Wuthering Heights Jewellery: Antique Pieces and Modern Interpretations

Posted on February 18, 2026February 19, 2026 by Liz Bailey

This year’s hotly anticipated Valentine’s Day blockbuster is upon us! Something our specialists have paid particular notice to has been the jewellery worn in the run-up to the film, at previews, interviews and press engagements. With film preview tours becoming much more thematic in styling, we are delighted that this has now extended to the jewellery worn in the promotion of the film, with antique, sentimental and storied pieces on display. Here are some of our highlights:

Brontë Hair Bracelet

Significantly, Margot Robbie wore a replica of Charlotte Brontë’s hairwork and garnet memorial bracelet, woven with Anne and Emily’s hair. Housed at the Brontë Parsonage Museum, this sentimental piece was painstakingly replicated by Haworth-based Wye Weaving, and formed the inspiration for her hairwork dress by Dilara Findikoglu.

Taj Mahal Diamond Necklace

Fitting for a Hollywood romance film (however gothic) – Margot Robbie wore the historic Taj Mahal diamond necklace. Set with a central heart shaped diamond, inscribed with Persian text Love Is Everlasting, this significant stone was believed to have been gifted by Mughal Emperor Jahangir to his wife Nur Jahan in the early 17th century. It passed to his son, Shah Jahan, who famously built the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife. Fast forward three hundred years, the diamond was set by Cartier and purchased by Richard Burton as a gift to Elizabeth Taylor for her 40th birthday in 1972. A deeply storied and highly romantic piece, it is not without controversy, and sold at Christie’s in 2011 for $8 million which was rescinded – resulting in a law suit between Christies and Elizabeth Taylor’s estate.

The Duchess of Devonshire’s Cartier Opal Tiara/Necklace

Director Emerald Fennell (daughter of jewellery designer Theo Fennell) wore a spectacular black opal and diamond necklace by Cartier, loaned by Sotheby’s and featuring in their upcoming auction. This piece was commissioned by Lady Mary Cecil as a tiara for King George VI’s coronation in 1937. Lady Mary went on to become the Duchess of Devonshire just one year later. The piece was on display last year as part of the V&A’s Cartier Exhibition, but has not been worn in pubic in over 70 years, and is estimated at £700,000 – £1,000,000. Following Bonhams’ 2025 sale of the Cartier Astor Tiara for £889,400 it will be interesting to see the result for this significant piece.

Cece Jewellery

Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi commissioned matching signet rings from Cece Jewellery to commemorate their roles. With enamel skeleton detailing, and the book’s famous line “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same…”

Jessica McCormack

During the run-up to the premiere, Margot wore a few pairs of Jessica McCormack earrings, the antique inspired ‘button back’ and ‘gypset’ settings worked particularly well with the Gothic Victorian inspired styling of the film.

Robbie also wore a pair of heart shaped ruby gypset earrings by Jessica McCormack, retailing at £6,750, a pair of diamond and pearl cut-down earrings, retailing at £6,000, and a custom-made pair of garnet, pearl and diamond drop earrings.

Barron London

Creating the soundtrack for the film, Charlie XCX was not to be outdone with her jewellery. She attended the premiere wearing exquisite jewels sourced from Barron London, including a pair of Burmese sapphire and diamond earrings in platinum, and a 6.02ct old mine cut diamond ring. These remarkable gems were paired with a custom pink gown by Erdem.

To arrange a jewellery valuation, call us on 01883 722736 or email us at [email protected].

Valuation Trends and Risks to Know in 2026

Posted on January 28, 2026January 29, 2026 by Liz Bailey, Jenny Knott, Richard Fattorini, Stephanie Connell, Jonathan Horwich, Alastair Meiklejon and Helen Doyle

Valuation Trends are shifting as we move into 2026, shaped by changing collector behaviour, evolving tastes and ongoing volatility across global markets. From jewellery, watches and handbags to art, rare books, silver and collectables, understanding where values are moving and why has never been more important. In this article, our specialists share their insight into the key valuation trends to watch in 2026 and explain what they mean for owners, collectors and those responsible for ensuring assets are accurately insured.

