UK

Forum Auctions has set a record for a copy of JRR Tolkien’s 'The Lord of the Rings'.

Chanel No 5 was perfected in the late summer and autumn of 1920 by the French-Russian chemist and perfumer Ernest Beaux.

The closure of Roma Numismatics and competition from overseas meant total sales across London coins and medals auctions fell to £51.7m in 2024.

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).

“I’ve been an auctioneer for 30 years now and it took me two hours to sell 34 lots – so you get the idea of the interest and levels of bidders.”

Total sales across London coins and medals auctions fell £10m in 2024. So, are the first cracks appearing in a market that was riding high in Covid? As always, the devil is in the detail.

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

A fairs organiser who put the high footfall at a new event he launched last year down to “intense promotion” is back at the same venue next month.

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.

A look at some of the numismatic lots that caused a stir in 2024, starting off with a scarce example of Civil War coinage

Palitoy was a major player in the British toys scene.

An events specialist who has cornered the market for antiques and vintage street fairs across southern England for the past 10 years is moving in towards central London.

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

This year is the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth in 1775 and among the many celebratory events is Miss Austen, a four-episode drama currently airing on BBC 1, which is based on the novelist’s sister Cassandra.

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.

A deceased estate in Dorset that yielded a notable collection of Old Masters provided a fillip to Lawrences (25% buyer’s premium) of Crewkerne’s latest mixed-category auction.