One lot that is easier to miss is this mid-19th century mahogany ballot box with a strong connection to the Muirfield Golf Club to be offered by Criterion Riverside Auctions of SW11 on February 6.
The 121/4in 31cm) high box was acquired by the golf historian Ian Henderson around 50 years ago when the venerable club offloaded elements of its collection to raise funds. Now belonging to a private collector, in the early 1990s the box appeared for sale at Christie's with an estimate of £9000-11,000. Then it failed to sell but Criterion hope to get it away at around half that sum. Contact 01279 817778 for more information.
Blackballed from Muirfield
Late January/early February has become the new slot for golfiana sales with events held by Bonhams Chester (January 28) and Lyon & Turnbull in Edinburgh (February 7).