Jewellery

Liz Bailey, Jewellery, Watch & Silver Specialist

“As we have seen in 2025, the price of gold has reached record breaking levels and I can see no slowing of this trend into 2026. With a near 60% price increase last year, it will be crucially important to maintain regular valuations. We would expect to see a stabilisation in the market for natural diamonds, particularly steady in round brilliants under 2ct, and price spikes continuing for elongated fancy shapes and unique cuts over 2ct. In the gemstone market, a continued and constant premium placed on natural, saturated and high-quality gemstones of a favourable origin, which may prove increasingly difficult to source on the international market. Antique, signed, and unique pieces to remain in high demand, and designer price hikes to only push replacement values for insurance. If I could urge clients one thing for their jewellery collection this year, please ensure that you have a comprehensive and up to date valuation that accounts for these market factors – inadequate cover is not a trend that we want to see in 2026!“

Collectibles & Memorabilia

Stephanie Connell, Senior Valuer & Collector Specialist

“With a new generation evident in the market, acquiring pieces coveted in their youth I anticipate continuing growth in modern collectables. The trend towards objects from the early 2000s is gaining momentum with record prices recently in sports trading cards, and movie memorabilia from this period. With 2026 being a World Cup year football memorabilia may also be one to watch.”

Rare Books & Comics

Richard Fattorini, Rare Books & Manuscripts, Historical Photographs and Maps Consultant

“In 2026 I expect the rare book market to remain resilient and quietly buoyant with steady growth rather than a speculative boom. Auction activity continues to expand, driven by online platforms and new online auction houses specialising in rare books and works on paper that have widened access for collectors. Top-tier works selling for £100,000+ with strong provenance, historical importance or exceptional condition are likely to hold or increase in value. By contrast, more ordinary collectible titles may see flatter prices. A younger, more diverse generation of buyers in the 35-50 age bracket is reshaping tastes, with increased interest in genre fiction, science and books that tell compelling stories rather than simply fitting a traditional canon.

In 2025 the global top 10 books and works on paper sold at auction were dominated by Americana and American sports cards, together with a first Superman comic from 1939, an 18th century Mughal manuscript of an epic based on the Shahnama, and one of four copies of William Blake’s Songs of Experience (1793).

The results demonstrate that there are buyers out there for the best items, and collecting has never been easier with so many online platforms. The challenge for booksellers and auctioneers in 2026, as always, is finding the great material to meet the demands of collectors.”

Luxury Handbags

Helen Doyle, Jewellery, Watch & Handbag Specialist

“In 2026, the resurgence of the tote is a defining trend. These large handbags have become essential for fashionistas who need a single bag that they can use for the gym, take to the office or on a weekend shopping trip. Chanel continues to offer a great variety of shopping totes, while the Louis Vuitton Neverfull remains a staple and is available in various sizes and designs. Other brands leading this movement are The Row and Saint Laurent, for those seeking ultimate luxury, the bold Hermes Birkin 40 is the standout choice for a high-end tote. These designs can be priced anywhere from £1500 up to £55,000.

2026 also sees a significant revival of old classics, as several iconic handbags from previous decades return to the spotlight. At Celine, Michael Rider has reintroduced Phoebe Philo’s classic Phantom handbag, adding a “smiley” zip to lean into its long-standing nickname. Likewise, we are seeing refreshed iterations of the Lady Dior and the Fendi Baguette, alongside a sharp rise in the popularity of the Chloé Paddington and the Balenciaga City bag.

In terms of aesthetics and materials, specific hardware and textures define the 2026 look. Chains have become a dominant feature across many collections; while Chanel has historically been central to this style, brands such as Ferragamo, Valentino, and Stella McCartney are now heavily incorporating chain details into their newest designs. Additionally, the tactile trends of 2025 are proving to have staying power. Shearling remains a popular choice for added texture, while the colour palette for the year is grounded in sophisticated neutral tones and rich brown suedes.”

Silver

Jenny Knott, Jewellery & Silver Specialist

“If you’ve been watching silver at all, it feels a little like observing the quiet underdog of the precious-metals family suddenly step into the spotlight. The reliable, understated sibling has started to make the headlines, although it’s not a completely straightforward story.

Over the past five years, silver has shifted from a relatively modest performer to one of the standout commodities in global markets. The spot price – the price at which sterling silver is traded – more than doubled between 2021 and 2025, reaching £50–£60 per ounce by the end of 2025 and then peaking at £73 per ounce last week. By historical standards, this is extraordinary, even when set against previous market surges.

There is, however, a more disconcerting side to the story. While silver’s financial prominence has grown, its role as a domestic commodity, for example, in flatware, tea sets and decorative pieces, has continued to weaken. These uses once formed a central part of silver’s cultural cachet but rising prices and changing tastes have led consumers to step back from buying some traditional silverware.

