Latest News Articles by Tom Derbyshire
Ephemera provides treasure trove for a private press fan
08 April 2024Archive offers glimpse into the golden age of small-scale publishing when tiny print runs were the norm
Mersey Beat newspapers sold at auction unveil an up and coming band - the Beatles
02 April 2024By the start of 1962 the Beatles were on the cusp of stardom but challenges remained.
A Steiff teddy bear is among seven lots to watch
01 April 2024With estimates from £60, here are seven previews of items coming up at auction this week.
Lost in non-translation: honour won by a blagger
01 April 2024On February 29 Fellows (25% buyer’s premium) of Birmingham held its inaugural Monies, Medals & Militaria sale.
Steele shows his mettle in the North West Mounted Police
01 April 2024This North West Mounted Police hat badge caught the attention when Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood (25% buyer’s premium) of Exeter sold the remaining personal effects of Canadian soldier and policeman Major General Sir Samuel Benfield Steele KCMG CB MVO (1848-1919) on March 19.
Bravery of mine defusers recognised by George medals and crosses
01 April 2024George Medals were awarded to military recipients for bravery not in the face of the enemy, so bomb or mine disposal is a classic reason.
Chronicle of a Canadian way of life soon to disappear
01 April 2024Irish-born William W Armstrong (1822-1914) emigrated to Canada in 1851 and initially found success as a civil engineer on the early railways and pioneering photography for industrial purposes.
POW sketches created in secret reveal Japanese camp scenes
01 April 2024A remarkable sketchbook compiled after its creator had been taken prisoner at the fall of Singapore in the Second World War sold for £1650 (estimate £500-700) as part of a timed online sale.
Thanks for keeping my Scottish regalia safe, Charles
01 April 2024This letter signed by Charles II was written in September 1660, mere months after the restoration of the monarchy.
Snuff box up at auction 'belonged to Napoleon on St Helena'
01 April 2024The Militaria auction at Norfolk saleroom TW Gaze on April 18 includes an item linked to Napoleon’s exile on St Helena.
Signs to show how Brits fought back at the flying bombs
01 April 2024The Germans began firing V1 flying bombs at Britain in June 1944 and V2 rockets followed that September.
Medals & militaria: String of six-figure successes in Mayfair
01 April 2024Mayfair auction house builds on an excellent performance last year with stand-out results at the start of 2024
Victoria Cross awarded eventually ‘by vote of his brother officers’
01 April 2024Among six-figure successes in the medals market, last year Spink sold the ‘Operation Chastise’ Distinguished Flying Cross group of five given to Dambuster Flt Lt Edward ‘Johnnie’ Johnson for £105,000.
Personal touch on board: the ditty box
01 April 2024With space and privacy at a premium on board ships, sailors used ditty boxes to store their most treasured possessions plus personal necessities and everyday items such as sewing kit.
Pair of Portland stone sculptures by Charles Sargeant Jagger are among six lots to watch
25 March 2024With estimates from £120, here are six previews of lots coming up at auction this week.
An antiques expert with Georgian on his mind
25 March 2024If specialist Karl Martin was the type to take work home with him he’d be in danger of never finding it again.
Charles Darwin presentation copy of On the Origin of Species is among five lots to watch
18 March 2024With estimates from £800, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week.
Lincolnshire auction house tunes in to local celebrity Claribel
18 March 2024Memorabilia relating to the Victorian songwriter ‘Claribel’ returned home from Malta to be auctioned in Lincolnshire and were bought by the local museum.