Collectables

Seventeenth century guide to growing vines in England was published just before the Great Fire of London

When antiques-hunting in Northumberland, the fine market town of Morpeth is well worth a visit.

The French toymaker Georges Carette (1861-1954) is thought to have learned how to make magic lanterns from the Paris specialist maker August Lapierre.

Image of a horse-drawn coach takes top price as many desirable designs come up at auction

Recognised as the ‘Father of Geology’, in 1815 William Smith was the first to map the geology of England and Wales, with part of southern Scotland.

Two classic 1970s record turntables have been consigned to the 20th Century Design sale at Olympia Auctions on September 20.

Medal group sold for £43,000 at a Devon sale recognised the bravery of a medic who cared for others

According to the engraved plaque, this Russian silver cycling trophy, offered by Antiqon (25% buyer’s premium) in Riga, Latvia, on May 18, was presented by Grand Duke Sergei Mikhailovich to the best cyclist in northern Russia and champion of the Tour of St Michaels.

In dealer news this week, a Kings Road trader retires, a London dealer launches a new platform and a Leeds firm joins BADA

This Huntley & Palmers factory fire service helmet with white metal mounts and H&P monogram was the highlight of a collection offered at Kent saleroom Bentley’s (20% buyer’s premium) on May 15.

Television host's collection yields rare studies at London auction

“An impressively sized fine and rare” coin-operated upright 22in Polyphon Disk Musical Box-on-Discbin sold for £5500 in Tennants’ (24% buyer’s premium) Scientific & Musical Instruments Sale on May 15.

Victorian mountaineering book annotated by the author climbs to 20 times the top estimate

Further to Richard Fattorini’s article on second and later editions in ATG No 2643 (‘Worth having second thoughts’), first appearances are also of interest.

The importance of an original box in good condition to the value of a toy is well known. But what about a display without any toy in sight, box or no box?

A world atlas produced by a Dublin-born man who is considered the first US commercial publisher made its way to the Irish capital to be sold at auction house Adam’s (25% buyer’s premium).