Cumbria

Kirkby Lonsdale is the first of three fresh PBFA fairs this year with Frome and Dorchester to follow

A well-documented George II astronomical walnut longcase made by James Gandy of Cockermouth was the highlight of a recent sale at Mitchells’ (22% buyer’s premium) in Cumbria.

Second edition copy of Adam Smith classic work sells at £8000 in Cumbrian saleroom

The Cumbrian city of Carlisle has much going for it including a medieval cathedral and proximity to Hadrian’s Wall. The city also offers a few antiques and vintage businesses, so here are three to start you off.

Tommy nearly made the supreme sacrifice to support the Allied cause in the Second World War.

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

Vincent Page is launching a second monthly auction room in one of his five antique centres which are currently in Oxford, Sidmouth, Harrogate, Taunton and Bowness-on-Windermere all with the brand title of Antiques on High.

A joint artwork by LS Lowry and lifelong friend Rev Geoffrey Bennett is among the 1750 lots offered in Mitchells’ three-day Antiques & Fine Art Sale from September 11-13.

Hammer falls at 24 times the top estimate as Scandinavian buyer snaps up highly unusual collection

Thousands of items are available to buy from dealers online. Here we pick out one that caught our eye this week.

Cryptoryptomentyces et Cryptographiae has been described as ‘arguably the most complete tome on esoteric cryptography ever published’, an esoteric claim to fame in itself.

Daniel Daulby of Liverpool, a brewer and collector of prints and drawings, was also a compiler of a catalogue of Rembrandt etchings.

On February 29 Fellows (25% buyer’s premium) of Birmingham held its inaugural Monies, Medals & Militaria sale.

Among the many recommendations on the Facebook page of Spotty Dawgs Antiques & Used Furniture is a particularly praiseworthy one in which the poster has said that he would pay an entrance fee to wander round this treasure trove all day.

There were many massive English country house sales in the 20th century but the largest by volume was the contents sale at Lowther Castle during April, May and June 1947.