Royal Doulton workshop floor.

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Martin Luther 1534 Bible answers saleroom’s prayers in first auction appearance for over a century

17 February 2025

A 16th century bible in German was the most expensive book sold at auction in the UK in December.

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Movers and shakers: latest art trade appointments including a new head of motorsport at Graham Budd

17 February 2025

The latest jobs moves and appointments across the world of art and antiques

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