For those who already own silver, this shift has had dramatic consequences. The intrinsic value of household silver has risen sharply, although this is partly offset by dealers being forced to cut their margins. Put bluntly, a single silver table fork is now likely to contain around £140 in silver value alone.

Therefore, what was a relatively quiet market until around 2023 has become strikingly dynamic. The gains seen in 2025 and early 2026 would once have seemed almost unimaginable outside the gold market. The result is a fascinating intersection of macroeconomic forces and cultural change, making silver one of the most compelling commodities to watch.”

Watches

Alastair Meiklejon, Senior Valuer & Watch Specialist

“In 2026 the watch market has reached the ‘calmly tidying up’ era….prices are well off the post-pandemic peak (about 33% down), but they’ve stopped face-planting at a rate of knots and even crept up 5%(ish) over the last year, but this is only in some markets.

Many watch retailers January 2026 updates back that up – the “Overall Market Index rose +1.1% in December 2025, with Rolex +0.6%”not exactly fireworks, but a lot steadier than 2022–23 vibes when some people were crying into their watch boxes.

Where it still gets spicy is the ‘coloured dial tax’, especially on Rolex. For example, secondary market currently puts the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 (124300) at £6500 market vs £4750 retail, so still over list.
And the brighter variants are another level – the yellow dial is £12,500, while the celebration turquoise is £11,500 – so yes, the market’s cooled, but the right dial still makes people forget what retail means.”

Contemporary Art

Jonathan Horwich, Contemporary Art Specialist

“Looking ahead to 2026, you can expect a continued and growing focus on female artists at auction. This spans all periods, from contemporary practitioners through to Old Masters and 19th-century European painters. Demand is no longer confined to a single category, and this broader interest is already reflected in stronger and more consistent prices.

There is also sustained momentum behind African and regional African art. While figurative work has dominated in recent years, attention is shifting towards abstract painting. This is bringing a wave of new artists to market, supported by increased institutional and collector interest. Given the depth and quality of material available, this area is likely to remain a key growth sector, with valuation levels continuing to evolve as the market matures.”

Antique Furniture

Alastair Meiklejon, Senior Valuer & Watch Specialist

“In 2026, antique furniture is a simple equation – the headline pieces still go bananas, while the everyday stuff stays more price-sensitive. Last year gave us a perfect top end vs. normal world contrast – J.R.R. Tolkien’s Merton College desk made £330,200 at Christie’s which I wrote about not so long ago, and was pure provenance power. And in the broader furniture-as-trophy bracket, François-Xavier Lalanne’s Hippopotame Bar hit $31.4m at Sotheby’s in December 2025, whilst not exactly antique furniture, it does indicate that market changing and becoming just as important…

At the other side of the market, though, it’s much more selective.

Victorian sideboards, mixed-condition dining sets, and ‘perfectly nice’ brown case furniture can still be surprisingly attainable because buyers are picky….

Where people will stretch is for the right, unmolested examples – original surfaces, honest wear, good colour, and clean provenance. Major auction houses these days literally frame desirability around provenance and patina – and collectors are widely wary of heavy refinishing because it strips character and can dent value. So, clients should take note that actually, that stain from 50 years ago, might not have been as bad as imagined….”

With valuation trends moving quickly across multiple markets, regular professional valuations remain the simplest way to stay informed and properly protected. If you would like advice or need an updated valuation, get in touch with our team to arrange a valuation.

Vintage Movie Posters: The Frighteningly High Value of Classic Horror Art

Posted on October 30, 2025October 23, 2025 by Stephanie Connell

“Do you like scary movies?” – it’s spooky season, so to get ourselves in the Halloween mood I will be looking at some of the world’s most desirable horror movie posters. Be prepared, the replacement costs can be ‘frightening’!

Silent Movie Posters

Nosferatu (1922) is arguably, the most recognisable horror film of the Silent era. A masterpiece of German expressionist cinema it has remained influential for over a century. Yet Count Orlok had a brush with an horrific fate – to vanish from existence!

The plot for Nosferatu was taken directly from Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’, but without permission! Despite altering the character names to avoid suspicion of breach of copyright, Stoker’s name and the word ‘Dracula’ were used to promote the premiere.

Bram Stoker had died just 10 years prior to Nosferatu’s release. His widow, Florence Stoker, was alerted to the films existence by an anonymously sent copy of the Berlin premiere programme. A legal battle with the producers ensued. The resulting court judgement stated that all copies of the film should be destroyed. And yet Nosferatu survived!

