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Medals tell tale of Hong Kong police scandal

11 August 2025

It’s not often that a group of medals offered at auction includes two that were in fact officially revoked. However, a lot that appeared at an East Yorkshire auction house on June 27 reflected a notorious tale of colonial corruption.

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Tommy Cooper magic robe bought by illusionist David Copperfield

11 August 2025

A robe worn by magician and comedian Tommy Cooper (1921-84) during the performance in which he which he suffered a heart attack and collapsed on stage has been sold at a North Yorkshire auction.

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Take note of what drives demand

11 August 2025

Paper money fair organiser and dealer describes the ‘highly collectable’ market she is fascinated by

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Sizeable Guanyin figure generates large demand

11 August 2025

This unusually large giltwood figure of Guanyin, the Chinese goddess of compassion and mercy, attracted numerous bidders to Nagel’s (24.5% buyer’s premium) sale of Asian art on June 6-7 in Stuttgart.

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Something in the air tonight: Raynaud eroticism excites bidders

11 August 2025

A classic example of fin-de-siècle eroticism caught the eye of several collectors at Hampel (29.5% buyer’s premium) on June 26 in Munich.

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Research on Ethel Walker blooms

11 August 2025

A catalogue featuring Ethel Walker's artwork emerges.

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Promotional Porsche in miniature form powers to £1900

11 August 2025

Even unboxed, this Matchbox Superfast 3c Porsche 911/930 Turbo with BP shield on the door motored away from a £100-150 estimate to hammer at £1900.

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Duchess nameplate steams off at £18,200 hammer

11 August 2025

Railway locomotive nameplates can bring large sums in the saleroom, even when they are included in general rather than specialist auctions.

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Shawl was gifted by a very famous Victoria to Horatia

11 August 2025

A fine Indian Kashmir shawl of intricate traditional design offered in Colchester included a sewn label 'Horatia E Erskine, June 26th 1861 (Indian) from H.M. Queen Victoria'.

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Lusitania casualty medal pair and ‘death penny’ sell for five-figure sum

11 August 2025

A “very rare” First World War pair of medals and memorial plaque to a female casualty of the SS Lusitania came up for auction at Mayfair saleroom Noonans (24% buyer’s premium) on July 16.

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Cheyne Walk house comes down in value

11 August 2025

A riverside view of Lindsey House in London’s Cheyne Walk drew decent interest at a recent Bonhams (28% buyer’s premium) sale but ended up selling for markedly less than its last auction appearance 10 years ago.

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Previews: issue 2705

11 August 2025

Our selection of stand-out lots from upcoming auctions.

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Expert’s mine of information on the evolution of the English language

11 August 2025

Etymologist buys a glossary which provides a rich seam when it comes to English language changes

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Buddhist gems pulled from auction after outcry and deal made by India for return

11 August 2025

Historic Buddhist gems will return to India thanks to a private deal after a planned Sotheby’s sale of the items was cancelled.

Frieze London

A fair price or not: the pros and cons of admission costs discussed

11 August 2025

How do art and antiques events set their entry charges and why? ATG asks the experts

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Ship models find new moorings after auctions

11 August 2025

Builder’s ship models are exactly the kind of old-school exhibits that museums are hiding away in dusty storage or selling off. Fortunately for auction houses, they are instead being welcomed into collections by eager buyers.

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The last Austin J40 pedal car gets away to a £7000 finish

11 August 2025

The A 1971 Austin J40 pedal car is a relatively common sight at auction and the best tend to make around the £3000-5000 mark. For an example to make more than that it would have to be something very special.

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Arts and craftsmen: clock inventor and ship’s figurehead carver caught on canvas

11 August 2025

The only known portrait of the inventor Reverend Edward Barlow (1639-1719) was sold by Bath horology specialist Gardiner Houlgate (20% buyer’s premium) earlier this summer.

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Wilde and Monet photographs bring in the big money in Cambridge

11 August 2025

A signed postcard of Oscar Wilde from an image by Alfred Ellis of Baker Street impressed in a timed online sale at Cheffins (25% buyer’s premium).

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Sixteenth century padlock secured by buyer at five figures

11 August 2025

Among the bidders’ favourites at the sale of antiques on May 16-23 at Kinsky (30% buyer’s premium) in Vienna was a highly ornate, mid-16th century German or Austrian forged iron padlock with key.

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