News

It is 150 years since the beginning of the Meiji era in Japan and 160 since the country finally opened up to foreign trading after years of isolation.

With the Star Wars saga now more than 40 years old – and still going strong – the memorabilia market buzzes as never before. With so many of the original fans of the first movies now at prime income-earning age, prices for figures, posters and props continue to rise.

From a René Lalique belt buckle featured on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow in April to a vase celebrating George III’s recovery from illness, here are five highlights from upcoming sales this week.

‘Pre-owned’ luxury items are in demand and here is a selection of handbags and gladrags coming up for sale.

In our weekend series, Antiques Trade Gazette brings you a selection of quotes from dealers, auctioneers, collectors and others. This week we cover topics including TEFAF’s new policy on selecting vetters; the dealers’ protest forcing Abebooks to reverse its policy and the comedy legend Bob Monkhouse’s life a collector.

In 1903 the Wright Brothers put into the air the first successful aeroplane. Sixty-six years later Neil Armstrong became the first man on the moon – carrying with his mission a piece of the propeller and section of the wing fabric from that pioneering aircraft.

ATG’s selection of hammer highlights that sold at auction in the last week include a Regency rosewood table and a Beatles poster from a Leeds Queen's Hall appearance.