The stunning production design and promotional design were created by occultist artist Albin Grau (1884 – 1981). Due to the copyright issues surrounding Nosferatu, original ephemera is rare. In 2019 a German magazine advertisement from 1922 (see below), sold at auction for $52,800. Although this type of ephemera is usually of limited value, have a piece from Nosferatu in your collection? Expect to insure it for around £70,000.

In Hollywood the biggest star of Silent horror was Lon Chaney (1883 – 1930). Chaney was an inventive actor. However, Chaney’s real legacy was as a skilled makeup artist and prosthetics designer. In an age when makeup was seldom used on screen Chaney crafted looks which continue to startle audiences.

One of his most famous roles was as Quasimodo in the 1923 adaptation of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’. Copyright lapsed on ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ in the 1950’s, so like many silent pictures, it’s available to watch for free online. An original theatrical release poster was offered at auction by Bonhams, Los Angeles in 2019. The eerie scene, with stunning artwork typical of the silent period, sold for $212k (including buyer premium). The insurance replacement cost here is in the region of £350k.

One of the highest prices ever paid for a poster at auction was for Chaney’s horror ‘London After Midnight’ (1927) (below).

‘London After Midnight’ is one of the great lost ‘pictures’ of the silent era. The last known copy of the film, featuring; vampires, Scotland yard detectives and hypnotism, was destroyed in the MGM vault fire during the 1960s. Should the movie itself ever be rediscovered, it would likely be worth over six-figures.

The only known copy of the original American one-sheet poster (see below) was unveiled during an auction at Heritage, Dallas in 2014. With collectors clamouring to own this unique piece of horror history, it sold for a startling $478,000. Insurance values for a piece of this calibre would be in the region of £750,000.

Horror Movie Posters from the 1930’s

By the late 1920s, the arrival of ‘talking pictures’ brought new horror movies and new stars.

The first major horror ‘talkie’ was ‘Dracula’ (1931) starring Bela Lugosi. An enormous commercial success, the film has defined the image of the character for generations, inspiring countless Halloween costumes.

Its worth noting the market for some ‘Golden Age of Hollywood’ posters has slightly cooled in recent years. Prices overall for horror remain high.

An original poster for ‘Dracula’ was sold by Prop Store auctions, Los Angeles earlier this year, fetching $264,600 (against an estimate of $150k – $300k). Dracula’s poster had several versions, this one being ‘Style F’. A scarcer ‘Style A’ was offered by Heritage Auctions in 2017. As one of only two known copies, it made a record of over half a million dollars ($525,800 including BP).

The British director James Whale, though you may not be aware of it, will have influenced what you consider horrors icons. In 1931 he directed ‘Frankenstein’ starring Boris Karloff. Karloff’s ‘Frankenstein’ was one of these icons. Elements may seem cliché to today’s audiences, but these scenes were revolutionary.

Earlier this year, a copy of ‘Frankenstein’ went under the hammer, again at Prop Store L.A. This American ‘Style A’ version was one of just seven or eight known to exist. It sold for just over $200k. As with ‘Dracula’ different styles were produced for the original American ‘Frankenstein’ release. If you are lucky enough to own a copy it should potentially be insured for upwards of £250,000.

Frankenstein’s sequel ‘The Bride of Frankenstein’ (1935) is one of the most eye-catching posters of the era. Starring British actress Elsa Lanchester as ‘The Bride’ an extraordinary half sheet poster, one of only two known, was offered for sale by Heritage in 2023. When the gavel fell, the price was $100k. Interestingly a remake ‘Bride!’ is due for release in early 2026.

British Horror 1940s – 1970s

One of the greatest pieces of cinema created by Ealing Studios was ‘Dead of Night’ (1945). An anthology the plot features several spooky stories told over the course of one evening. It is most famous for the section featuring a ventriloquist’s dummy, but to those who collect antiques the haunted mirror sequence is probably the most terrifying.

The original poster for the British release is relatively uncommon. Bonhams offered a copy during 2021 – despite being backed onto card (an undesirable method of restoration) it sold for £11,475.

The movies made by Hammer Productions from the late 1950s to 1970s are the pinnacle of British horror collecting. Dubbed ‘Hammer Horror’ the London based studio released 50 horror films. Their most successful starred legendary pairing of Sir Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. The combination of colourful gore with glamourous villains was a successful one. Hammer brought versions of Dracula, Frankenstein, and Sherlock Holmes to new audiences.

