South-west England

The highlight of an extensive selection of Barbie dolls offered at Wessex Auction Rooms (19% buyer’s premium) proved to be, as predicted, an example of the very earliest produced.

Former railway stations – plus one still active – can be ideal sites to locate antiques businesses

A gold-mounted garnet intaglio ring depicting the handsome Greek youth Antinous was taken to a multi-estimate £24,000 at Busby’s (25/10% buyer’s premium), triggering speculation it might be one of the lost ancient Marlborough gems.

Lanchester Road in County Durham is a route leading eventually into the village of that name, surrounded by fields but essentially unremarkable.

Covid lockdowns forced a rethink for a businessman focused on providing meals at music festivals

Some strong bids were achieved in 2024 for the best of the Della Robbia Pottery but none higher than the £14,000 tendered at Woolley & Wallis (plus 26% buyer’s premium) for a large plaque by Cassandra Annie Walker.

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

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”.

This printed crepe paper ‘programme’ marks one of the key Suffragette rallies of the Edwardian era.

Among the most eagerly contested lots in a recent sale at Chorley’s (23.5/15/12.5/10% buyer’s premium) was a collection of early 20th century tattoo ephemera.

A forgotten moment from the engaging story of the Martin family of potters is told through a teapot sold at Woolley & Wallis’ British Art Pottery & Design auction on December 3.

A remarkably well-preserved blue sprang sash, dated c.1620, was the stand-out lot in a sale of textiles and antiques at Cirencester auction house Dominic Winter (20% buyer’s premium).

A football collection of shirts, medals and international caps belonging to Britain’s first million-pound player, Trevor Francis, was on offer at Piers Motley (18% buyer’s premium) in Exmouth, Devon, on October 17.