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.

Books and works on paper auction calendar, October 8-24, 2024

07 October 2024

Our regular listing of UK and Irish books and works of paper sales

Andrew Mottram Malby Maps 2663DD

Five questions with antique map dealer Andrew Mottram

07 October 2024

Andrew Mottram launched Malby Maps in 2012. In addition to dealing in antique maps, it creates ‘Geographical Memories’ by recycling and upcycling vintage maps, creating bespoke map artwork, lampshades, greetings cards, paperweights, doorstops, silk aviator cushions and other commissioned items. The firm recently exhibited at The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair in Battersea Park.

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Mouseman: small character carvings prove to be a cut above

07 October 2024

Small-scale Mouseman carvings were typically made in Kilburn for promotional purposes – attracting custom at the Yorkshire Show or similar trade events. Rarities continue to bring muscular sums in the salerooms.

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Pratchett’s first flight of Discworld fantasy

07 October 2024

The inaugural sale at Rare Book Auctions (26.5% buyer’s premium) in Lichfield included this signed and inscribed first printing of Terry Pratchett’s 'The Colour of Magic'.

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Small thing, big satisfaction

07 October 2024

The Scottish printer David Bryce (1845-1923) said that when he “descended to the miniature, mite and midget size” he had “many a scoff and jeer as to the absurdity of the production”.

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Buy a rostrum offered from the rostrum

07 October 2024

The Autumn Auction at Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood in Exeter on October 15-16 includes an array of unusual objects from the collection of the late Christopher Hawkings, who at one time was the co-owner of Phillips, Son & Neale in London’s Bond Street (the firm that later became Phillips).

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Wanted: poster reward for tracking down Lincoln assassin Booth

07 October 2024

Broadside offered $100,000 reward in total for apprehension of president’s killer and accomplices

Francois Nicole musical box

Music to vendor’s ears as Francois Nicole box doubles estimate at auction

03 October 2024

A rare example from a pioneer of modern musical boxes came for sale at Lawrences of Crewkerne

Wind In The Willows

EH Shepard Wind in the Willows illustration among Forum Auctions sale highlights

02 October 2024

A selection of important British works were on offer at Forum Auctions, including these four highlights that hammered over estimate

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Mystical posters mesmerise collectors at auction

30 September 2024

A recent Vintage Posters sale at Swann Galleries (25/20/12% buyer’s premium), a summer staple of the New York auction house, was dominated by three large early 20th century magic posters, each hammering for $22,000 (£16,650).

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Seals of the Duchy

30 September 2024

Of numismatic interest in the Swinton sale were two George VI silver seal matrices made for the County Palatine and the Duchy of Lancaster.

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Paul Allen’s science and tech lots tell a story of human ingenuity

30 September 2024

Memorabilia collected by a founding father of modern computing makes for a remarkable auction

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Sock drawer discovery is medieval gaming piece

30 September 2024

A medieval walrus ivory gaming piece, recently found by a Gorringe’s valuer in a sock drawer, comes for sale in Lewes on October 8. As part of the Interiors & Decorative Arts Sale it has an estimate of £10,000-15,000

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ATG Letter: Duria Antiquior plate was reason for £6000 bid

30 September 2024

Dear Sir, I read with great interest Roland Arkell's account on page 41 of ATG 2660 of the geological books which sold for £6000 at Tennants on August 23.

Books and works on paper auction calendar, October 1-18, 2024

30 September 2024

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

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Time and money well spent at 50th York Book Fair

30 September 2024

The PBFA event marked its half century with a busy and successful edition

Viv Anderson shirt

Shirt worn by first black player to play for England Viv Anderson goes to auction

27 September 2024

Viv Anderson made his historic debut in 1978 against Czechoslovakia. Now the shirt he wore that day heads to Graham Budd Auctions

Congressional gold medal

Congressional naval medals show dramatic increase in value over two decades

27 September 2024

Five historic Congressional naval medals awarded during the War of 1812 excelled at Noonans latest sale of British, World Coins and Historical Medals.

London Underground Railways Underground, Electric Railways Company Of London (UERL), 1909. Courtesy Of The Map House

History of London Underground mapped out in exhibition

26 September 2024

Despite the success of London Underground's map, Harry Beck’s contribution was largely forgotten for decades. A new exhibition celebrates his place in design history

The Prince

First English edition of The Prince doubles estimate in Essex

26 September 2024

A rare copy of the first English edition of Niccolo Machiavelli’s seminal 1532 book 'The Prince' was snapped up at an auction in Colchester.

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