Unsurprisingly, original posters for Hammer’s Dracula (1958) starring Lee and Cushing are the most valuable. Dracula was such a hit Hammer released eight sequels! Don’t let ‘Dracula’ come back to bite you, British quad posters from the original release should be insured for at least £50,000. With Hammer in demand, many of their major motion pictures should be looked at for insurance.

1960s and later

More recent releases may not have posters achieving over £100k yet, but don’t be afraid to get them appraised.

Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (1960) is a key poster for anyone building a collection. Almost all cinephiles will be aware of the shower scene, yet Psycho still surprises and shocks!

Released under a veil of mystery, with audiences sworn to secrecy about the plot, Psycho was a massive box office drawer and an instant classic. If you are looking to start a collection, a copy of the US one-sheet for Psycho can typically be secured for around £3,000.

George Romero’s ‘The Night of the Living Dead’ (1968) redefined horror and created the modern zombie movie recognisable today. It was shot on a shoestring, with a budget of just $100,000, it eventually grossed over $30 million!

The British poster for the 1968 release is probably the most visually striking. If you are looking to acquire a copy or insure, anticipate around £2,750.

Finally, to John Carpenter’s Halloween. Released in 1978 Halloween captures an essence of the many films which precede, while popularising a new genre, the ‘slasher’ movie.

Unusually, the most valuable poster for the movie is Australian (Australian posters are ordinarily among the most affordable). Unlike other copies it features a strong image of the character Michael Myers. A typical replacement price is between £2,500 and £3,500.

The defining poster image however is the American version including artwork by Robert Gleason. Have a copy? Insurance should be a minimum of £2,000.

If you have a collection that needs valuing, drop us a line at [email protected] or call us on 01883 722736.

Balls, Boots, and Bidding Wars

Posted on October 9, 2025October 9, 2025 by Alastair Meiklejon

If you are anything like me, over the past twelve months you will have enjoyed many sporting events, including The British and Irish Lions tour, which started with a narrow defeat by the Argentinian Pumas in a great game in Dublin then with a massively successful tour in Australia.

In the same month Royal Ascot came about with all the glitz and glamour that it normally does, with a fantastic array of horses – and of course hats! with a great season of racing that followed this year.

Both of these events have not only a strong following from armchair enthusiasts such as myself, but also people enthuse on a whole different level, those that wish to take their support or interest to the next level, I am of course talking about the sporting ephemera collector.

We have all been to charity auctions, and some of us have even taken them, where a football star decides that (or is told that) giving a pair of his (or her) boots should be sold for the benefit of a charity, and usually this is greeted with tremendous appreciation, and means a lot of money raised for good causes, but the upper echelons of sports memorabilia can make some people wince with the thought of how much one can pay for such items…

If we are talking about the big leagues, you can only really start with the major league of sports collectibles, the ‘home run’ if you will…..
The Babe Ruth ‘Called Shot’ World Series Jersey – $24.12 million dollars of baseballs finest, sold in 2024, it was and remains the most expensive piece of sports memorabilia, which is incredible really, when you consider that the vast majority of the world has no comprehension of how baseball actually works…Just be thankful there is nothing about cricket to follow.

For anyone that watched the fantastically interesting recent Michael Jordan documentary, you probably won’t be surprised to see that pairs of his sneakers (trainers to those in the United Kingdom) have sold for millions of dollars in the past, with this jersey from the 1998 “Last Dance” final, selling in 2022 for $10.1 million dollars, which again is an American sport that has a slightly larger global outreach than baseball.

In August 2025 another Michael Jordan collectible, (yes, he really is that popular) came to the market amongst a lot of anticipation within the sports collectibles field. The ‘Logoman’ collectors trading car that features both the signatures of Jordan, and fellow basketball icon, – the late, great Kobe Bryant. With the two most well-known players in history on one card, you would think that it should make a lot of money at auction, and you would be very, very right. $12.9 Million dollars, beating the previous record of $12.6 million for baseball’s second most famous son – Mickey Mantle, which sold in 2022.

The Stanley Wakefield Jersey worn by the player during the Lions 1924 tour of South Africa is probably one of the holy grails of all Lions items, selling at a local sports auction in 2023 for £18,500. Wakefield, considered one of the greatest all round sportsmen of his generation wore this blue shirt (quite different from the current bright red version) for the tour and enjoyed a healthy sports life of being ballroom champion, South African boxing champion, Olympian, International Tennis and Polo player, all that whilst serving with distinction in both world wars – not something you see from many modern sports stars!

