Latest News Articles by Tom Derbyshire
Early international caps at auction won by footballer Fatty Wedlock
09 November 2017Footballer Neil Ruddock’s nickname was Razor Ruddock. Brian Kilcline became Killer Kilcline. Going back a bit further, Ron Harris roved on the pitch as Chopper Harris. Going back a lot further, Billy Wedlock’s nickname was Fatty. Or the India Rubber Man.
Art Deco transport posters unite the sleek and the speed
07 November 2017Art Deco was a style that epitomised speed and power, wrapped in a sleekness that dominated design from furniture, ceramics and glass to architecture and sculpture.
Union Flag flown by British officer who led Canadians ashore on D-Day up at auction
02 November 2017As noted often recently in Antiques Trade Gazette, successive waves of original American D-Day flags have stormed into salerooms despite their fragile nature, with consignors tempted by the high prices they fetch at auction.
Film poster collectors get their teeth into Dracula and more classic early designs
01 November 2017Have you heard of the famous actor Béla Ferenc Dezsö Blaskó? Probably not in that form, but you may know him better as Bela Lugosi. If you collect film posters, you will certainly know his most famous role.
Jimi Hendrix Experience drummer Mitch Mitchell memorabilia at auction
30 October 2017In September 1966, John Graham ‘Mitch’ Mitchell was invited to ‘come and have a play’ with a newly arrived American guitarist in London named Jimi Hendrix.
Pick of the Week: Nelson’s chair of command
30 October 2017The large pockets once inserted at the side of this leather armchair – now sealed up – give a clue to the role of the famous person who once sat on it. The chair’s nickname of ‘The Emma’ is another big hint.
Lively furniture demand boosts Lewes and Crewkerne auctions
30 October 2017With impressive bids from UK, Continental and US buyers on lots from paperweights and 17th century oak carvings to snuff boxes, and surprisingly high bids on fine English furniture, the Autumn Fine Sale at Gorringe’s (21% buyer’s premium) topped the £1m hammer mark.
Five goal England football hero Supermac sells his memorabilia collection
26 October 2017Football trivia time: who was the last player to score five goals for England in a game – but never played for the national team at Wembley ever again?
Former CSK specialist Simon Green now a consultant to The Pedestal auction house
25 October 2017Another specialist who used to be at the former Christie’s South Kensington saleroom has found a new role in the auctions world.
The weird, wacky and sometimes wonderful at auction
25 October 2017“A disgusting object” that may be of “some whimsical interest to an obsessive collector” is how Auberon Waugh described a telescopic ear trumpet as used by his father in his later years. Disgusting he may have regarded it, but far more palatable to auctioneers and dealers are the prices of such objects that collectors are prepared to pay.
Can you dig it: Brunel Thames Tunnel archive of designs on offer in London auction
19 October 2017London is a city now thoroughly used to tunnels. Tube travel has become a normal way to get about the bustling capital and has been for many years. Meanwhile, the huge Crossrail project tunnel section heading east from Paddington is scheduled for December next year.
Impressive militaria at auction and a moustache to match
19 October 2017Apart from having one of the best moustaches you will ever see and a title almost as long as his facial decoration, De Weledg Heer P Lamaison Van Heenvliet put togather an impressive collection of military and related tribal artefacts.
British Rail totem sign sale reveals poetic tale of Dilton Marsh
18 October 2017When all the horrible roads are finally done for, and there’s no more petrol left in the world to burn, here to the halt from Salisbury and from Bristol, steam trains will return. So wrote John Betjeman in his 1969 in his poem in defence of the closure-threatened Dilton Marsh Halt.
Bomb alerts triggered off at two auction houses in same week
16 October 2017Bomb alerts disrupted two separate northern auction houses last week when the alarm was sounded over militaria items included in sales.
Peacock puts on a fine display
16 October 2017Huge new auction centre ready to launch on the edge of Bedford includes five salerooms...
Marine themes: more means moor at Keys
16 October 2017Keys is holding two specialist sales next year to whet the appetite. Not only does the Norfolk auction house have a shipshape selection dedicated to ‘local hero’ Nelson, but it has also secured the diploma collection of the Royal Society of Marine Artists (RSMA), Tom Derbyshire writes.
Second date announced for Olympia Antique Arms Fair
16 October 2017Hot on the heels of the stands being packed away at the first Olympia Antique Arms Fair – held on September 30 – the date for the second has now been announced.
St Ives group artists shine at reopened Tate St Ives and in national auctions
14 October 2017The picturesque Cornish seaside town of St Ives inspired a generation of now well-known artists and sculptors, most of whom are regular names at auction and in dealerships.
Star Wars Jawa figures up at auction show extra value of pristine packaging
12 October 2017Much as I enjoyed playing with my Star Wars figures, eagerly ripping them from the packaging instead of keeping them pristine would have damaged my earning power in future years had I consigned them to auction.
Export sought for Canadian VC sold in London
09 October 2017An unusual medals sale has led to an unusual outcome. An application is to be made to export from Canada the Victoria Cross group won by heroic Lieutenant Colonel David Currie after it was bought by a British private collector.