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.

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Match-worn Pelé 1958 World Cup final shirt could hit a record

05 June 2026

Pelé’s Brazil 1958 match-worn World Cup final shirt is up for auction with an estimate ‘in excess of $6m’.

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Five-figure auction sums are a sign of the times

05 June 2026

Selection of advertising art underlines the extraordinary demand in Germany

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Buyers make room on shelves for Woolf works

05 June 2026

Both the first and the first trade editions of A Room of One’s Own (1929) were among a collection of eight Virginia Woolf lots included in the April 16 Rare Books, Autographs, & Maps auction at Doyle (28% buyer’s premium) in New York.

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Inscribed by Nietzsche to his close friend

05 June 2026

An “exceedingly uncommon” signed and inscribed photograph of the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) earned top-lot honours in an Autographs sale held at Swann.

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Kandinsky clinches it

05 June 2026

The illustrated book that Vasily Kandinsky published in 1913 under the title 'Klänge' (Sounds) is considered one of the finest examples of Expressionist literature.

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Bidding fuelled by a big oil dispenser

05 June 2026

This Carless, Capel and Leonard London forecourt oil dispenser cabinet rubbed bidders up the right way at The Aladdin’s Garage: A Private Collection of Petroliana, Automobilia and Advertising Signs sale.

Books, maps and works on paper sales, June 10-29, 2026

05 June 2026

Our regular listing of UK and Irish books and works on paper auctions

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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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Doubled Darwin print run reaped the rewards

05 June 2026

Book owner’s son realised the impact this landmark work would have

Wilton House Aphrodite

Wilton House Aphrodite provides allure as sculpture triples estimate

02 June 2026

A Roman marble bust of Aphrodite, formerly in the celebrated collection of the Earls of Pembroke at Wilton House in Salisbury, has sold for £280,000 at Lyon & Turnbull.

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Charlie Watts' bird box on song at Exeter auction

29 May 2026

This 19th century gilt metal and enamel singing bird automaton that took £17,000 was among the highlights of the Charlie and Shirley Watts collection sold by Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood.

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Man Utd’s Gregg still revered by modern day fans

29 May 2026

Collection of goalkeeper who survived 1958 Munich disaster generates a strong demand at auction, plus Liverpool FC favourites in focus at auction

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Bloomin’ heck: it’s £24,000 for a Derby County football card

29 May 2026

A trade card featuring football player Steve Bloomer (1874-1938) went well beyond its guide of £6000-8000 as it hammered for £24,000.

2746 AB US Potter Houdini

Houdini challenge accepted

29 May 2026

Part of the legend of escapologist Harry Houdini (1874-1926) rests on the hundreds of ‘challenges’ he accepted from manufacturers of packing cases, boxes, handcuffs and the like.

Pen shows are write on time

29 May 2026

UK Pen Shows runs pen fairs across the country and is launching a Cheltenham Pen Show at the town’s racecourse on Saturday June 27.

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Earliest Celtic FC winner’s medal nets a record for such Scottish memorabilia

29 May 2026

On the day the 15ct gold and enamel medal Celtic FC’s latest Scottish title success clinched in the very last game of the season against Hearts came 133 years after their first.

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Auction lots act as reminders of Hammers, Wolves and Spurs in happier days

29 May 2026

A horrible season for West Ham, Spurs and Wolves has come to an end... but glory days for the clubs were recalled by several lots sold recently.

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The day the mighty Man Utd beat Joe Simpkins 5-0

29 May 2026

In May 1950 Manchester United embarked on a 12-match tour of North America.

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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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Not to be sneezed at: 1776 hankie bought by US museum

29 May 2026

A handkerchief made in early 19th century Scotland celebrating the 1776 Declaration of Independence and featuring portraits of George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson hammered for $55,000 (£40,425) at Eldred’s (26% buyer’s premium).

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