Auctions

A gilt metal cloak clasp taken from the apartment of Napoleon Bonaparte after his death on St Helena in 1821 has sold at auction for £10,000.

While modern communications would appear to have diminished the role of the King’s or Queen’s Messengers in the 21st century, the job and title remains.

Bellmans is holding its first Arms & Armour auction in Billingshurst on September 10.

Two early furnishings by the Dutch designer and architect Gerrit Rietveld (1888-1964) beat their guides at Wright (27% buyer’s premium) in Chicago, Illinois. Both came with primary provenances.

A cherished piece of golf history came for sale at Carlsen Gallery (20% buyer’s premium) in Freehold, New York, and commanded a significant sum.

Our regular listing of UK and Irish books and works on paper sales

This George II giltwood mirror in the Chippendale rococo taste c.1755 sold well over hopes for £20,000 at Moore Allen & Innocent (21% buyer’s premium).

This year marks the 40th anniversary of one of the most extraordinary music concerts ever held: Live Aid.

A claret jug combining the talents of Stevens & Williams of Stourbridge in the UK and US firm Duhme & Co from Cincinnati crushed its $2000-3000 guide to hammer for $35,000 (£25,890).

ATG’s pick of auction lots bought by internet bidders on thesaleroom.com, featuring both the highest prices over-estimate and the top prices paid online.

From a deceased estate in Christchurch, this Attic black-figured terracotta neck amphora sold at £23,000 (estimate £3000-5000) at Duke’s (25% buyer’s premium) of Dorchester.

A rare work by Royal Worcester’s near-legendary craftsman George Owen (1845-1912) led a sale at Philip Serrell (20% buyer’s premium) in Malvern, Worcestershire, this summer.