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“Good old-fashioned country house auctions are a rarity these days and it is a privilege to organise one against such an historic backdrop.” So says Guy Schwinge of Dorchester auction house Duke’s, referring to the upcoming sale of the contents from Athelhampton House in Dorset.

In a move to increase its digital presence and reach new bidders, Bonhams has agreed a long-term partnership with online auction marketplace thesaleroom.com.

Fundraising led by writers’ association English PEN has helped save for the nation the judge’s annotated copy of 'Lady Chatterley’s Lover'.

The major auction houses host their biannual Islamic Art Week auctions in April and October, and this month a series of events and auctions are planned across the capital.

Sherlock Holmes author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was so keen to be able to work while he travelled that in 1925 he commissioned a case maker to create the bespoke trunk that could turn into a writing desk.

With estimates from £150-1500, here are five previews of upcoming sales this week.

An auction record for a rare coin and the illegal export of ivory items were among the issues that sparked the latest discussions across the art and antiques trade.