Collectables

A silver and gold presentation belt given to a civilian volunteer nurse who looked after the sick and wounded during the Siege of Ladysmith during the second Boer War has soared over estimate in a London auction.

In recent times the work of newspaper cartoonists has been reassessed with a nod to its artistic, technical and historical merit.

Do embroidery and cut-paper pictures count as art? Bidders certainly appreciate their expertise

Stand-out original among the 76 pieces from Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson’s workshops offered at Tennants’ (22% buyer’s premium) 20th Century Design auction was a carved oak monk sold with its working drawing.

Such was the notoriety of Gunner James Collis that his family did not attend the funeral even though he had three sons in the army.

Thomas Bradshaw has been described as a poor civil servant but a brilliant artist.

The esteem in which British botanist William Lawrence Balls (1882-1960) was held is obvious from lots offered at Norfolk auction house Keys (25% buyer’s premium) on July 26-28.

A Queen’s Gallantry Medal in its case of issue awarded to a police constable who helped to catch two violent escaped prisoners sold for £2400 at auction.

Our regular listing of UK and Irish auctions available on thesaleroom.com

A setting with lots of water next to valuable books may not seem an obvious fit but it was a successful match

It may be stating the obvious, but collectors acquire militaria for many different reasons within that market.

A privately produced Victorian silver bravery medal proved hugely popular when offered at Noonans (24% buyer’s premium) on June 21.

Apocrypha sold at auction was his personal copy and then inscribed by descendants who later owned it

Christie’s Books and Manuscripts sale on July 12 included a remarkable copy of 'Insectivorous Plants' by Charles Darwin (1809-82).

More than 10,000 books and artworks from the library of the late Christopher Foyle are coming to auction in Cirencester.