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THERE is no getting away from the appeal of railways which were a major feature in one of two Midlands toy sales in June. The June 18 sale in Rugby held by toys specialists Vectis (15% buyer’s premium) set two modest records among a collection of Hornby items starting with a mint and boxed group of four 00 gauge petrol tankers.

HIGH summer’s high spot for many collectors and dealers is the oldest of the three annual Antiques For Everyone fairs at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre, the summer version of which will take place from July 31 to August 3.

TWO months ago in our Decoration and Design column we reported the launch of the Metal Gallery in Mayfair, a new showcase for contemporary metalwork of all kinds.

In terms of ‘Old Masters’ in their strictest sense, the July 9 sale sale at Bonhams (19.5/10% buyer’s premium) Knightsbridge might have been conspicuously short of quality, but the presence of this fine George Stubbs (1724-1806) canvas of a dark bay in a landscape. right, gave proceedings a lift when it sold at £1.75m to an American collector represented by London dealer Ray Waterhouse in the room.

EDINBURGH dealership Georgian Antiques celebrate their 25th anniversary this September and to mark the occasion partner John Dixon will be available for the whole month for free valuations of furniture and other antiques at their warehouse at 10 Pattison Street, Leith Links.

It is one of the best known moments in sport. Donald Bradman, batsman without peer, arrives at the crease in his final test match at the Oval on August 14 1948, requiring just four runs for a Test career average of 100.

Subastas Segre (16% buyer’s premium) held their monthly sale from May 20 to 22. In the picture catalogue, top price was the double-estimate €30,000 (£22,060) for a complete set of Goya’s Caprichos, catalogued as First Edition but not in ideal condition. A 3ft 3in (1m) square abstract oil on canvas of 1982 by Fernando Zobel (1942-1984), whose work is highly regarded in Spain, made €23,700 (£17,425).