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2009 News Archive

All of our Memorabilia news stories from 2009 can be found here.

Documents in this Section

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821) signed letter (PF9)

An exceptionally rare one page signed letter, dated February 13, 1813, written to the Duc de Feltre

Posted: 10 August 2011
The Editor’s Top 5 stories of 2009

There have been thousands of stories on the website this year – here I highlight my favourites

Posted: 1 January 2010
This New Year week in history...

This week, Galileo lost Neptune, Tiger Woods was born and Barbra Streisand cleared out her closet

Posted: 1 January 2010
Happy Hogmanay!

Happy Silvester, Reveillon and Nochevieja for our overseas readers

Posted: 31 December 2009
Today in history... Barbra Streisand’s first paid concert in 22 years

December 31, 1993: the Hollywood legend makes a special New Year's Eve appearance on stage

Posted: 31 December 2009
Today in history... Tiger Woods was born

December 30, 1975: it's been a rough year for Woods, but his memorabilia is on the up, say experts

Posted: 30 December 2009
Unique item of the week... the stairs from the Eiffel Tower

Sold for a remarkable €105,400, this piece of architectural history led a Paris-themed auction

Posted: 30 December 2009
Public Enemy #1's love letters could sell for €80k

Poems and coloured drawings by the notorious criminal Jacques Mesrine will go under the hammer

Posted: 29 December 2009
Ski posters to hit the peaks at Christie's

Classic pieces of early-to-mid 20th century design will auction in London, next month

Posted: 29 December 2009
Gerald Ford / Richard Nixon

A souvenir copy of Ford's famous pardon of President Nixon

Posted: 27 December 2009
This Christmas week in history...

Charlie Chaplin and Beatrix Potter died, and Apollo 8 beamed the first images from outer space

Posted: 27 December 2009
Charles Dickens (1812-1870) lock of hair (PF73)

A lock of hair from the head of Charles Dickens

Posted: 26 December 2009
Henry VIII (1491-1547) signed document (PF33)

A handwritten letter signed by the King of England dated 1533

Posted: 26 December 2009
Soldier's books to make 'Great Escape' at auction

Memorabilia of a captured Private held in the famous Stalag Luft III camp will sell next month

Posted: 26 December 2009
Merry Christmas!

Don't forget your free gift from Paul Fraser Collectibles...

Posted: 25 December 2009
Today in history... Charlie Chaplin dies

December 25, 1977: the silent star passes away after entertaining audiences for 75 years

Posted: 25 December 2009
Francoise Gilot (1921- ) self portrait (PF71)

Respected artist and Picasso Muse - a rarely seen self-portrait

Posted: 23 December 2009
George Washington (1731-1799) Potomack Company (PF11)

An incredible accounts document listing the payment of slave labour in the construction of a Canal at Shenandoah Falls

Posted: 23 December 2009
Prince Charles and Princess Diana (PF63) autographed Christmas card

A lovely Royal memento - a Charles and Diana signed Christmas card

Posted: 23 December 2009
Today in history... George Washington resigns as leader of America's revolution

December 23, 1783: after defeating the British and uniting a nation, he retires to his farm

Posted: 23 December 2009
Unique item of week... the $60k pair of Levis

The oldest pair of Levis ever sold were bought by a Japanese collector back in 2005

Posted: 23 December 2009
Henry VIII (1491-1547) signed document dated 1534 (PF69)

An incredible signed document dating from July 1 1534

Posted: 22 December 2009
Paul Fraser Collectibles: one of the 100 best things about Bristol

With Banksy and Wallace and Gromit, we've been named among the Top 100 things to love about our home city

Posted: 22 December 2009
Stolen Auschwitz sign found, and five men arrested

A twisted collector is believed to have had the sign stolen to order

Posted: 22 December 2009
Charles Dickens (1812-1870) signed cheque (PF77)

A Coutts bank cheque dated March 25 1861

Posted: 21 December 2009
Franz Liszt (1811-1886) signed photograph (PF75)

An incredibly rare signed cabinet photograph of the Hungarian Composer, with signature

Posted: 21 December 2009
Historic signed Beatles magazine brings $12k

Autographed by the Fab Four at the height of Beatlemania, it has sold with Michael Jackson in London

Posted: 21 December 2009
Princess Diana (1961-1997) handwritten signed note on Kensington Palace notepaper (PF76)

An official handwritten card from Princess Diana with a superb example of her signature.

Posted: 21 December 2009
The historic $29k violin

Dated 1864 from the renowned Italian School, this vintage instrument took centre-stage at Bonhams

Posted: 21 December 2009
Today in history... George S Patton dies

December 21, 1945: an automobile accident claims the life of the legendary army commander

Posted: 21 December 2009
Video of the week

Madonna's 1985 hit single Material Girl

Posted: 21 December 2009
Winston Churchill (1874-1965) autographed letter on official Chartwell note paper (PF78)

A thank you letter autographed by Sir Winston Churchill, typed on Chartwell headed note paper

Posted: 21 December 2009
Jackson's original 'Thriller' to auction

The 1983 test recording of one of the best-selling records of all time is selling in Los Angeles

Posted: 18 December 2009
Otis Redding (1941-1967)

Posted: 18 December 2009
£3k for the boots of the man who 'banned' Christmas

A collector has gotten his hands on Oliver Cromwell's 15th century boots

Posted: 17 December 2009
Madonna's personal MTV Award for sale (PT16)

