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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Get your two hands on a mighty sword

28 November 2022

Top result from the October 26 arms and armour auction at Munich saleroom Hermann Historica (25% buyer’s premium) was a 5ft 6in (1.67m) two-hand sword made by the acclaimed bladesmith Wolfgang Stantler II of Passau, c.1580.

British and Irish book auctions: November 29-December 10, 2022

28 November 2022

Our regular listing of UK and Irish book auctions.

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Set sail and roll out the seven barrels

28 November 2022

On account of its extraordinary appearance, the Nock seven-barrelled flintlock volley gun has become something of an icon of warfare in the Age of Sail.

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Coin purse gives you bang for your buck

28 November 2022

This Victorian purse gun was designed by Oscar Frankenau from Nuremberg and patented in both the UK and the US in 1876.

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Toys, teddy bears and dolls fest is back – three years on

28 November 2022

To quote toys specialist supremo Daniel Agnew, ex-Christie’s teddy bear auctions, co-organiser of the annual 'London International Antique Doll, Teddy Bear and Toy Fair: 200 Years of Childhood': “It’s like being in a museum where everything is for sale.”

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Outside move kept classic arms fair on the map

28 November 2022

‘Zero profit’ but event got through Covid and has 220 stands at the next event

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Stroud pepperbox adds spice on home soil

28 November 2022

The Stroud engineer Edwin Beard Budding (1796-1846) is considered the inventor of the lawnmower (1830) and the adjustable spanner (1842).

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British pistols owned by American patriot

28 November 2022

A pair of ornate presentation flintlock pistols made in London and later owned by an American patriot sold for $55,000 (£46,200) at a US saleroom.

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Abijah’s powder horn shows Ranger value

28 November 2022

A ‘Siege of Louisbourg’ powder horn belonging to one Ranger Abijah Smith sold for $17,500 (£15,200) at Bonhams Skinner in an auction on September 28 in Massachusetts.

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Case for the defence

28 November 2022

Estimated at just £60-90, this English Civil War-era mortuary sword sold for £2300 at Unique Auctions (22.5% buyer’s premium) in Lincoln on October 22.

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German book from 1500 cooks up a storm at auction

28 November 2022

Offered as part of a series of sales held by Reiss & Sohn (19% buyer’s premium) of Königstein im Taunus was an exceptionally early cookery book.

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Arms & armour: A pick of Purdey

28 November 2022

Chris Wynne dedicated his collecting energies to early guns by a London maker that became an international brand

Tiffany pepperette

Prince of Wales’ royal Tiffany gift stars in our pick of six auction highlights

25 November 2022

ATG’s weekly selection of items that caught bidders’ eyes includes a Tiffany silver-gilt pepperette that was commissioned as royal gift in 1879.

Winter Dance Party poster

‘The Day the Music Died’ poster sets auction record

21 November 2022

The only known poster from ‘The Day the Music Died’ became the most expensive concert poster when it sold for a premium inclusive $447,000 ($379,500) at Heritage Auctions of Dallas on November 11.

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Sex appeal: Iranian erotic poem

21 November 2022

Sixteenth century single folio manuscript displays orgiastic spree in graphic detail

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Iranian incense burner helps to fuel ‘white glove’ sale

21 November 2022

Chiswick Auctions (25% buyer’s premium) was another of the London salerooms that held a designated sale in Islamic week.

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Magic posters from the estate of Paul Daniels are among five lots to watch

21 November 2022

With estimates from £700, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week.

British and Irish book auctions: November 22-30, 2022

21 November 2022

Our regular listing of UK and Irish book auctions.

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‘For Emperor John’ Lennon

21 November 2022

This German brown leather and plated metal hip flask has the inscription 'Fur Kaiser John Zu Seinem Geburtstag 9. Okt 1960 Von Stu'.

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Flats full to the brim with books

21 November 2022

First part of a collection which covered the walls and cellar of two whole flats is offered at auction

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