Collectables

This Victorian purse gun was designed by Oscar Frankenau from Nuremberg and patented in both the UK and the US in 1876.

Estimated at just £60-90, this English Civil War-era mortuary sword sold for £2300 at Unique Auctions (22.5% buyer’s premium) in Lincoln on October 22.

Chris Wynne dedicated his collecting energies to early guns by a London maker that became an international brand

Once thought to have been made in antiquity, bucklers are now understood to have been late medieval or Tudor small shields.

On account of its extraordinary appearance, the Nock seven-barrelled flintlock volley gun has become something of an icon of warfare in the Age of Sail.

Calculations on planetary movements rise to the occasion in New York saleroom

The Stroud engineer Edwin Beard Budding (1796-1846) is considered the inventor of the lawnmower (1830) and the adjustable spanner (1842).

‘Zero profit’ but event got through Covid and has 220 stands at the next event

A few copies have made a little more, but the example of the original, 1826, folio edition of Jacob George Strutt’s 'Sylva Britannica, or Portraits of Forest Trees…' included in a November 8 sale at Reeman Dansie (20% buyer’s premium) sold for £3500 (guide £600-800).

To quote toys specialist supremo Daniel Agnew, ex-Christie’s teddy bear auctions, co-organiser of the annual 'London International Antique Doll, Teddy Bear and Toy Fair: 200 Years of Childhood': “It’s like being in a museum where everything is for sale.”

Offered as part of a series of sales held by Reiss & Sohn (19% buyer’s premium) of Königstein im Taunus was an exceptionally early cookery book.

A pair of ornate presentation flintlock pistols made in London and later owned by an American patriot sold for $55,000 (£46,200) at a US saleroom.

The only known poster from ‘The Day the Music Died’ became the most expensive concert poster when it sold for a premium inclusive $447,000 ($379,500) at Heritage Auctions of Dallas on November 11.

This German brown leather and plated metal hip flask has the inscription 'Fur Kaiser John Zu Seinem Geburtstag 9. Okt 1960 Von Stu'.

First part of a collection which covered the walls and cellar of two whole flats is offered at auction

The Glaisdale Library was the collection of Martin Henry Burtt, a well-known figure in the Yorkshire and indeed national agricultural worlds.

Sixteenth century single folio manuscript displays orgiastic spree in graphic detail

Our regular listing of UK and Irish book auctions.