Her 1998 MTV Video Music Award for "Ray of Light". A unique item

Posted: 17 December 2009
The ongoing legacy of John Lennon

Upon the discovery of a 'forgotten' 1971 Lennon interview, we take a look at his memorabilia

Posted: 17 December 2009
£72k punk artwork out-rocks Michael Jackson

The King of Pop's legendary loafers sold for nearly £23k, but The Clash were the day's real stars

Posted: 16 December 2009
Caped Crusader swoops in on Heritage Auctions

Batman's first appearance to go under the hammer for a six figure sum

Posted: 16 December 2009
Elton's Versace clothes sale turns heads in London

Fans display startling knowledge of the star in memorabilia search

Posted: 14 December 2009
John Dillinger's wooden gun fetches $19k

The jailbreaker's fake weapon and his bloodstained dollar lead sale

Posted: 14 December 2009
Hank Williams' $134.5k guitar headlines Country sale

Stars of Country - or rather, their memorabilia - stepped up to the auction block in New York

Posted: 13 December 2009
Florida sale promises rare coins and militaria

From the auctioneers that brought you a $17k suit of Prussian armour and Elvis's $107.5k diamond ring...

Posted: 11 December 2009
Humphrey Bogart stars with Michael Jackson at Bonhams

Jackson's iconic fedora will auction at £12k, alongside The Beatles, Sir Laurence Olivier and Lauren Bacall

Posted: 11 December 2009
Diehard fans are Grateful for Dead memorabilia

34 years after the Grateful Dead's first-ever gig, we look at how they've performed in the memorabilia market

Posted: 10 December 2009
Russian space suit rockets to €87k in Paris auction

Large iron meteorite finds a resting place for €31k

Posted: 10 December 2009
$140k meteorite leads Californian auction

The most striking US meteorite in private hands to auction

Posted: 9 December 2009
£268k for Audrey Hepburn's iconic wardrobe

Her Givenchy dress worn in How to Steal a Million sold for £60k at a London fashion sale

Posted: 9 December 2009
James Bly's Topical Tips

Antique expert James Bly makes sure your antiques will survive the Festive Period

Posted: 9 December 2009
Paul Fraser welcomes James Bly to the Expert Panel

Antique Expert and Fund Manager

Posted: 9 December 2009
The Story of... Audrey Hepburn

This fascinating short video examines how Audrey Hepburn changed the world as a fashion icon

Posted: 9 December 2009
'Dam Busters' autographs sell at Bonhams

A party menu signed by the real-life No 617 Squadron after their legendary mission has auctioned

Posted: 8 December 2009
Sir Paul McCartney (1942–) (PF66)

Fantastic - this item sells itself

Posted: 8 December 2009
A ring from Elvis fetches $107.5k

The King was generous to his fans, as this one-off item, gifted to an audience member in 1975, shows

Posted: 7 December 2009
George Washington's historic letter sells for $3.2m

Cormac McCarthy's typewriter also sells for over 10 times its estimate

Posted: 7 December 2009
It's a steal... a wealth of Dillinger memorabilia goes under the hammer

The notorious outlaw's letters, pocket watch and gun top the bill at $35k each

Posted: 7 December 2009
James Stewart drawing and autograph (PF68)

A superb drawing and autograph by James Stewart and Harvey

Posted: 6 December 2009
Robert Burns

An outstanding relic of Scottish heritage, dating from 1796. Last seen in public in 1896: The famous "Burns Bible". Read by Robbie Burns days prior to his death.

Posted: 5 December 2009
George Washington (1732–1799) earliest known autograph (PF5)

Believed to be the earliest known George Washington autograph in private hands.

Posted: 4 December 2009
Nabokov's handwritten last work to sell for up to $600k

The work by the Lolita author will appear alongside Cormac McCarthy's typewriter in New York

Posted: 4 December 2009
Wonderful Wizard of Oz memorabilia

With a £400k pair of ruby slippers in her home, Adele Morris is Britain's biggest Oz collector

Posted: 4 December 2009
Buddy Holly's $550k guitar leads Country Music sale

Christie's presents the first sale dedicated to history and evolution of Country Music

Posted: 3 December 2009
Prince Charles & Princess Diana autographed Christmas card (PF79)

A signed Christmas card featuring William and Harry

Posted: 3 December 2009
Star Trek memorabilia to boldly auction

After their hit Michael Jackson sale, Julien's will sell items from the 2009 blockbuster film

Posted: 3 December 2009
£165k film shows Marilyn Monroe 'smoking cannabis'

Some like it pot? The home movie was sold by an anonymous cameraman

Posted: 2 December 2009
Legendary comic 'Hulks out' at auction for $125k

A 'holy grail' of comic books, The Incredible Hulk #1, has been snapped up in Dallas, Texas

Posted: 2 December 2009
Fabulous Fabergé treasured at auction

A Romanov cigarette case has exploded its estimate to sell for £612k

Posted: 1 December 2009
Moscow Museum buys Hitler's Mercedes

'Buying a Nazi car is like sticking one finger up to Hitler' says the exhibition's curator

Posted: 1 December 2009
$2.5m 'most important' George Washington letter for sale

The first US President's four-page letter endorsing the US constitution will auction next month

Posted: 30 November 2009
Tiger Woods (1975-) autographed PGA Tour cap (PF21)

A beautifully signed PGA Tour cap bearing Tiger Woods' signature

Posted: 30 November 2009
Two British Auction Houses join forces

Details on Bloomsbury and Dreweatts' strategic alliance

Posted: 29 November 2009
$60k Beat It lyrics put Jackson in the autographs big league

King of Pop signatures smashed their estimates, selling for five figures at the Julien's NY auction

Posted: 27 November 2009
Audrey Hepburn dress to auction in London for £15k

A Givenchy gown and a dress from her cancelled wedding will also sell

Posted: 27 November 2009
$12k nude photo of Polanski and Tate to auction

An exceptional array of photographs will appear at a sale in New York

Posted: 26 November 2009
The Collections of Malcolm Forbes

The cheerful multi-millionaire businessman, philanthropist and enthusiastic collector...

