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The Getty Museum has emerged as the mystery buyer of close to half of a collection of ancient engraved gems sold by Christie’s New York.

A carving of a deerhound which once adorned a 19th century yacht more than doubled the house record for a figurehead at a Charles Miller auction in west London. The item sold for £52,000 had a royal connection but it was the quality and condition which secured the high price, said Miller.

The government is seeking views from the art and antiques market on how new anti-money laundering laws will impact the trade.

ATG’s selection of auction lots bought by internet bidders on thesaleroom.com from the period May 1-8, 2019. This includes both the highest prices over estimate and the top prices paid online.

This finely preserved Roman sports mask of a youthful African prince may depict Lusius Quietus (98- 117AD), one of Rome’s great cavalry commanders.

Godwin Swifte, who styled himself as Lord Carlingford, was a member of one of Ireland’s notable families and a maverick of early flight.

A monogram and faint signature to a botanical study sold at Derbyshire saleroom Hansons (20% buyer’s premium) revealed it to be the work of celebrated Australian artist Sidney Nolan (1917-92).

One of the highlights of Old Toy Soldier Auctions’ spring sale from May 18-19 in Pittsburgh will be this rare Britains Black Watch boxed parade set with piper, No 449.

Derek Billings has died at the age of 86. For half a century he was an important player in the collecting world of Doulton art pottery. His late wife Kay was a very supportive partner in forming the collection.

This oil on canvas of A June Day, Ludlow by Beryl Maud Sinclair (1901-67) is among the works featured at Miles Wynn Cato’s final exhibition devoted to views of the Shropshire market town.

MADAM – As a collector, not a dealer, of fine-quality bracket clocks and live steam engines, I do not have unlimited funds and therefore have to sometimes sell one item in order to acquire another for my collection.

Troubling subjects to today’s society as they may be, promotional materials for tobacco, alcohol, chocolates and petrol from the 19th and early 20th centuries remain a popular choice for collectors.