UK

Following on from last week’s comments from three fairs and markets organisers on how 2024 has been for their businesses, here is the take from Europe’s largest antiques centre, a fair organiser who is packing them in and a booksellers fairs’ association with a £1m sales figure from just one event.

The hugely versatile Christopher Dresser sold 37 different designs to the Sheffield firm of Dixon and Sons from 1879-82.

A stand-out lot of Bellmans’ (25% buyer’s premium) biannual Fine Clocks auction on December 5 was a chronometer made for the 1874 British expedition to observe the transit of Venus.

Two sales in London offered personal collection of the Hobarts including artists they had championed

Patrick Boyd-Carpenter is an established fine art dealer with over 40 years’ experience in handling paintings, drawings, sculpture and works of art. He is based at Grays Antique Market, London W1

Pin cushions, including an early 19th century example made from a silk dress believed to be worn by Caroline of Brunswick (1768-1821), were a major feature of a recent auction at Warwick-based Bleasdales’ (20% buyer’s premium).

This oak panelled back armchair can be firmly dated to the Commonwealth period.

Unless you are a golfer, the name Harry Vardon is probably not a familiar one.

Portrait of artist's wife stands out among works by more famous names in Salisbury saleroom

The recipient of this George III period shamshir was once described by military historian Sir John Fortescue as “the bravest man to ever wear a red coat”.

With new visitors, international buyers returning and a fresh look at events, the mood is upbeat

An Irish presentation ormolu-mounted and enamelled sabre came for sale at a recent auction at Bonhams Knightsbridge (28/27/21/14.5% buyer’s premium).

A George III Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund silver presentation two-handled covered cup was offered as part of the Fine Decorative Arts sale at Bonhams (28/27/21/14.5% buyer’s premium) in London.

Punchy prices result as demand for relics linked to the British naval hero remains evidently high

A pair of pistols that were presented by Napoleon just six weeks after his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo hammered at £30,000 in Thomas Del Mar’s sale of Fine Antique Arms, Armour & Militaria held at Olympia Auctions (25% buyer’s premium).