Posted: 26 November 2009
US TV star Reyne Haines joins Paul Fraser Collectibles expert panel

Here Reyne shows us that valuable collections aren't just confined to rare stamps or coins, classic cars, or wine cellars

Posted: 26 November 2009
King Kong sells for £121k

The model used in the Empire State Building scene of the 1933 classic has been auctioned

Posted: 25 November 2009
Video of the week

Michael Jackson, Elvis, Madonna and the Beatles hit the auction block in New York

Posted: 25 November 2009
$60k Bo Diddley guitar rocks at auction

Michael Jackson got all the attention, but Elvis, the Beatles and others also shone at Julien's NY sale

Posted: 24 November 2009
$212k for Michael Jackson's 'Holy Grail' glove

Worn for the TV unveiling of his iconic Moonwalk dance in 1983, it sold to a Hong Kong buyer

Posted: 23 November 2009
Museum buys Michael Jackson's Mercedes for $104.5k

When have you ever seen the King of Pop driving a car? Now you need look no further...

Posted: 23 November 2009
Bronze Churchill head busts estimate to sell for £12k

Bidders battle for the great man's memorabilia

Posted: 20 November 2009
Obama memorabilia banned in China

The American President's visit has sparked a crackdown from Beijing

Posted: 20 November 2009
Ol' Blue Eyes' Cadillac sells for $122k

Frank Sinatra's 1950s car was the second-biggest seller at Bonhams' important cars auction

Posted: 20 November 2009
Warren Buffett v Luxury Collectibles

You'd think there could only be one winner... right?

Posted: 20 November 2009
Madoff's New York Mets jacket sells for 20 times estimate

Jewellery and memorabilia dominate auction

Posted: 18 November 2009
Make a bang with Asprey Guns at Bonhams

Classic Sporting Guns go to auction

Posted: 17 November 2009
$1,750 for single strand of Elvis' hair

Single hair from personal barber smashes auction estimates

Posted: 16 November 2009
Jack Ruby's hat sells for $54k

Ruby's shackles and JFK's final autograph also beat expectations

Posted: 16 November 2009
Steve McQueen motorbike to star at auction

Three pieces connected to the Great Escape actor are on sale

Posted: 13 November 2009
Attenborough's paintings double estimates

All 51 lots sell for a total £4.6m, led by an L S Lowry piece.

Posted: 12 November 2009
Bernie Madoff auction set to raise over $500k

Swiss watches, handbags and jewellery are all going under the hammer

Posted: 11 November 2009
Paul McCartney memorabilia will auction in New York

Artefacts 'from the closet' of Aerosmith's Steve Tyler are also going under the hammer at Julien's auctions

Posted: 10 November 2009
$250k Third Reich tapestry to sell in Florida

Once owned by powerful Nazi Heinrich Himmler, the gold bullion tapestry will auction next month

Posted: 9 November 2009
$64k unseen Chaplin film bought on eBay for $5

A forgotten 1914 gem featuring the silent screen legend was discovered in an old film canister

Posted: 9 November 2009
100-limited watch for NY Yankees win

Baseball fans will be able to mark their team's 27th World Series victory with a rare wristwatch

Posted: 9 November 2009
$35k for the hat of Lee Harvey Oswald's killer

Worn by the man found guilty for shooting JFK's assassin, the fedora will auction at Heritage in Dallas

Posted: 7 November 2009
Elvis's diamond ring for sale

The King's unique piece of jewellery, gifted to a fan, will be auctioned in Florida next month

Posted: 3 November 2009
Lance Armstrong bikes raise $1.3m

Decorated by Damien Hirst and other artists, funds will go towards Armstrong's cancer charity

Posted: 3 November 2009
Paul Fraser welcomes John Bly to the expert panel

John Bly is an antiques dealer, author, after-dinner speaker and broadcaster who is best known from the BBC Antiques Roadshow

Posted: 3 November 2009
The Top Five most valuable spacecraft memorabilia

Space artefacts aren't limited to autographs, how about owning your own piece of a space shuttle?

Posted: 2 November 2009
Royal memorabilia from Queen Victoria's coachman

His family served the Royals for 80 years, making this a fascinating auction with affordable prices

Posted: 31 October 2009
Apollo 11 (1969) (PF16) photograph signed by Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins

A large colour photo measuring 15.5 x 14inches, signed by the three crew members of Apollo 11.

