Auctioneers

In a market that waxes and wanes, recent sales suggest collectors are active and pushing up prices

The French inventor André Romain Guilmet (1827-92) took out many patents for his ingenious designs including in 1868 the idea for a driving chain on a bicycle.

Recent auction sales shone the spotlight on pioneering photographers active in the first days of the art

Thirty-eight lots offered in Bath included a strong array of 20th century works assembled in London

Described as “exceptionally large” when offered by Chiswick Auctions (26/12% buyer’s premium), this black and white presentation photograph depicts Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie (1892-1975).

Julia Margaret Cameron was a neighbour and close friend of Alfred Tennyson on the Isle of Wight.

The personal photo album of a crew member of a post-war Antarctic whaling factory ship is for sale in April 29 at Charles Miller in London for an estimated £800-1200.

A rare example of 17th century Newcastle silver holloware sold for £7500 at Chiswick Auctions’ (26% buyer’s premium) latest specialist sale of Silver and Objects of Vertu.

One of the highlights of the March 22 sale at Auction Team Breker in Cologne is a pioneering mid-19th century calculating machine.

It’s obviously a good season for Meissen hares.

A single-owner collection of Venini glassware led Roseberys’ (26/25/20% buyer’s premium) first Design auction of the year in West Norwood.

Early works on apple husbandry reflect the popularity of ancient brew in Britain by the 17th century

The historic but compact English city of Lichfield and historic photographic views of China are not an immediately obvious fit but two auction houses made the connection recently.