So, whilst we are looking at Rugby, possibly the most impressive item to have ever come up for auction was the 1973 Barbarians jersey worn by Gareth Edwards against the All Blacks…

Cardiff Arms Park on the 27th January 1973, and universally regarded as the best try to have ever been scored by a mere mortal against an opposing team who were virtually unbeatable in this period, Edwards ran the entire length of the pitch and scored for the Baa-Baas, in an almost impossible fashion.

The jersey made £288,000 at a local saleroom in 2023 and became the most expensive piece of rugby memorabilia ever sold.

Has this last tour brought such career defining moments? Despite the clear success, it’s very difficult to tell, but putting on the Lions Jersey will always be one of the most important and proudest moments of a Rugby Union players professional life.

Looking forward to 2026, of course the Football World Cup, Winter Olympics, and many other annual events will take place, and undoubtedly more memories and memorabilia will be created.

Downton Abbey’s Curtain Call: Highlights from the Bonhams Auction

Posted on September 25, 2025September 25, 2025 by Ashley Innes

Last week’s Downton Abbey auction saw a jaw-dropping £1.73 million in sales and over 4,000 registered bidders, obliterating preauction estimates in virtually all areas.

The exhibition for this auction was also popular, quickly selling out with over 15,000 visitors. The auction’s success speaks to the continued frenzy for all things Downton and the extent to which the show is embedded into popular culture. Audiences still can’t get enough of the timeless period drama, even a decade after the final episode aired, as evidenced by the release of the third film earlier this month and continued success of the film site of Highclere Castle in Hampshire as a tourist destination for devoted fans. Coinciding with the film release in mid-September was the Bonhams charity auction for Children with Short Lives, which included costumes, the Grantham family car, and other props from the iconic television series. This article will explore the auction’s results and their predicted influence on the collectibles and memorabilia market.

Highlights of Downton Props

The strongest successes were seen across a range of Downton Abbey props. The star of the auction was the Downton Abbey Bell Wall, which was predicted to sell for only £5,000 – £7,000, but sold for £216,000 (including buyer’s premium), over thirty times the preauction estimate!

Another highlight was the Grantham Family Car, a 1925 Sunbeam 20/60hp Saloon, which sold for a whopping £172,500 (including BP), nearly five times the preauction estimate of £25,000 – £35,000. Violet Crawley’s cane is also worthy of an honorable mention, selling for £28,100 (including BP) after receiving a preauction estimate of only £500 – £800, 35 times the predicted result.

Items used by the family tended to be more popular, while those used by the servants were less so. This was also noticeable in the way the auction was marketed: while the car had been advertised as a headlining object for the auction, the bell wall had not. However, the bell wall was by far the most successful object in the auction, showing that trends do have exceptions. Perhaps the reason for the bell wall’s popularity was that it received so much screentime and was integral to the work of the servants.

Highlights of Downton Fashion

There are too many memorable costumes to cover here, so I have chosen two of the most notable: Edith Crawley’s wedding dress from her marriage to Bertie Pelham and Mary Crawley’s proposal dress from the evening she became engaged to Matthew Crawley. The former was predicted to sell for £3,000 – £5,000, but instead reached £25,600 (including BP), over five times the preauction estimate. What I found most interesting was that this dress outperformed Mary Crawley’s first wedding dress (although only by approximately £2,000), which although less ornate in style was promoted as the second highlight of the auction after the family car. While both sisters were central to the show, Mary was the eldest of the three, had more plotlines, and was marketed more prominently. Everyone loves an underdog, however, and Edith had her time to shine in the later seasons (who could forget the sharp-tongued quarrels between the two?), which is likely why her outfits generally matched Mary’s in the bidding wars for this auction. Mary’s proposal dress was also a fan favorite, selling for £23,040 (including BP), whereas the preauction estimate was a mere £2,000 – £3,000.

More Modest Successes

A strong indicator of the Downton auction’s success is that no lots remained unsold, which is a rarity. While all areas performed well, a small number of lots remained within or near the preauction estimate range (which, in any other type of auction, no one would think twice about!), emphasizing that certain types of objects, such as costumes from main characters or large props that receive frequent screen time are safer investments than more ordinary items that either did not receive significant screentime or were not easily identifiable as objects from Downton Abbey. Regardless, only three lots in the entire auction sold for under £1,000, a resounding success.

What Does This Mean for the Collectibles and Memorabilia Market?