Posted: 30 October 2009
£50k lots lead Prince George memorabilia auction

Furniture, silver and a painting by Queen Victoria herself are among the controversial Duke's items

Posted: 29 October 2009
Jackie Kennedy's post-JFK murder letter

A letter by the 'fragile' First Lady following her husband's 1963 death is auctioning online

Posted: 28 October 2009
Steuben's 9.5k pure crystal baseball bat

Unmissable for baseball collectors, a crafted bat for every American and National league team

Posted: 28 October 2009
Early-'60s Beatles and Rolling Stones autographs for sale

The signatures were collected while filming a must-see Swinging Sixties music show

Posted: 27 October 2009
Michael Jackson items to appear at O2

The singer's Rolls Royce and a number of oil paintings will feature in the huge London expo

Posted: 26 October 2009
Amelia Earhart's scarf and wristwatch to fly into space

The legendary 1930s aviator couldn't have guessed that two of her belongings would wind up in orbit

Posted: 23 October 2009
Amelia Earhart collectibles could soar thanks to Hollywood

Memorabilia owners hope that a new biopic of the aviator's life will increase interest, and sales

Posted: 22 October 2009
How to find rare Buzz Aldrin collectibles

His memorabilia gets less attention than Neil Armstrong's, but savvy collectors can find some real gems

Posted: 22 October 2009
Gauguin's angry letter brings $31k at Bonhams

The artist proves that sometimes an ill-tempered rant is all you need to attract bidders

Posted: 21 October 2009
Winston Churchill £5k bust and £1.5k chair go to auction

Your chance to own a sculpture of Britain's greatest Prime Minister and his beachwood open armchair

Posted: 21 October 2009
Elvis's shirt sells for $32k

The King remains one of the top-earning deceased celebrities, as proven at this California auction

Posted: 20 October 2009
Rare Abraham Lincoln autographs are displayed in New York

But if you can't get to NY, we have another historic Lincoln signature which you can be yours

Posted: 20 October 2009
American heritage under the hammer today...

Birth of the State of California documents at auction

Posted: 18 October 2009
Memorabilia: the Top 10 dead celebrities list

They're still earning millions after their death - and that's why their collectibles are so sought-after

Posted: 17 October 2009
$65k Apollo gadget stars at space auction

And a full Russian space suit was among the highlights at Heritage's incredible Dallas sale

Posted: 16 October 2009
It's just a small wooden chair...

Yet it's expected to sell for £10-15,000 at auction tomorrow. Why?

Posted: 16 October 2009
$88k battle robot and $4k Megan Fox leathers sell in California

Elvis's guitar, a Stormtrooper and full-scale Hollywood machines starred at the $5m memorabilia auction

Posted: 15 October 2009
Rare stamps honour Samuel Johnson and a Manchester United legend

The Eminent Britons stamps feature 10 people whose achievements are still with us to this day

Posted: 15 October 2009
Abraham Lincoln signed document (1809–1865) (PF10)

An exceptionally rare piece of autographed political memorabilia - a Presidential document signed by Abraham Lincoln...

Posted: 14 October 2009
Babe Ruth's 'most important' bat sells for $537k

From the baseball legend's 1918 season, one expert calls it Ruth's 'most historically significant bat'

Posted: 14 October 2009
'Godfather' of surfing's signed handprints to sell for $12k

The next Bonham's Fine Books sale includes memorabilia from Hawaii's favourite sport

Posted: 14 October 2009
$440k Cobra leads Las Vegas car sale

A $352k limited-edition Mustang, Bruce Willis's Chevy and the Batmobile also starred at the auction

Posted: 13 October 2009
Former England cricketer denies selling 'fake' autographs

Dermot Reeve's autographs by the legendary batsman Donald Bradman are forged, says expert

Posted: 13 October 2009
How much is a guitar signed by Prince Harry?

That's the question asked by an aspiring Dorset rockstar, after the Royal autographed his axe at a gig

Posted: 12 October 2009
Michael Jackson's glove brings $70k at auction

Sales totalled $5m at an incredible memorabilia sale featuring Elvis, Star Wars and Indiana Jones

Posted: 12 October 2009
Wife suspected of Batman collector's death

A millionaire whose collection included a $43k comic book has been found murdered in his hotel

Posted: 11 October 2009
NBA legend Bill Russell holds rare autograph signing

He's won more championships than any other athlete in a North American sports league

Posted: 8 October 2009
Rugby Captain's World Cup victory boots to be auctioned

Martin Johnson wore these boots to defeat Australia in the 2003 Final - and now they can be yours

Posted: 8 October 2009
Civil War Gatling gun sells for $173k

$1.1m memorabilia and militaria auction features vintage muskets, revolvers, rifles and cannons

Posted: 7 October 2009
'I forged Ian Curtis's autograph' admits Peter Hook

Former Joy Division bassist signed the late singer's signatures, with some dated after his death

Posted: 7 October 2009
'Notorious' casino chips sell for $1m

Collectors are cashing in their chips... Old tokens from infamous 20th century casinos can be prized assets

Posted: 7 October 2009
Muhammad Ali's earliest known letters auctioned

The only three letters signed 'Cassius Clay' bring $13-17k at a Dallas, US memorabilia sale

Posted: 6 October 2009
Autographed baseball cards in the Sunshine State

A Florida museum is to exhibit signed cards and other memorabilia

Posted: 5 October 2009
Tiger Woods becomes the first $1bn sportsman

His increasing popularity adds to his pay packet... and the value of his memorabilia

Posted: 5 October 2009
Bruce Willis's cars to auction in Vegas

A 1967 Chevrolet Corvette convertible, 1968 Pontiac Firebird 400 and 1988 Lincoln Limousine will sell at no reserve

Posted: 3 October 2009
Rolex that went to the Moon priced at $30,000

This Speedmaster Professional watch was present for Apollo 17's last 72 hours on the lunar surface

Posted: 1 October 2009
Yoko Ono sued over $6m 'stolen' Lennon video

Film features ex-Beatle smoking marijuana and joking about putting LSD in President Nixon's tea

Posted: 1 October 2009
Bockscar (August 8, 1945)

The plane that dropped the second Atomic Bomb. A superb piece of history is for sale.

