Features

Isle of Wight antiques dealer Kevin Morris specialises in pottery including early English delftware and Italian maiolica.

Special look at the cross-over market for coronation and commemorative items

Copies of royal portraits from across the centuries are something that always seems to catch the eye when you flick through (or scroll through) the reams of pictures listed in auction catalogues.

The numerous coronations offer a chance to buy more esoteric objects at auction.

Arguably the most famous portraits of an English king are Hans Holbein the Younger’s (c.1497-1543) depictions of Henry VIII.

Throughout the 20th century toy manufacturers produced commemorative models, with the coronation coach a particularly popular subject.

Perhaps the most famous 21st century image of Queen Elizabeth II is the photographic portrait taken by Canadian artist Chris Levine (b.1960) showing the monarch with her eyes closed.

A presentation diamond brooch given by Queen Elizabeth II to the Duchess of Norfolk for assistance prior to her coronation in 1953 is to be offered by Mayfair auction house Noonans on June 14, estimated at £4000-6000.

“It is quite pathetic to see the Prince and Freda. His love is so obvious and undisguisable.”

This Georgian enamel and rock crystal mourning ring was formerly owned by Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon.

By repute this 15oz silver chamber stick and snuffer with glass hurricane shade was a gift from Queen Victoria to her personal attendant and favourite John Brown (1826-83).

Joseph Edgar Boehm (1834-9) was commissioned to make a statue to mark the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887.

Goldsmiths’ Company librarian Eleni Bide on commemorative hallmarks

English jubilees, coronations and investitures have long been occasions not only for a national celebration but also for manufacturers to cash in with an array of souvenirs. In this special report we turn the spotlight on royal items offered and sold by dealers and auction houses

Alchemical work is best-seller as Vishniac lots create a valuable mix in the saleroom

The Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association hosts more events in this sector than any other organiser.

In what was the auction house’s most successful sale ever in financial terms, and one that boasted a 97% selling rate, a March 4 sale at Potter & Potter (20% buyer’s premium) was led at $65,000 (£49,240) by a 'Narrative of Colonel Ethan Allen’s Captivity from the Time of his Being Taken by the British, near Montreal… in 1775, to the Time of his Exchange…in May 1778'.

This Victorian ‘Language of Flowers’ fan was published by Robert Canton c.1875 and is on offer at The Ephemera Society Summer Fair.

Negotiating the sometimes complex world of prints by the 17th century Dutch Master

Market continues to thrive and evolve as a new chapter begins in the Forum Auctions story