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A selection of nine upcoming lots from auctions taking place around the UK and Ireland.

Sixteenth century book-maker’s creativity makes maths and astronomy more accessible

This original oil painting of a California grey squirrel is by John Woodhouse Audubon, younger son of John James Audubon of Birds of America fame.

Two-sided picture now heading to Dijon museum after being given definite attribution

Four lots between them raised $1.5m including premiums to rack up more than half the total at an online sale in New York.

Always popular at auction, always great to write about – so no excuses needed for featuring a selection of the weird and wonderful Second World War spy and sabotage gadgets and ingenious escape devices which do appear often in sales.

This painted wooden sign dated to the 18th century was one of the highlights of a sale held by the Hôtel des Ventes de Nîmes (22.2% buyer’s premium) in the southern French city.

This small carved boxwood domed box features in the sale of antique furniture and works of art at Aguttes in Neuilly on December 21.

After a somewhat chequered period before the war, during which his employment ranged from gold-digging and sailing the South Sea Islands to running a camel racing team and a betting shop, Lt Hubert (Ted) Carse of the the Royal Australian Naval Reserve ended up as a hero.

Two Victoria Cross medals awarded during the Indian Mutiny offered by Morton & Eden (20% buyer’s premium) in London sold to the same buyer.

Something of a recurring theme at auctions this year has been the increasing volume of bidders registering for sales during the pandemic.

The market for William Roberts (1895- 1980) has expanded significantly in the last two decades and the performance of two small watercolours at Bonhams suggested demand is still healthy.

Hughie Green (1920-97) is well known as star of film, radio and TV, such as Opportunity Knocks – and a colourful personal life such as being father to Paula Yates. However, he also had a long and eventful career in aviation.

Five bidders – two Americans, one French and one Cypriot – competed to secure a small 15th centry devotional oil on panel of the Virgin and Child by the Italian artist Lazzaro Bastiani.

The highlight of a sale of jewellery and silver at Peschetau Badin (27% buyer’s premium) on December 1- 2 in Paris was this gold ‘four dragonflies’ brooch by René Lalique.

A number of changes will affect the import and export of goods from January 1, 2021, when items moving between the UK and the EU will have to undergo customs formalities and border control, like any other country.

ATG’s selection of auction lots bought by internet bidders on thesaleroom.com. This includes both the highest prices over estimate and the top prices paid online.

A round-up of art and antiques news from the previous seven days, including news of gallery openings on Cork Street in London.

The Falklands War was 38 years ago now. However, for medal collectors the conflict is very much in mind, as evidenced by two six-figure results recently at London saleroom Dix Noonan Webb (24% buyer’s premium).

Our regular listing of UK and Irish book auctions.