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Sotheby’s is to roll back the commission structure it introduced just a few months ago. The flat-rate buyer’s premium and fixed vendor fees applied since May failed to disrupt the market as hoped and will be axed in favour of fees closer in line with Christie’s, Phillips and Bonhams.

A better second half of the year and strong private sales helped Christie’s make the best of a difficult 2024.

‘Twas just 10 nights before Christmas when this ancient Egyptian faience figure of a rodent sold at Apollo Art Auctions in London.

A bronze bust of Pope John Paul II (1920- 2005) by Arthur Fleischmann (1896-1990) has been stolen from storage in north London.

This oak panelled back armchair can be firmly dated to the Commonwealth period.

Unless you are a golfer, the name Harry Vardon is probably not a familiar one.

A round-up of art and antiques news from the previous seven days, including news of Hansons taking over Barbara Kirk's former premises in Penzance.

Portrait of artist's wife stands out among works by more famous names in Salisbury saleroom

The recipient of this George III period shamshir was once described by military historian Sir John Fortescue as “the bravest man to ever wear a red coat”.

Top Meissen pieces amassed by US buyer attract interest worldwide but many will stay in Germany

A bronze vase by the Parisian goldsmith Lucien Gaillard caused a stir at Dobiaschofsky (25% buyer’s premium) in Bern.

With new visitors, international buyers returning and a fresh look at events, the mood is upbeat

An Irish presentation ormolu-mounted and enamelled sabre came for sale at a recent auction at Bonhams Knightsbridge (28/27/21/14.5% buyer’s premium).

Passed down through generations at the historic Hayes Plantation in Edenton, North Carolina, the only privately held Ratification copy of the American Constitution dating to 1787 sold for a whopping $9m (£6.94m).

ATG’s pick of auction lots bought by internet bidders on thesaleroom.com, featuring both the highest prices over-estimate and the top prices paid online

An exceptional pair of late Qing blackwood throne chairs sold for Sin$185,000 (£108,000) at Hotlotz (30% buyer’s premium) in Singapore.

A George III Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund silver presentation two-handled covered cup was offered as part of the Fine Decorative Arts sale at Bonhams (28/27/21/14.5% buyer’s premium) in London.

The Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund was formed at a meeting of merchants and underwriters at the Lloyd’s Coffee House in London in July 1803, to reward those who had displayed significant valour in the defence of Britain. The funds came via public subscription.

Punchy prices result as demand for relics linked to the British naval hero remains evidently high