Features

The Fine Wristwatches & Pens auction at Chiswick Auctions includes a rare variant of perhaps the most celebrated of all Rolex ‘tool’ watches: a 1970s Submariner with the so-called ‘single red’ Mark IV dial.

This fine First World War silver presentation model of the Vickers FB5 or Gunbus was made by Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company (London 1916).

The most famous firm of the many silversmiths in the German city of Hanau in the late 19th century was Neresheimer & Söhne.

This Tiffany Aesthetic movement silver-gilt pepperette is engraved with the presentation inscription Given by TRH Prince & Princess of Wales, Xmas 1879.

A silver sale at East Bristol Auctions (19% buyer’s premium) included this Wiener Werkstätte twin section bon bon dish with two glass inserts to a design by Josef Hoffmann.

As part of Henry Aldridge & Son’s auction of Titanic, White Star and Transport Memorabilia on November 19 a group of 21 lots associated with Wild West showman and powered flight pioneer Samuel Franklin Cody (1867-1913) is on offer.

The auction at Roseberys London on November 17 includes, estimated at £600-1000, this Victorian silver trophy made by Edward Ker Reid (London, 1864).

Era of pop art and protests also brought fresh design beyond the earlier ‘tool’ template

A look at upcoming jewellery auction lots

The unashamed opulence of interior decoration that became known as Le Goût Rothschild as it spread from 19th century France to Austria, Germany and Britain is a style that has always been admired.

When collecting portrait miniatures it is important to know what materials have been used.

The top-seller of the small Chinese offering from Exbury House was this colourful, elaborate 18th century cloisonné cong.

One of the best places to find furniture from across the ages this autumn was the 'Winter Art & Antiques Fair Olympia'.

Two ancient country manors refurbished by two of the 20th century’s leading UK interior designers brought what the auctioneers described as ‘pre-Covid atmospheres’ at Dreweatts’ (25% buyer’s premium) Donnington Priory rooms.

Tapestries featured at both Dreweatts’ Chilham Castle auction and Flaxley Abbey sale.

A round up of portrait miniatures appearing at auction and offered by dealers.

“I couldn’t have started collecting without the help and guidance of Robert Bayne-Powell (1910-94).

The market presence of Sarah Biffin (1784-1850), a portrait miniaturist born without hands, arms and legs, has been rising over the past few years.

Carved giltwood mirrors were in strong demand at Dreweatts, four of them among the five-figure prices.

Despite being buffeted by the vagaries of fashion and now the modern crusade against antique ivory, portrait miniatures have managed to keep a keen collecting base.