Latest News Articles by Tom Derbyshire
World Cup stars: Memorabilia from Pelé, Banks, Ball and Shilton makes appearance at auctions
22 June 2026The World Cup has tempted vendors to consign a remarkable selection of big hitters to auction reflecting stand-out moments in the history of the tournament.
Fake and fortune: Manuscripts by The Spanish Forger emerge in Dorset
19 June 2026Two medieval illuminated manuscripts identified as being late 19th century or early 20th century fakes attributed to The Spanish Forger are being sold in Dorset on June 25 estimated at £500-1000.
Cartography creates demand as collection of former chancellor comes for sale
19 June 2026Rare atlases from the 17th to 19th centuries provided the top-sellers as an extensive library collection emerged from the estate of a descendant of one of Britain’s longest-serving Chancellors of the Exchequer.
Wilberforce letters stay local after East Yorkshire auction
19 June 2026Two personal letters written by William Wilberforce, the Hull-born anti-slavery campaigner and influential politician, were on offer at East Yorkshire saleroom Hawleys (22% buyer’s premium) on June 13.
First World War naval flags reflect fierce engagements
12 June 2026Motor Launch 397 was one of about 500 of these 37-ton boats built by Elco during the First World War and was heavily involved with the 1918 raids on the German-held ports of Ostend and Zeebrugge.
Wave of interest as RAF Museum sells off items
12 June 2026Unusual models brings strong demand as the RAF Museum sold off items it viewed as no longer needed
Hardened warrior was fascinated by folk stories
12 June 2026If The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers are to your liking, a large single-owner collection of military medals comprising nearly 100 lots dedicated to the regiment offered in Somerset on May 28 would have caught your eye.
Forget Tennyson, try real-life charge tales
12 June 2026“The Russians opened fire on our right, on our left, and then in front...
Medal of a 17-year-old who served on Victory at Trafalgar
12 June 2026The Spink (20% buyer’s premium) sale on April 23 that included the Rorke’s Drift medal awarded to ‘Ammunition Smith’ (see News, ATG No 2742) also featured several other notable lots.
Great War diary and uniforms help to bring past to life
12 June 2026Personal stories grab the attention of militaria collectors, transforming dry histories of dates and names, facts and figures into real-life flesh and blood tales.
The Fug of war
12 June 2026During the First World War aviators of the Royal Flying Corps suffered from the cold over the Western Front. A solution was the ’fug boot’.
Helmet, goggles and gas mask soar way above estimate
12 June 2026Richard Winterton (22% buyer’s premium) offered what was described simply as a “post Second World War” leather flying helmet with goggles and gas mask on May 21 in Tamworth.
Maltese connection makes the difference in militaria
12 June 2026Auction lots for a while now have demonstrated a factor which may be termed a ‘Malta premium’.
Match-worn Pelé 1958 World Cup final shirt could hit a record
05 June 2026Pelé’s Brazil 1958 match-worn World Cup final shirt is up for auction with an estimate ‘in excess of $6m’.
Bidding fuelled by a big oil dispenser
05 June 2026This Carless, Capel and Leonard London forecourt oil dispenser cabinet rubbed bidders up the right way at The Aladdin’s Garage: A Private Collection of Petroliana, Automobilia and Advertising Signs sale.
Man Utd’s Gregg still revered by modern day fans
29 May 2026Collection of goalkeeper who survived 1958 Munich disaster generates a strong demand at auction, plus Liverpool FC favourites in focus at auction
Earliest Celtic FC winner’s medal nets a record for such Scottish memorabilia
29 May 2026On the day the 15ct gold and enamel medal Celtic FC’s latest Scottish title success clinched in the very last game of the season against Hearts came 133 years after their first.
Auction lots act as reminders of Hammers, Wolves and Spurs in happier days
29 May 2026A horrible season for West Ham, Spurs and Wolves has come to an end... but glory days for the clubs were recalled by several lots sold recently.