As we have seen from the results of the Bonhams auction, the collectibles and memorabilia market only continues to ascend. This field has traditionally been strong due to the widespread appeal of popular culture, creating greater demand than other areas with more niche levels of interest. However, the growth of this market has not always been linear, skyrocketing five years ago during the pandemic, likely due to a combination of restlessness, more time to engage with pop culture while quarantining, and perhaps nostalgia for pre-pandemic times.

It has taken several years post pandemic to determine whether the growth of the collectibles and memorabilia market is permanent, and the Downton Abbey auction indicates that the answer is a resounding yes. Film, rather than television, still dominates this market for record-breaking results, as illustrated by objects such as a pair of Judy Garland’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, which sold for $32.5 million (including BP) last year or the Rosebud sled from Citizen Kane, which sold for $14.75 million (including BP) this summer, both sold at Heritage. While the small screen market hasn’t quite reached the same level of interest, recent auctions from shows such as Game of Thrones, The Crown, and Startrek among others suggest that interest in TV show auctions will only continue to increase. More mainstream series such as Game of Thrones and Startrek are the safest bets for collectors wishing to maximize value, but the period drama market is also steadily growing, with the Downton auction as the strongest for a period drama series to date.

Downton’s final curtain may have fallen, but its props and costumes will live on as cherished keepsakes, with some destined to eventually reenter the market. Who knows how valuable they will be by then? In the meantime, you’ll find me happily watching reruns…

The Eyes Have It – With Eye-Catching Prices!

Posted on August 7, 2025August 7, 2025 by Stephanie Connell

John Lennon, Gandhi, Malcolm X, Iris Apfel and Benjamin Franklin – what do they all have in common? Glasses!

Spectacles are so associated with these historical figures; it may be the first thing used to describe their appearance. The same can be said of fictional characters – from Harry Potter to Clark Kent glasses are a defining feature.

Interestingly, eyeglasses are documented as having been used as early as the late 13th century. By the 20th century, their connection with impairment and use by academics and learned individuals may have resulted in what one might call ‘geek chic’.

In the world of memorabilia, instantly recognisable glasses are highly sought after by collectors – certain frame shapes immediately evoking renowned figures.

As one would anticipate, provenance is a key factor in determining value. The closer the association with a star (or the production) the higher the prices. In recent years, sales from the estates or collections of famously bespectacled individuals have allow buyers the opportunity to purchase pieces guaranteed to be genuine.

Earlier this year the sale of Barry Humphries: The Personal Collection was held at Christie’s, and clearly illustrated this point. The sale included several pairs of glasses worn by Humphries as his most famous comic character ‘Dame Edna Everage’.

The glasses were offered individually with an estimate of £1,000 – 1,500 each. Spectacles were a crucial part of the iconic characters costume – therefore these unusual designs generated enormous interest.

It can be difficult to predict the value of such pieces, where rarity, excellent provenance, and a strong fan base combine. The highest priced paid was for the yellow lacquered ‘possum’ glasses. Based on the characters catchphrase the ‘eye-catching’ eyewear sold for £37,800! (insurance replacement in the region of £55,000). While a glittered-star and diamante pair by David Cox also sold for just over £30,000 (insurance region of £45,000).

Another comedy great’s glasses were also sold this year. In January 2025 auctioneers Hanson’s offered the collection of the late British comedian Eric Morecambe. The highest price achieved during the two-day 816 lot auction was for a pair of Eric’s signature glasses (offered together with a pipe). The pre-sale estimate of £2,000 – 4,000 was fair in light of the provenance. However, one serious fan was determined to purchase the glasses. They reached a hammer price of £20,000 (insurance value anticipate £40,000).

Post-sale it was revealed that fellow celebrity glasses wearer Robbie Williams had been the buyer. It is common for serious memorabilia collectors to have an emotional reaction when acquiring an important personal piece. Williams commented he had shed ‘happy, childlike tears’ upon successfully purchasing the lot.

When Sir Michael Caine offered his personal collection at Bonhams in 2022, one of the highest prices amongst the memorabilia was for a lot described as ‘a pair of Sir Michael Caine’s iconic spectacles’.

Manufactured by Rodenstock, similar vintage pairs can be purchased in a retail environment for under £200. However, as with the previous pairs discussed the importance of the provenance resulted in a final total of £16,500 (Insurance price £25,000).

There have been a few instances in recent years were glasses worn by John Lennon have gone under the hammer. In 2020 Sotheby’s held an auction dedicated to The Beatles. And what was the highest price achieved during the auction? As one may guess it was for a pair of these frames. With provenance suggesting they had been given by Lennon to his housekeeper in 1965, they were believed possibly the first pair of round frames he owned. With an estimate of £30,000 – 40,000, they sold for £44,100. If you are lucky enough to own a pair of John Lennon glasses expect to insure them for a minimum of £70,000.

