UK

For the first time, the UK art and antiques trade has publicly made the case for a licensing system that would permit the sale of antique ivory on a case-by-case basis.

A William Nicholson (1872-1949) portrait drew admirers at Thomas R Callan (17.5% buyer’s premium) on November 19 as it was hammered down for £150,000.

Estimated at £12,000-18,000, this impressive pair of Regency four-light candelabra dipped just under hopes to sell for £11,500 at Fellows in Birmingham.

A fine pair of Victorian figural table salts in the form of sea maidens on the back of dolphins sold for £4900 (estimate £1500-2000) at Wootton Auction Rooms in Gloucestershire on October 17. Weighing 33oz, they carry marks for John Wilmin Figg, London 1841.

The last remnants of Mallett’s stock, including a clutch of 18th century pictures, were offered in a final sale in Berkshire on November 8.

An internal review into the export licence system for works of art is under way, writes Roland Arkell.

Maidenhead auction house Dawson’s is dipping a toe into the world of design with a dedicated sale on December 2.

The Canterbury Auction Galleries included this George IV silver vinaigrette by John Lawrence & Co, Birmingham, decorated with a view of St Peter’s Church, Brighton. It sold to an Australian internet bidder for £2300.

In our continuing series looking through the keyhole of ‘bricks and mortar’ shops in 2017, ATG talks to Michele Doyle from the East Sussex antiques centre.

It is possible to have too much of a good thing in a narrow collecting market – a feature amplified when the leading player has left the field.

Sotheby’s posted a record for the artist CRW Nevinson on November 21 when an important Great War scene was knocked down at £1.55m (£1.87m including premium).