Latest News Articles by Tom Derbyshire
The difference detail can make to mass products
27 November 2023The Matchbox Superfast 74a Daimler Fleetline Bus estimated at £60-80 as Lot 214 in the Vectis (27% buyer’s premium inc VAT) sale on October 31 made £35, while the version guided at £50-70 two lots later made £120.
Marx goes to war in a big way with a huge toy soldier playset
27 November 2023The first American Civil War playset produced by Marx came in 1958 but in 1961 a real blockbuster version appeared: the Giant Blue and Gray Battle Set.
Bild-Lilli: the sexy and sassy character that inspired Barbie
27 November 2023The Barbie movie might not have been such a hit if it was called Bild-Lilli instead.
Japanese post-war toys – the novelty that has not worn off
27 November 2023The highly imaginative post-war toys made in Japan for the US market are sought-after lots at auction
Secessionist silver flower baskets by Josef Hoffmann are among five lots to watch
20 November 2023With estimates from £300, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week.
A hexagonal silver tankard with Wedgwood plaques is among five lots to watch
13 November 2023With estimates from £100, here are five previews of items coming at auction this week.
Previews: issue 2618
13 November 2023Our selection of lots from five upcoming UK and Irish auctions
Helmet made famous by the dashing but dastardly Banastre
13 November 2023The Tarleton helmet was named after the dashing but ruthless Sir Banastre Tarleton (1754-1833), who commanded the British Legion during the American War of Independence.
Arms & Armour: Lock and load, old style
13 November 2023Key and pistol combination stands out in a comprehensive firearms collection offered during a dedicated sale staged on home turf
Penzance gallery celebrates contribution of local collectors to exhibitions ahead of auction
06 November 2023A Cornish exhibition gives the final chance to view a group of more than 150 paintings and ceramics by influential artists and potters working in the county before they are dispersed at auction.
An Aesthetic Movement cabinet is among five lots to watch
06 November 2023With estimates from £150, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week.
Pick of the week: Biram’s safety lamp shines at auction
30 October 2023Lot 57 at Sutton Hill Farm Country Auctions on October 21 comprised ‘2 framed paintings, signed J Cole, one other’, taking a hammer price of £8. Lot 59, a ‘vintage Sesame Street Big Bird piano toy’ (in working order) made it into double figures, at £14.
Two 18th century samplers related to Robert Burns are among five lots to watch
30 October 2023With estimates from £200, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week.
Aussie uniform heads back Down Under
30 October 2023Although Gallipoli in the Great War became a defining moment in Australian nationhood and identity, the second Boer War from 1899-1902 featured the first-large scale involvement of troops from Down Under.
Bob heads off to war
30 October 2023A never-before-seen photo of soldiers leaving Ulster to fight in the First World War and a serviceman’s diary from the trenches have been uncovered.
‘Shell head’ helped to keep the Free French fighting
30 October 2023One of the best performers against estimate at Tennants’ (24% buyer’s premium) Militaria & Ethnographica sale on September 20 was a fascinating collection of photographs and ephemera relating to a French Second World War hero.
Doll defender of Guernsey sells at 10 times estimate
30 October 2023An intriguing painted wooden British soldier doll sold for more than 10 times the top estimate when it was offered at Guernsey auction house Martel Maides (24% buyer’s premium).