Latest News Articles by Tom Derbyshire
Sutcliffe photography medals back to Yorkshire
14 June 2021A group of 56 medals awarded to pioneering photographer Frank Meadow Sutcliffe (1853-1941) is heading back to the area he covered in his evocative images.
Pick of the week: The Kitchener call to arms that inspired a classic poster design
07 June 2021The stern face, luxurious moustache and pointing finger are instantly familiar – but the message below Kitchener’s intense gaze not so.
Battle of Britain medal groups hit six figures
07 June 2021Two impressive Battle of Britain medal groups offered a day apart at separate auctions both took six-figure sums.
Present from Thai king to King of Rock ‘n’ Roll
07 June 2021A combination cigarette case and lighter given to Elvis Presley by the king of Thailand sold for six times its top estimate.
Postcards of Cumbrian life (and loss of life)
07 June 2021Trying to set a water-speed record is one of sport’s most hazardous competitions – with a high fatality rate as a result.
Auction previews: issue 2496
07 June 2021A selection of 14 upcoming lots from auctions taking place around the UK.
Victoria Cross awarded for heroic defensive feat 'ranking alongside Rorke's Drift' comes for sale
05 June 2021A unique Victoria Cross group of medals for “a feat that probably ranks alongside Rorke’s Drift in the history of famous defences against overwhelming odds” is estimated at £300,000-400,000 at London auction house Dix Noonan Webb on June 23.
Auction previews: issue 2495
31 May 2021A selection of 16 upcoming lots from auctions taking place around the UK.
Ref’s 1974 World Cup final stopwatch for sale
31 May 2021English football referee Jack Taylor created history when he blew his whistle in the first minute of the 1974 World Cup final to give the Netherlands a penalty against West Germany.
Stopwatch used by ref Jack Taylor in 1974 World Cup final comes to auction
27 May 2021English football referee Jack Taylor created history when he blew his whistle in the first minute of the 1974 World Cup final.
Auction previews: issue 2494
24 May 2021A selection of 15 upcoming lots from auctions taking place around the UK.
Auction previews: issue 2493
17 May 2021A selection of 17 upcoming lots from auctions taking place around the UK.
Remembering Napoleon 200 years after his death as demand rises for relics
10 May 2021The bicentenary of Napoléon Bonaparte's death boosts demand for relics
Two of The Few: Battle of Britain medal groups
10 May 2021Medal groups awarded to two of The Few – the heroic RAF and Fleet Air Arm pilots of the Battle of Britain – are on offer at auction this month.
Pioneers of rugby and football: Sporting dynasty's collection sold in Cardiff auction
10 May 2021Remarkable Birkett family archive sold at Rogers Jones auction reflected the earliest days of organised sport.
Unique piece of the action
10 May 2021How letters related to wars bring a connection that history books cannot match
Napoleon’s letter giving orders to invade of England sold at Sotheby's
10 May 2021In the bicentenary year of his death, relics connected to Napoleon will inevitably catch the eye.
Letter describing first-hand horror of Dunkirk sold at Bonhams
10 May 2021The great British tradition of celebrating last stands and heroic defeats includes the evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940.
Captain who saved the bacon in Danish attack
10 May 2021Convoys to protect merchant vessels have a long history in naval conflict. A letter sold at Kent saleroom C&T (22% buyer’s premium) in a timed Military Books, Ephemera & Photographs Auction reveals Royal Navy ships in action back in 1808.
Admiral came to grief four years later
10 May 2021After a long and illustrious naval career, it is a pity that Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell is best known for the circumstances of his death.