Posted: 25 September 2009
Collectibles investments are booming, says The Times

'High net worth individuals are increasingly turning to alternative investments,' reports the respected UK newspaper

Posted: 24 September 2009
Lennon Mercedes bought after decade-long hunt

A UK businessman has finally tracked down John Lennon's iconic white Mercedes, more than 10 years after he fell in love with it

Posted: 18 September 2009
Queen Victoria (1819–1901) signed cabinet photograph (PF18)

A Queen Victoria signed photo dated June 21 1887 - a significant date

Posted: 16 September 2009
Led Zeppelin (PF20) set of four band member autographs, John Paul Janes, John Bonham, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page

A scarce set of ballpoint autographs from the four members of Led Zeppelin...

Posted: 10 September 2009
Babe Ruth (1895–1948) (PF15) vintage signed Yankees photo

A vintage glossy 8 x 10inch full-length photo of a strong, svelte Babe Ruth, clad in his Yankees road uniform taking a practice swing during spring training

Posted: 3 September 2009
John F Kennedy (1917–1963) and Jacqueline Kennedy signed programme (1929–1994) (PF4)

A superb original program from a Kennedy-Johnson Campaign Dinner sponsored by the Democratic National Committee and held at the Sheraton Park Hotel in Washington on September 20, 1960.

Posted: 3 September 2009
Marilyn Monroe (1926–1962) (PF14) signed cheque

A superb Marilyn Monroe signed cheque, payable to her psycho-analyst...

Posted: 3 September 2009
Madonna (1958–) handwritten lyrics to 'Cry Baby' (PF17)

These lyrics have been handwritten by Madonna for her song 'Cry Baby', a hit from the 'I'm Breathless' album released in 1990...

Posted: 1 September 2009
George S Patton signed letter (1885–1945) (PF3)

In the midst of World War II, General George S Patton, wrote a letter to Suzanne Miner, who had served as his housekeeper in Langres, France, during World War I...

Posted: 15 August 2009
Princess Diana (1961–1997) large signed photograph (PF23)

A beautiful large signed and inscribed colour photograph measuring 8.5 x 14inches...

Posted: 6 August 2009
Sir Paul McCartney signed letter (1942–) (PF1)

A rarely seen, early, typed letter from Paul McCartney sent from his childhood home at 20 Forthlin Road, Allerton, Liverpool.

Posted: 28 July 2009
Oliver Cromwell (1599–1658) (PF7) signed document

Incredibly rare signed document circa 1650, featuring Oliver Cromwell's autograph

Posted: 1 July 2009
Autographed space art for sale

Collectible eight-foot works signed by astronauts show artists' incredible renderings of space exploration

Posted: 1 October 2009
Bergman chess pieces bring $143k

An auction of items once owned by the 'autuer' film maker has proven a massive success

Posted: 30 September 2009
Michael Jackson's boots sell for $14.6k

Janet Jackson hosts $1.1m charity auction with Kanye West attending

Posted: 30 September 2009
Rare Marilyn Monroe images for sale...

Lyon and Turnbull auction this Friday

Posted: 30 September 2009
Abbey Road iconic sign to be auctioned

For sale: London Street Sign made famous on The Beatles' album cover

Posted: 29 September 2009
Earl of Devon auctions £1.5m of family heirlooms to pay debt

Silver, antiques and furniture sale 'will be unmissable for devotees of the English country house,' says Sotheby's

Posted: 29 September 2009
Lord Byron's most important letters to sell at Sotheby's

The notes written to a clergyman include jibes about foreigners, and a dig at his rival Wordsworth (or 'Turdsworth')

Posted: 29 September 2009
King Edward VIII settee sells for seven-times its estimate

The sofa on which Edward VIII met Mrs Simpson has been sold at auction

Posted: 28 September 2009
Original Auld Lang Syne 'sells' for £10k

A retired professor has become the new patron of poet Robert Burns' famous New Years' anthem

Posted: 28 September 2009
Outrage over sale of serial killer's letters

An auction of letters by murderer Harold Shipman is 'raking it up again' for the families, says coroner

Posted: 28 September 2009
Paul McCartney's childhood essay discovered

Aged 10, he beat other competition entrants from all over Liverpool with his essay about the 'lovely young Queen'

Posted: 28 September 2009
C19th Welsh International football badge

Sporting memorabilia from the golden days of football

Posted: 26 September 2009
Robert Burns' Masonic Apron is for sale...

Apron worn for visits to the Lodge is soon under the hammer

Posted: 26 September 2009
$6.2m for a vintage toy collection

Two sales and 7,000 lots include a $50k steam-powered fire engine, toy cars, puzzles and games

Posted: 25 September 2009
$80k 'Transformers' robot and Megan Fox's outfit for sale

An incredible 17ft prop from the blockbuster film and a leather costume worn by its star can be yours in Las Vegas

Posted: 25 September 2009
Child prodigies let loose on $28m of antique instruments

Canada's classical music stars of the future eagerly await access to historic violins, cellos and other memorabilia

Posted: 25 September 2009
See the world's most comprehensive football collection

Over 18,000 items chronicling the oldest Football League in the world will feature in Liverpool expo

Posted: 25 September 2009
Vintage firearms sale totals $8m

Over 500 lots sold, including Civil War, WWI and WWII weapons and a Winchester for $425k

Posted: 23 September 2009
Rolls Royce to star at one of UK’s largest country house auctions

£200k sale includes memorabilia and antiques worth hundreds of thousands of pounds, Dutch furniture and continental paintings

Posted: 22 September 2009
The surprising treasures of Dartmouth Town Council

Ceremonial maces, chains and an autograph book signed by a French President worth six figure sums

Posted: 22 September 2009
$68k for dinner with Palin

Dinner with ex-Governor Sarah Palin exceeds expectations...

