Tennants

‘Group lots should be viewed’ was the wise recommendation in the catalogue description of this mixed bag offered at Tennants’ (18.5% buyer’s premium) sale of vintage costume, textiles and dolls at Leyburn on May 13.

Artwork produced for the much-loved ‘Ladybird’ books by the late John Berry (1920-2009) were offered by Tennants (18.5% buyer’s premium) on April 28.

Several single-owner collections boosted the total of Tennants’ (20% buyer’s premium) Spring Fine Art Sale in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, on March 25.

Confirmation of market tastes in horology could be gleaned from major spring sales in the provinces...

Dominated as they were by furniture, the March sales at Lewes and Donnington Priory included other highlights.

Generally regarded as a guide of things to come, the Spring Fine Sale at Tennants (20% buyer’s premium) at Leyburn on March 24-25 left auctioneer Jeremy Pattison in an upbeat mood.

Research to be followed up or indeed already done boosts the background story and value of a medal group.

ATG’s weekly selection of items on sale at auctions and dealerships.

Inspired by an exhibition marking the 400th anniversary of Raphael’s birth in 1883, Alexander III (1845-94) commissioned a porcelain dinner service for use in the Catherine Palace of Tsarskoe Selo, writes Roland Arkell.

The Dinky Toys journey began hot on the heels of the success of Meccano’s ‘Modelled Miniatures’ series of railway accessories, launched to accompany its Hornby train sets.

The taxidermy market continues to grow – particularly for showpiece lots such as the Bengal tiger’s head offered at Andrew Smith (19% buyer’s premium) of Winchester on February 8.

Dealers and fairs are embracing the ‘mix it up’ approach to offering a wide range of styles and eras, as noted in our BADA fair preview (ATG No 2282).

Tennants’ (20/18.5/17.5% buyer’s premium) sale of Scientific and Musical Instruments, Cameras and Tools on February 17 included a rare brass altazimuth theodolite, signed by London instrument makers Heath and Wing. Estimated at just £300-400, it sold in its original box together with wooden tripod at £10,000.

Attracting new and younger buyers is the thinking behind Tennants’ (18.5% buyer’s premium) modern and contemporary art sales. Held three times a year, the auctions offer art by a range of painters and sculptors at affordable levels to encourage new buyers into the market, while also appealing to established collectors.