Collectables

A handwritten note signed twice by Abraham Lincoln written just days before winning the 1864 presidential election was the toast of University Archives’ (25% buyer’s premium) April 19 online auction in Connecticut.

This medical spoon bears the crest and inscription The Princess Sophia (the 12th child of George III and Queen Charlotte).

This Art Deco sapphire and diamond brooch, c.1925, cased by Collingwood, was a gift to Princess Margaret from her grandmother Queen Mary, on her confirmation on April 15, 1946, when the princess was aged 15.

Before the familiar image of a lady in tall black hat and shawl took hold, the stereotype of Welsh identity was Shon-Ap-Morgan or Poor Taff.

A handful of lots featuring communications between an actress, Miss Alice Bowes (1889-1969), and George Bernard Shaw featured in a Mullock’s (20% buyer’s premium) sale.

Director Gropius invited promising student Helm to promote an exhibition

Carving once available in low four figures now sells for five in North Yorkshire saleroom

This set of four French gold and ruby buttons, c.1880, modelled as owl heads are thought to be the work of Paul Robin.

Military history and regimental glamour combine in a Victorian silver cigar case offered at Ripon auction house Elstob & Elstob (25% buyer’s premium).

While they may not appear such comfortable bedfellows today, the novel weapons of mass destruction created during the First World War were deemed a perfectly suitable subject for novelty trinkets of the day.

For many British schoolchildren Roy of the Rovers was just as famous as any of the real-life footballers of the day.

Held at the Bath & West Showground in Somerset for many years, the annual Festival of Cards has moved to a smaller location nearby.

Musical automata were the top hits at Tennants’ (22% buyer’s premium) auction of scientific and musical instruments and cameras.

It is thought that Thomas Edison invented the first PsychoPhone in an effort to record messages from the subconscious or the afterlife.

Wife describes how collector husband Chris Hancock’s latest artworks had to fight for space in a family home

A copy of the very first 'Superman' comic of 1939 that came to auction in the US was not in the finest of conditions, indeed rated only VG/FN 5.O.

Eye-catching bijouterie attracted international buyers to Olympia Auctions’ (25% buyer’s premium) 320-lot European Works of Art sale.