Posted: 21 September 2009
Churchill memorabilia: £100k auction

Winston Churchill's gloves and signed letters are some of the items available

Posted: 21 September 2009
Marlon Brando's watch sells for $18k

A Vacheron Constantin from the actor's 1950s golden period was among the big sales in New York

Posted: 21 September 2009
Beatles 'bigger than Jesus' magazine sold for $13K

A magazine signed by Lennon containing his infamous comments sells

Posted: 18 September 2009
Star Trek 'first ever' Apple Mac worth $1.2k

It was the very first Macintosh computer produced by Apple - and was owned by Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry

Posted: 18 September 2009
Yves Saint Laurent's villa to auction at Christie's

This home is a collaboration between two of the great French aesthetes of the 20th century

Posted: 18 September 2009
19th century whale's tooth brings $67k

Carved and decorated tooth was aboard the boat on which Charles Darwin crafted The Origin of the Species

Posted: 17 September 2009
Bankrupt Baseball player's memorabilia up for auction

Pieces belonging to one of the sport's most unforgettable characters

Posted: 16 September 2009
American-born Nazi's microphone sells for £8,000

A mic used by the infamous Lord Haw-Haw in his pro-fascist WW2 radio broadcasts has tripled its estimate at auction

Posted: 15 September 2009
Early unheard Streisand tape to sell for $1m?

Ex-boyfriend puts early apartment demo and gig recording under the hammer - but the singer has her lawyers on the case

Posted: 15 September 2009
Heaven for motorcycle collectors at Bohham's

Over 150 motorcycles and memorabilia, including a rare £50k Vincent Rapide, KAR 223 ridden by Arthur Merrett, will appear at the sale

Posted: 15 September 2009
Dylan's harmonica sold at local town hall for £2.7k

Bob Dylan memorabilia is very rare - and one lucky buyer has snapped-up this item from the singer's legendary 1974 tour for a bargain price

Posted: 14 September 2009
First annual tennis auction held in NY

Golf and baseball have long been memorabilia hotbeds... But it's looking like tennis could one day catch them up

Posted: 14 September 2009
Muse guitar causes bidding war on eBay

A guitar artwork signed by the supergroup is causing a frenzy among fans - and there is still time for you to bid

Posted: 14 September 2009
Stolen Kennedy condolence note

The $25,000 mystery. The FBI is investigating how a private and personal handwritten note from one Kennedy widow to another reached an auction house.

Posted: 14 September 2009
Warhol sports art stolen in LA

Muhammad Ali and OJ Simpson portrait theft is 'a profoundly personal loss to me and my family' says collector

Posted: 14 September 2009
Beatlemania 2009 continues...

Fans line up for a new video game based on the Beatles and their albums have been re-released

Posted: 11 September 2009
Good news: collectibles improve your mental health

They can reduce stress, add years to your life and 'people with hobbies are healthier and happier,' says a new study

Posted: 11 September 2009
How Galileo viewed the heavens...

The astronomer's $3m telescope returns from a tour

Posted: 11 September 2009
'Probably the greatest film artist' memorabilia to auction in Sweden

Iconic props, a writing desk and Golden Globes are be among this renowned filmmaker's assets for sale…

Posted: 11 September 2009
Antique violin left on the Vienna subway

Instrument worth €60-100K lost on an underground train - later to be returned

Posted: 10 September 2009
Beatlemania 2009 latest: $7k gadget causes eBay frenzy

A customised Xbox 360 featuring the Beatles is gaining big value - and the auction closes in eight days

Posted: 10 September 2009
Buy Al Capone's 'hideout retreat' for $2.5m

Gangster's 'relaxing and convenient' retreat includes 407 acres, a 37-acre private lake and an eight-car garage

Posted: 10 September 2009
Harry Potter first edition to sell for £2K

Author's signature and personal message make all the difference

Posted: 10 September 2009
High School dig yields Civil War memorabilia

New Jersey find includes buttons for the first President worth five figure sums

Posted: 10 September 2009
Queen's bloomers in £12m exhibition

Britain's Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection is set to become a major exhibition

Posted: 9 September 2009
Unique stamp set smashes auction estimate

The first stamps to show a living Australian have been snapped up in Melbourne

Posted: 9 September 2009
Gandhi memorabilia sold at auction

A pair of items presented to his friend Emma Harker have gone under the hammer in London

Posted: 8 September 2009
Legendary car innovator to sign autographs

Autograph and memorabilia collectors can meet the man who put the ‘super’ in Super Mustang...

Posted: 8 September 2009
Obama and Michael Jordon memorabilia for sale

This is your chance to get the US President's signature, and memorabilia for the legendary 1992 basketball 'Dream Team'

Posted: 8 September 2009
18th and 19th century Indian art to appear at Christie's

A meditteranean navigation chart, oriental rugs and carpets and treasured artworks and textiles will feature in the sale

Posted: 7 September 2009
Derby winner's carousel up for auction

A fairground piece sees the light of day for the first time in years

Posted: 7 September 2009
Entertainment from another world

The market for board and card games from a time when the family played together is surprisingly strong...

