Auction Reports

A Roman marble bust of the tyrannical Emperor Commodus attracted a flurry of bids at Mallams (25% buyer’s premium) in Oxford.

Stoneware vases and jugs from the famed Martin Brothers also show their sense of style and character

This silver desk clock designed in the form of a Rolls-Royce radiator grille with a red enamel badge and a miniature Spirit of Ecstasy mascot perched on top is thought to have been given as a Christmas gift by the British luxury car maker to one of its distributors.

Focus on two flower paintings created in Kent by different artists but offered at the same local saleroom

Two English Delftware plates, described on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow a decade ago as “as rare as you can get”, went under the hammer at Woolley & Wallis (26% buyer’s premium) on February 5.

A rarity offered on the opening day of the sale held by Mellors & Kirk (24% buyer’s premium) in Nottingham on February 11-12 was this George III silver pear shape powder flask.

Salisbury saleroom holds specialist offering staged as part of a three-day sale as demand increases

The so-called ‘dummy board’ or ‘silent companion’ is believed to have originated in Holland during the early 17th century.

A piece of British punk fashion history drew stiff competition at Newcastle saleroom Anderson & Garland (25% buyer’s premium).

Shortly after the production of the first batch of his jasperware abolitionist medallion, Josiah Wedgwood sent a package to Benjamin Franklin with a covering letter dated February 1788 saying: “I embrace the opportunity to inclose [sic] for the use of your Excellency and friends, a few Cameos on a subject I am happy to acquaint you is daily more and more taking possession of men’s minds on this side of the Atlantic as well as with you.

Cellars and attics at famous Norfolk estate are cleared out as part of ‘housework’ to allow guided tours

Farnborough Technical College hosted many memorable bands for gigs it seems, judging from a six-lot selection of posters that appeared at Special Auction Services (20% buyer’s premium).

Many of the pieces will go to the Far East after London auction held by Alistair Gibson

The second designated Islamic & Indian Art auction held by Lyon & Turnbull (26/25% buyer’s premium) in London included a group of market-fresh Indo-Portuguese mother-of-pearl vessels.

Palitoy was a major player in the British toys scene.

This group of three Meissen models of hares ranges in size from 3in (7cm) to 6in (16cm).

Most surviving rocking horses by FH Ayres of London date from 1880-1940 - made in the era when the safety stands (first patented by Philip Marqua of Cincinnati in 1880) had become the norm.

The Arabian Knights model of Princess Badoura is best known as the largest figure from the Royal Doulton HN series.

Once just the preserve of one or two London firms, now such consignments are there to be won for many others

A recent Fine & Decorative sale at Roseberys (26/25% buyer’s premium) was led by a very fine Berlin tapestry.