Yorkshire and the Humber

South Yorkshire bottle and advertising specialist BBR Auctions set a new house record with the sale of this Prattware advertising plaque for a remarkable £45,000.

Fortunino Matania (1881-1963) is renowned for his realistic depictions of the First World War, visiting the front line to see the scenes for himself, and historical and royal subjects.

After moving to a farm at Cropton, North Yorkshire, over the next 25 years Ian David Smith assembled an extensive private collection of horse-drawn vehicles and associated items.

Dedicated anniversary sale devoted to Robert Thompson centres on three private collections

The so-called Biscuit Tin Episode in the life of author Charles Dodgson left behind a great collectable: the W&R Jacob & Co lithographed tin, one of which was offered by Hartley’s on June 17.

Out of vogue for a decade or more, most Regency mahogany linen presses sell for a few hundred pounds at auction.

Two personal letters written by William Wilberforce, the Hull-born anti-slavery campaigner and influential politician, were on offer at East Yorkshire saleroom Hawleys (22% buyer’s premium) on June 13.

A mirror for an East End brewery set a new record at £33,000 as the breweriana collecting market matures

A trade card featuring football player Steve Bloomer (1874-1938) went well beyond its guide of £6000-8000 as it hammered for £24,000.

A silver and horn casket made for Queen Victoria but given to King Edward VII is offered by Mark Goodger Antiques at the Pavilions of Harrogate Decorative, Antiques & Art Fair from June 12-14.

In May 1950 Manchester United embarked on a 12-match tour of North America.

The Sportingold (20% buyer’s premium) World Cup, International & North American Soccer Sale on May 27 was timed handily just before the 23rd World Cup begins in the US, Mexico and Canada.

A rare 18th century medal issued to commemorate the death of explorer James Cook is to become part of an exhibition marking the 300th anniversary of the explorer’s birth after being sold at auction.

With so much gold and silver jewellery heading for the melting pot in recent months, Spicers (20% buyer’s premium) in Old Goole, East Yorkshire, was pleasantly surprised by the performance of this tiny 0.7g 9ct gold and enamel charm.

James Hallgate’s Lucius Books has now relocated and opened its new shop in the centre of York after a three-and-a-half year renovation project.