Posted: 7 September 2009
He was once a struggling artist...

And now three of Adolf Hitler's paintings sell for $60K in Germany

Posted: 7 September 2009
Japanese leader records 'hit' single

An unearthed vinyl made by Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama could fetch over 35,000 yen at auction

Posted: 7 September 2009
The most expensive piece of Beatles memorabilia ever?

"Here's the famous banned butcher cover. You can sell it for $11m dollars," says a handwritten note by John Lennon

Posted: 7 September 2009
Expensive meal: $25k for starters

Five figure opening bid for dinner with an ex-Vice Presidential candidate

Posted: 4 September 2009
Hitler etched playing Lenin - in 1909?

Etching which shows Hitler playing Lenin at chess, signed by both, for sale at £40k

Posted: 4 September 2009
Classic golf book sells for $6,000

A signed work by a founding member of the United States Golf Association has been snapped up for a bargain

Posted: 3 September 2009
Jacko's Rollers roll into storage...

Michael Jacksons now priceless Rolls-Royce's are safely stored away...

Posted: 3 September 2009
Rare Chinese book collection displayed

National library shows rare and historic texts for anniversary

Posted: 3 September 2009
Counterfeit Michael Jackson memorabilia seized

Customs officials have confiscated a large quantity of items infringing trade laws

Posted: 1 September 2009
Posters selling today for up to £170k

An anonymous collector is putting up a collection of posters from classic films in Reading

Posted: 1 September 2009
Hugh Laurie's cane, posters and Emmy tickets on eBay

A-list autographs and a chance to visit your favourite show's set are also up for grabs

Posted: 27 August 2009
Previously unknown rare blues record sells for over $10k

Renowned collector John Tefteller wins the ‘rarest and most expensive’ vinyl from legendary Sun label

Posted: 26 August 2009
Rarest automobile signs for sale

Over 1,000 vintage signs, parts and automotive collectibles will feature in Ohio, US auction

Posted: 26 August 2009
Retail giant expands into sports memorabilia

JCPenney recognises that collectibles are big business

Posted: 26 August 2009
Schwarzenegger signed cars for sale

Governor lends his signature to garage sale automobiles to raise money for California

Posted: 26 August 2009
Ted Kennedy Memorabilia

With the passing of an American political legend, the desire to hold onto a piece of his life remains

Posted: 26 August 2009
Vintage cricket books

Books and scoresheets from a few pennies to 'six' figures...

Posted: 26 August 2009
Jackson's glove and Thriller costume to appear at O2

Judge gives 'firm approval' for memorabilia tour to begin in London in October

Posted: 25 August 2009
'Spend eternity' with Monroe for $4.6m

Burial vault above the Hollywood starlet's final resting place is auctioned by the previous occupant's widow

Posted: 25 August 2009
For sale: largest collection of legendary US quarterback memorabilia

Wisconsin fan is putting his extensive collection under the hammer

Posted: 24 August 2009
'Halloween 2' props to be auctioned

Iconic costumes and props used in the new remake will be sold in California

Posted: 24 August 2009
Oscar winner's watch

A gold watch given as a present from a famous actress to a famous actor is up for auction

Posted: 24 August 2009
Collecting a cartoon classic

Items relating to a British cartoon with a local setting are becoming widely collectible

Posted: 23 August 2009
Satire that's worth £800 per page

Book spoofing a game of golf on Leith Links is a big hit in Edinburgh auction

Posted: 23 August 2009
Silver bars worth $1.2m to appear at travelling roadshow

This show travels 300,000 miles and purchases over $15m of collectible items each year

Posted: 19 August 2009
Warhol Jackson painting sells for over $1m in NY

And a 'Jeff Koons sculpture of Jackson could be worth $25m,' following the singer's death

Posted: 19 August 2009
Famous expedition logbook to auction for £12k

The journey was called, 'the greatest advance in the knowledge of our planet since the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries'

Posted: 13 August 2009
Queen Victoria jewellery at auction

A jewellery lot designed by Queen Victoria to commemorate Mr Brown is to appear at a Scottish auction

Posted: 13 August 2009
The Holy Grail of Michael Jackson memorabilia...

Glove worn by singer when he unveiled his moonwalk will be auctioned in NY

Posted: 13 August 2009
The Top 10 celebrity collectibles

A list of the priciest memorabilia, according to a leading US magazine for high net worth individuals

Posted: 13 August 2009
'World's most influential guitar player and inventor' dies aged 94

'Genius' creator of guitar which sold for $268k at Christies leaves legacy that 'will never be forgotten'

Posted: 13 August 2009
Famous owners add value...

Collectibles owned by celebrities grab attention at auction

Posted: 10 August 2009
Baseball legend's Memorabilia

Players still covet the award in his name, and his memorabilia is valuable, but who was he?

Posted: 7 August 2009
Cars featured in films and TV on sale

A Los Angeles auction will be selling a variety of cars seen in famous shows on Saturday

Posted: 7 August 2009
Celebrity classic car collectors

With a need to look good, and the bank balances to achieve it, a number of famous faces invest in cars

Posted: 7 August 2009
Michael Jackson sale

Jackson's estate is set to release a flood of merchandise associated with the star, including some major ventures

Posted: 7 August 2009
Nobel Prize winner's memorabilia neglected

Personal effects belonging to the poet, novelist and historical figure are falling into disrepair

Posted: 7 August 2009
Rock 'n' roll collectibles offer 500% appreciation...

