Collectables

The term ‘collectables’ (or collectibles) encompasses a vast range of items in fields as diverse as arms, armour and militaria, bank notes, cameras, coins, entertainment and sporting memorabilia, stamps, taxidermy, wines and writing equipment.

Some collectables are antiques, others are classed as retro, vintage or curios but all are of value to the collector. In any of these fields, buyers seek out rarities and items with specific associations.


Antiques Trade Gazette issue no. 2745

London prints gallery can tempt you to make deals on wheels

19 June 2026

The appearance of a British ‘Dandy Horse’ bicycle c.1819 at Lewes saleroom Gorringe’s in May, which featured in Pick of the Week in ATG No 2745, sparked Grosvenor Prints in London to write in.

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First World War naval flags reflect fierce engagements

12 June 2026

Motor Launch 397 was one of about 500 of these 37-ton boats built by Elco during the First World War and was heavily involved with the 1918 raids on the German-held ports of Ostend and Zeebrugge.

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Reflections on a hop market: new record for British pub mirror

12 June 2026

A mirror for an East End brewery set a new record at £33,000 as the breweriana collecting market matures

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Swiss watch swings it for Dunhill price

05 June 2026

The Dunhill ‘Unique’ B lighter, along with its smaller-sized sibling, was introduced into the firm’s line in the late 1920s.

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Album of designs includes Louvre’s famous snuffbox

29 May 2026

The Van Blarenberghes were a dynasty of artists from Lille in northern France.

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Going back to the origins of Crystal Palace and Arsenal – postcards capture club pioneers

29 May 2026

The two images of 1907-08 shown here are from a group of nine postcards relating to Crystal Palace FC that were given a modest estimate of £50-80 in the Paper Collectables sale at Toovey’s (25% buyer’s premium) on May 20.

2746 AB US Heritage Asterisk 1

Original Asterix cover art earns its laurels

29 May 2026

An original piece of Astérix cover art painted by Albert Uderzo (1927-2020) sold for an $360,000 (£267,000) at Heritage Auctions (25% buyer’s premium) in Dallas, Texas.

‘Dandy Horse’ bicycle

19th century ‘Dandy Horse’ bicycle takes three times estimate at Sussex auction

22 May 2026

A British ‘Dandy Horse’ bicycle made c.1819 was the earliest among a group of four rare 19th century examples on offer at Lewes saleroom Gorringe’s.

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Buyer gets a grip on exceptional Louis XV cane handle

15 May 2026

Among the highlights of the Fine Jewellery sale at Adam’s in Dublin on May 12 was this remarkable Louis XV hardstone, gold and gemset cane handle.

Redfern Gallery

New premises for London art gallery and York book dealer among latest moves

11 May 2026

The latest Movers & Shakers round up includes new homes for Redfern Gallery and Lucius Books

William Cook

Dealer flags up a part of American history ahead of antiques fair

01 May 2026

London dealer William Cook is marking the 250th anniversary of American independence by flying the flag at Petworth Park Antiques & Art Fair (running from May 8-10).

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Not just castles on castle-tops

01 May 2026

Cathedrals, palaces and abbeys were also among the sights featured as British tourism developed

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Kiwi pin cushion picked out as a rarity at Gloucestershire sale

24 April 2026

Flightless bird walks away with a new owner as silver novelty rarities catch the eye at Kinghams

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Furniture and snuffbox benefit from a bit of regal assistance

17 April 2026

A Queen Anne olivewood oyster, holly and walnut cabinet on stand offered by Dreweatts (27/26% buyer’s premium) in Newbury was among a number of lots sold recently showing the commercial boost that royal provenance can provide.

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Arts & Crafts northern exposure: woodwork made in Cumbria and Yorkshire – auctioned in Cumbria and Yorkshire

10 April 2026

Lake District cabinetmaker and woodcarver Ernest John Oldcorn trained at Gillows of Lancaster but he found his niche after joining the Arthur W Simpson workshop.

Treen tobacco stopper

Bidders pipe up for treen at Yorkshire auction

02 April 2026

This Georgian treen tobacco stopper or pipe tamper sold for £2900 at Hartleys in Ilkley, West Yorkshire.

Stepney Tyres sign

Bulldog spirit drives sign to £71,000 record

27 March 2026

An extensive collection of automobilia housed in not one but two Cambridgeshire barns included an eye-catching example of the most sought-after British enamel signs.

Fantastic Four #1

Huge comics collection comes to light after Stockholm basement discovery

20 March 2026

An archive of over 90,000 comic books amassed over five decades by an “eccentric collector and publisher” and unearthed in a Stockholm basement is being sold via a series of auctions held by Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s (SGB).

Union Flag

Newcastle museum targets Trafalgar flag purchase

20 March 2026

North East Museums (NEM) has announced it is “submitting a serious expression of interest” to acquire a Union Flag that was flown from HMS Royal Sovereign, flagship of Vice-Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood at the Battle of Trafalgar on October 21, 1805.

A vintage postcard

‘Social history’ always sells well says postcards specialist

13 March 2026

Ahead of a major two-day postcard collector festival, a dealer explains the draw of the most popular types

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