Auctioneers

The auction process is a key part of the secondary art and antiques market.

Firms of auctioneers usually specialise in a number of fields such as jewellery, ceramics, paintings, Asian art or coins but many also hold general sales where the goods available are not defined by a particular genre and are usually lower in value.

Auctioneers often provide other services such as probate and insurance valuations.

First printing of Harry Potter

False friends: some early copies of Harry Potter may not be all that they appear

25 August 2016

Not all copies of Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone that bear a tell-tale typo sometimes signifying the first edition, first run of the book are the real deal.

World Heavyweight Championship belt

Death of "The Greatest" prompts consignments of memorabilia to auction

25 August 2016

A collection of Muhammad Ali memorabilia is being sold in a Dallas saleroom following an outpouring of related consignments from the public in light of the boxer’s death.

Agostino Ciampelli drawing from Brian Sewell collection

New attributions for Brian Sewell’s Old Master drawings at Christie’s

24 August 2016

A series of Old Master drawings from the collection of Brian Sewell have had their attributions upgraded in advance of the auction of the late art critic’s collection in London next month. They include two long-unattributed works that have now been ascribed to named 16th century Italian artists.

Porcelain from Hugh Marsham Townshend collection

Sworders to offer ‘toys’ from Hugh Marsham Townshend collection

24 August 2016

When in the middle of the century Suffolk collector Hugh Marsham Townshend (1878-1967) was amassing a collection of gold-mounted porcelain scent bottles and other trinkets, most were thought to be the products of the Chelsea porcelain works or a shadowy enterprise known as the ‘Girl in a Swing’ factory.

Pillow from Reagan

Americana the beautiful: Reagan's private collection to appear at Christie's

23 August 2016

The release of the catalogue for the upcoming sale of the Reagans’ private collection reveals the President’s artistic flair and the First Lady’s taste for diamonds.

Sleep Sound by Jack Butler Yeats

Yeats painting owned by David Bowie for sale at Sotheby's in November

22 August 2016

A painting by Irish artist Jack B Yeats owned by the late David Bowie will be offered at Sotheby’s in November.

Water wheel clock

Son of Yorkshire auction house owner reopens the business after two years

22 August 2016

Hutchinson Scott is set to hold its first sale in two years after the founder of the Yorkshire auction house came out of retirement and helped his son restart the family business.

Paysage village by Fernand Leger

Cubism at Chicago auction: Fernand Léger works predicted to fetch $2m

22 August 2016

Two Cubist works by Fernand Léger (1881-1955) lead a potentially lucrative line-up of pictures at Chicago saleroom Leslie Hindman’s auction next month.

Sally Stratton and Guy Savill of The Pedestal

Ex-Bonhams duo launch independent auction firm to champion furniture sales

18 August 2016

Two well-known former London auction specialists are launching a new enterprise selling English and European antique furniture.

Rene Lalique car mascot Victoire

René Lalique motoring mascots head single-owner sale at Bonhams

17 August 2016

A collection of motoring mascots formed by Robert White, a leading UK camera retailer, will be offered at Bonhams next month. Offered in single-owner sale in London on September 19, the consignments include 37 examples by René Lalique.

Canterbury cathedral auction A 2255 16-08-16.jpg

Canterbury Cathedral Great South Window stonework up for auction

16 August 2016

It is not every day you get the chance to own a unique, original piece of the oldest church in England still in use. If that is your desire, on September 24 your prayers will be answered.

1933 penny Heritage Auctions

1933 and all that: $165,000 for Britain’s numismatic superstar

16 August 2016

Dallas-based Heritage Auctions set a new record for any copper or bronze coin when a 1933 penny took $165,000 (£127,000). The buyer was a private collector.

Sheffield auction 4 Black Sabbath 20-08-16-1.jpg

Early Earth aka Black Sabbath memorabilia coming up at Sheffield auction

13 August 2016

Ozzy Osbourne is famous for not only fronting the trailblazing heavy metal band Black Sabbath but also drink and drugs and wild antics such as biting the head off a bat on stage.

Fellows move to larger London offices and expand their team

12 August 2016

Fellows are moving their London office from Queen Street to Hill Street, just off Berkeley Square.

Tunbridge ware spice box

Rich rewards for Kent’s cottage industry as Tunbridge ware draws the bidders

11 August 2016

Estimated at £1200-1800, a rare Tunbridge ware spice box sold for £10,600 at Bleasdales in Warwick.

usain bolt graham budd 10-08-16.jpg

Usain Bolt Olympic 2012 stadium track section to be sold at Graham Budd auction

10 August 2016

The Olympic Games produce magical memories and high achievement and few competitors have created so many memories and achieved as much as Usain Bolt.

Charles Lindbergh flying helmet

Charles Lindbergh’s record-breaking flying helmet to be offered at Paris auction

10 August 2016

Charles Lindbergh’s flying helmet which the American aviator wore on his record-breaking solo flight across the Atlantic in 1927 is to be offered for sale in Paris this autumn.

Lawrence Gowing view of Hackney

Hackney brings in the money – early Lawrence Gowing view of London takes record £40,000

10 August 2016

A record price for a work by Sir Lawrence Gowing (1918-1991) came at the latest fine art sale held by Brightwells of Leominster.

Don Quixote first english edition at Keys auction

The Man of La Mancha in Norfolk – first English edition of Don Quixote makes £25,000

09 August 2016

One of a great many books removed from a couple of terraced houses in Norwich for sale by Keys of Aylsham was an 1612 first English edition of the first part only of Don Quixote.

Asian Art in London logo

Asian Art in London up for prestigious UK business award

09 August 2016

Asian Art in London, the annual festival celebrating art and antiques from Asia, has been nominated for a national business award against stiff competition.

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