These items cherished by rock gods of past decades are big business

Posted: 7 August 2009
Unseen Beatles photos for sale in Liverpool

Exclusive photos of one of the 'Fab Four' and all four Beatles' autographs to be sold

Posted: 7 August 2009
Jackson portrait goes on sale

A painting of Michael Jackson by a legendary US artist has gone on sale...

Posted: 6 August 2009
Legendary gunslinger's letters go on display

'It is fascinating to me that a kid of 21 is still so much in our folklore,' says academic

Posted: 6 August 2009
Stars cars up for auction

Two classic cars are to go under the hammer and their links to famous owners are expected to result in big prices

Posted: 6 August 2009
Star's private collection under the hammer

Multiple award-winning singer and actress is selling to fund charity

Posted: 6 August 2009
Old friends gather to celebrate The Beatles

A former Monkee and other Beatles friends and colleagues to appear at memorabilia and autograph convention

Posted: 5 August 2009
The 'Classic Hoarder' sale

Old news is good news for seller in local auction

Posted: 5 August 2009
Hawaiian posters to be sold at New York auction

Six rare vintage airline-themed posters designed to encourage Hawaiian tourism are up for auction

Posted: 4 August 2009
TIE Fighter sells for £203k

Tinseltown auction also includes a hoverboard, the Holy Grail and the Ten Commandments

Posted: 4 August 2009
Dillinger letter sells for a staggering $60k

A rare letter penned by the US outlaw has sold for ten times its estimate

Posted: 3 August 2009
Dillnger memorabilia sets record prices

US outlaw continues to cause excitement in auction houses

Posted: 3 August 2009
Controversial photographer to be sued

Millionaires' pawnbroker Art Capital Group is set to sue photographer Annie Leibovitz over $24m debt

Posted: 31 July 2009
Guinness merchandise can be collectible

Collecting Guinness merchandise and advertising can be an eye-pleasing way to connect with a piece of Ireland's history

Posted: 31 July 2009
Irish Collectibles

There is a strong market for items relating to Ireland all around the world

Posted: 31 July 2009
'Quirky' film director's art to be displayed

A retrospective of director Tim Burton's artworks will be displayed at New York's Museum of Modern Art

Posted: 31 July 2009
Restaurant's memorabilia collection up for auction

A Missouri restaurant's memorabilia are to be sold, including brewing collectibles and a variety of other items

Posted: 31 July 2009
Stamps to celebrate Mark Webber's F1 win

Special stamps are being printed in Australia in honour of the Red Bull driver's win in the German Gran Prix.

Posted: 31 July 2009
Unique comedy items at auction

Personal belongings of three world famous comedians are hitting the auction room in August

Posted: 31 July 2009
Bizarre film poster sells for nearly $90k

An unusual piece of Hollywood history and other iconic designs sell in Dallas

Posted: 29 July 2009
Rare wine autographed by baseball legend

A highly-collectible Chateau features a '600 home runs' star on its label

Posted: 29 July 2009
Hundreds of collectors to attend PulpFest

Pulp fiction magazines from the 1920s and '30s could fetch up to $40k at this year's convention in the US

Posted: 28 July 2009
St. Petersburg opens 'one of largest' classic car museums

Cars owned by Marilyn Monroe, Elvis and astronaut Yuri Gagarin will appear in new Vyborg collection

Posted: 28 July 2009
Why did a second-hand chair sell for £20k?

...when you could buy it for £10 in a junk shop?

Posted: 28 July 2009
For sale: Madonna's sexy phone messages

Erotic phone messages left by the singer for an ex-boyfriend are to appear in an online rock 'n' roll auction

Posted: 27 July 2009
Lennon Beatles jackets, Hendrix contract and a life-sized Arnie to be auctioned online

'Elvis' painted by Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan lyrics will also appear a New York Internet sale

Posted: 27 July 2009
Mao-era memorabilia is a growing money maker

Chairman Mao memorabilia prices are soaring as the 60th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China approaches

Posted: 27 July 2009
Settee sold for 90 times the estimate...

Estimated at just £80, this famous sofa eventually sold for £7,500 after frantic auction bidding

Posted: 27 July 2009
Dillinger's gun fetches $95k at auction

Public Enemy Number One's Remington pistol fetches double the pre-auction estimate in Dallas

Posted: 26 July 2009
Bridget Jones' big smalls

Classic piece of memorabilia from the first film sold for charity signed by one of the stars

Posted: 22 July 2009
Great Scott! Legendary novel sells for $180k

Book called 'the most expensive piece of 20th century printed paper' sells in New York

Posted: 18 July 2009
Apollo 11 navigation chart sells for $218k

Described by astronaut Buzz Aldrin as, 'The single most critical navigational device we used while on the Moon,' this was the star of Bonham's NY space auction

Posted: 17 July 2009
Spiritual leader and Indian Prime Minister's memorabilia sold for thousands

Key items from India's spiritual and political past auctioned for £17,500

Posted: 15 July 2009
Hollywood icon's bathrobe sells for $120k

Six-figure memorabilia sale proves that Gentleman really do prefer Blondes

Posted: 1 July 2009
Stamp 'ordered to be destroyed' sells for $93k

Rare stamp features a Hollywood icon, whose son wanted it destroyed

Posted: 27 May 2009