Auctioneers

Sotheby’s has begun legal action against dealer Mark Weiss over the sale of a Frans Hals painting that it now believes to be “undoubtedly a forgery”. However Weiss said he will "contest the claim vigorously".

A rare copy of the first book printed in Antarctica has sold for £55,000 at Bonhams.

Harry Dalmeny, who has been with Sotheby's for over 25 years, has been appointed the company's UK chairman.

The Cotswolds will be welcoming a new auction firm when two ceramics dealers launch Kingham & Orme Auctioneers next week.

A gold ring set with a carved ivory scene given by the young Napoleon Bonaparte to an early love, Caroline du Colombier, is coming up for auction in Fontainebleau, France next month.

Some collectors go for military medals. Some prefer civilian awards. An honour coming up at auction on February 22 is a fascinating example of a medal awarded to both military and civilians.

Scottish borders auction firm Swan & Turner will hold its final sale next month and will close the doors to its Jedburgh auction rooms in March.

A Picasso vase uncovered in a remote Cornish cottage has sold at auction in Plymouth for £2800.

It was the end of an era in Oxford when Ducker & Son, the bespoke shoemaker and home of the Oxford brogue, sadly closed down last November. The venerable 6 Turl Street store had traded in the centre of the city since 1898.

Drawing spectacular bidding at Lawrences of Crewkerne, this rare Chinese altar vase was knocked down at over 150-times estimate at the Somerset saleroom’s latest fine art auction. It was thought to have been specially commissioned by the Qing court for ceremonial use in palaces and temples.

Easter Rising 1916 memorabilia may be treasured now by collectors, especially after last year’s centenary, but a medal just sold at auction in Ireland once ended up in a bin rather than proudly displayed.

Edinburgh auctioneer Lyon & Turnbull has hired art historian and dealer Bendor Grosvenor as a non-executive director.

What is the next collecting area about to take off when it comes to toys? As detailed often in ATG, rare Star Wars figures are now making big money. Lego is another popular market as 40 and 50-somethings settle down, get wealthier and get nostalgic about the toys they played with as kids.

Sotheby's have appointed Brooke Lampley as vice chairman of their Fine Art division. She will join the company after 12 years at rival Christie’s.

Keep Calm and Carry On is the now famous instruction from the Second World War thanks to a plethora of copycat items inspired by the poster which was never officially issued.