Latest News Articles by Mark Bridge
Auctions in France: a flourish of first shoots for the autumn season
04 September 2017The auction season is only just getting into gear in September but as this is a hectic time of year for fairs and dealers, most auction houses are keen to capitalise on the potential footfall to the Grand Palais and the Left Bank dealers’ trails.
American presentation blades mark contrasting careers
07 August 2017Two American presentation swords, marking high points in two very different military careers, made their mark in recent sales.
Cased pistols – defending the honour of the market
07 August 2017Cased pairs of pistols remain a particular favourite with collectors, being relatively compact and often in excellent condition after centuries cocooned in their brass-bound mahogany boxes.
Sporting guns catch the imagination of bidders
07 August 2017Sporting guns are a little different from other areas of the arms and armour market in that many that are well over 100 years old are still in use today.
Pennsylvania's Morphy Auctions appoint firearms expert
07 August 2017Russ Withem has joined Morphy Auctions as a firearms expert in the company’s firearms and militaria division.
Zettler glass added to Del Mar’s specialist armory
07 August 2017Thomas Del Mar (24% buyer’s premium) sold the first instalment of de-accessioned arms and armour from the John Woodman Higgins Museum in Massachusetts back in 2013 and a second in 2014.
The longarm of the war – a rare £5700 Baker
07 August 2017The pick of a good selection of military muskets and rifles in Anthony Cribb’s (20% buyer’s premium) sale in Abingdon on June 27 was a relatively rare example of the Baker rifle issued to British rifle regiments from the beginning of the 19th century until the 1830s.
The silent but deadly selection
28 January 2017Crossbows and air rifles offered in UK and German auctions show the technical progression
Keeping your powder dry – a matter of life and death
08 August 2014In the days when muzzle-loaders were the only choice for shooters, the one essential accessory was a flask for the powder. Many a battle or huntsman’s quarry has been lost through poorly kept powder.
Arts Scholars Company gains Letters Patent for full Livery status
14 July 2014The Company of Arts Scholars has been officially recognised as the 110th Livery Company of the City of London with the presentation of the Letters Patent by the Lord Mayor at the Mansion House.
Golden Age walnut and the Rainhill Trials under the microscope in Oxford sale
02 April 2014Eighty lots from a local estate ensured a flying start to Mallams’ recent sale in Oxford and provided an insight into the taste and interests of a collector buying 60 years ago.
Oxford conference returns in September
10 March 2014Following the success of last year’s Oxford conference for art and antiques professionals, Jeremy Lamond of Halls and Rupert Toovey of Toovey’s have announced the 2014 event will be held on Friday and Saturday, September 12-13.
Response to NAVA courses indicates demand for knowledge
10 March 2014In 2013 NAVA ran its first course for Valuers & Auctioneers of Chattels and its fourth competition for Young Auctioneer of the Year.
Arts Scholars achieve full Livery Company status
17 February 2014On February 11 the Court of Aldermen formally admitted the Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars as the 110th Livery Company of the City of London.
Somers dons the Master’s robes
28 May 2013Nicholas Somers has been installed as Master of the Company of Arts Scholars for 2013/14.
Guns with a right royal heritage
11 October 2012Fine and unusual English guns made for Indian princes formed the most lucrative sub-section of Holt’s latest London sale.