Collectables

Lot 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.

Korean businessman Dr Hahn Kwang-ho CBE (1923-2014) was a well-known philanthropist and collector

Grey rather than green for his debut, the Incredible Hulk made his first appearance in 1962 and continues to enthral comic collectors.

Lighter Club of Great Britain holds fair open to both members and non-members

Andrew Morris inherited the collecting bug from his father, David Morris.

The sale at Moore Allen & Innocent on October 11-12 includes a series of personal items relating to William Duke of Clarence, later William IV (1765-1837).

When it comes to the value of classic railway station signs, key factors include: is the site now disused? Was it from a holiday resort? Is it an early design?

In the wake of an auction record for an ‘aquarium’ lighter at Chiswick Auctions (25/12% buyer’s premium), six more of the classic Dunhill accessories lit up the saleroom.

An elaborate Victorian meerschaum pipe stood out at a recent Surrey sale.

Specialist Bleasdale says his sewing antiques and Tunbridgeware timed online sales are working out well

Massive ornamental hair combs such as this are associated with the East Sumbanese people of modern Indonesia.

A recent Devin Moisan (25% buyer’s premium) sale was topped by a 1974 Chinese snuff bottle decorated by Wang-Hsi (Xisan).

Defeated Confederate general gave out uniform items as gifts until the government cracked down

Aaron Kasmin, a British artist, became fascinated by US feature matchbooks.

The name Steve Ditko (1927-2018) scarcely needs an introduction to comic collectors.

A postcard carried on the world’s first official airmail flight came up for auction in Staffordshire.

Firmly in the British jingoistic ‘boy’s own’ tradition, a collection of Commando comic books turned heads when offered at Stourbridge saleroom Fieldings last year (see ATG No 2556).