South-east England

A mixture of leading artist, intriguing subject, ‘prominent’ background and perhaps a bit of speculation helped propel a portrait of an Indian figure to 36 times the top estimate.

A professional diver snapped up a up a vintage US Navy diving helmet that surfaced in the middle of the English countryside.

A timed online auction at Thimbleby & Shorland of Reading included this fine quality Kentian console table that had come from a probate sale in London.

What Special Auction Services (20% buyer’s premium) in Newbury billed as “the largest and most valuable doll collection to been seen at auction for 25 years” went under the hammer on February 22 with a further slice to come in April.

The high-flyer in Dreweatts’ (26/25/20/15% buyer’s premium) sale of the contents of Collections from Cairness House and a Wimpole Street townhouse was the set of six Chippendale chairs made for Brocket Hall that sold for £95,000 (see News, ATG No 2629).

John Nicholson’s (25% buyer’s premium) Fine Paintings sale in Fernhurst on February 20 included a good example of The Pictorial Missionary Map of the World - a rarity that appears at auction perhaps once in every decade.

Dawsons’ (25% buyer’s premium) Fine Jewellery, Watches & Silver sale included this Art Nouveau gem-set foliage panel ring by Henri Dubret (1872-1947).

Collection of dealers who founded a shop and popular brand is up for sale next month in Sussex, offering more than 600 lots in a dedicated sale

It is a good time to be selling works by Thomas Daniell (1749-1840).

Silver item with intriguing inscription linked to notorious lengthy legal battle will be offered at Hampshire fair

Group of works by a maker who used mostly traditional techniques creates a secondary market test

Amherst Antiques, the Kent-based specialist in Tunbridge Ware, is offering reductions on some of its stock as the owners prepare to retire.

Rediscovered books and manuscripts that once belonged to former antiquarian book dealer John Percival Love and had been stored away in a bank vault for nearly 50 years captivated collectors and the trade alike at auction.

Charles Dickens spent a great many chapters of his life in Kent, and had much to say about the Medway towns including Faversham, where he described “the queer little market square... the lop-sided little town hall with its big-faced clock and supporting pillars forming a little arcade, in which probably the merchants of Faversham do congregate”.

Jackie Edwards of ACVR Events has added an 11th event to her portfolio of markets in Surrey, Hampshire and west Berkshire.

Focus on two events at the start of next month that offer an array of options for distinctive decorations

Once considered to be the refuge of geeky teenagers, fantasy and sci-fi role playing and tabletop gaming is now hugely popular, with various celebs keen to proclaim their passion for all things orc and elf.

The first part of a sale offering the contents of a house on Belgrave Square went under the hammer at Bellmans (25% buyer’s premium).