These glasses were of a similar design to a pair which hold the world record for a pair of glasses at auction. In August 2020 East Bristol Auctions offered a pair of gold-plated round spectacles which by repute had belonged to Mahatma Gandhi.

According to information provided by the vendor they had been gifted to their uncle in South Africa c. 1920 – 1930. Both Gandhi’s historical importance and the iconic nature of the piece led to a pre-sale assessment of £10,000 – 15,000. This time they achieved a hammer price of £260,000 (total selling price of £316,000, insurance replacement £450,000 region). Sunglasses and glasses relating to Gandhi have appeared on the open market on a few occasions, if looking to invest anticipate over £10,000 for any pair.

In 2025, glasses are highly fashionable, regularly worn on the red carpet by A-list actors such as Pedro Pascal, Jonathan Bailey, and Robert Downey Jr. Designer brands such as Jacques Marie Mage, Tom Ford, Cutler & Gross and Cartier are currently offering collections of ultra-luxe frames, possibly the star worn collectables of the future.

If you are looking to start collecting, the market is ever changing but new or previously unknown examples appear regularly. Retaining the provenance is essential and will dictate any future change in value.

Why Collectible Guitars Are Among the Hottest Investments in Music Memorabilia

Posted on July 31, 2025July 31, 2025 by Alastair Meiklejon

I have always said that having musical instruments in a household is a prerequisite for a happy home, a piano that can be played by members of the family and as is the case with my house – guitars – probably too many for most, but not nearly enough for my stable.

The market for collectible guitars has hit such a massive high in the last few years, it has almost seen a clear division of people who want to buy an instrument;

The musicians who aspire to own the pinnacle of instruments.

Those who want to own an instrument owned by a famous musician.

Investors.

Where guitars are very special in terms of value is that most players will universally agree that the best guitars were made in past – a golden era being from 1950-1970. This was when Gibson, Fender, Rickenbacker, Gretsch et al released some of the most revered designs of all time. Not just exceptional for guitar design, but pieces of art that have become symbols of a period of time that was the turning point for music.

So why are these instruments different?

The very strange thing is that guitars for the most part haven’t changed in design since the 1950s, If you watch any band on YouTube (I wish I could say Top of The Pops, RIP) then I would suggest 90% of the guitars in the video are designed long before any of them were born, and probably before their parents were born.

These are the instruments that shaped my youth, and probably yours, even if you didn’t know it – and because of this – the golden era of instrument manufacturing was those first years. To acquire a first year production of the Fender Telecaster (then known as the Broadcaster, or even the ‘Nocaster’) is such a grail that people are willing to pay in excess of £100,000 for a completely original guitar, as things are modified or changed then the prices decrease accordingly, but it’s not unusual to see guitars that have lived a very hard life still changing hands in the top five figure range.

Along with Fender, the other big name in the guitar world has to be Gibson. Originally noted for making mandolins, and later jazz guitars, the quality of the luthiers employed by them was outstanding in these years and they were at the forefront of guitar design and production.
In 1952, the well-known guitarist and innovator Les Paul collaborated with Gibson to create a guitar that is not only a piece of iconic design in the guitar world, but ultimately the design world. The Les Paul evolved to become one of the most, if not the most desirable guitar of all time with models from 1958-1960 being the top of the tree, with prices of these guitars rising over the last 40 years at rates which would put them in the higher echelon of investment funds.

The list of fans reads like a ‘who’s who’ of influential guitarists, from Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Keith Richards, Jeff Beck – you could go on for days. The 1959 Les Paul has reached some incredible prices, with items reaching up to £250,000-£500,000 retail and recently, one Mark Knopfler owned guitar made close to £700,000 at auction, it’s not impossible to think that one day, even guitars not owned by celebrities will reach that kind of figure.

If you ask a child to draw an electric guitar, they will either draw a Les Paul, or a Stratocaster – and this has always been the case, unless you were a child of the 80s like myself, when you would have drawn something horrible and pointy – and we can all blame Motley Crue for that.

One of the most interesting guitars that have sold recently almost dispels this theory though, where a cheap copy (albeit licensed by Gibson) of a Les Paul made a significant amount of money.

Noel Gallagher’s Epiphone Les Paul Standard, a cherry sunburst model, holds a significant place in Britpop history. As Gallagher’s primary guitar during Oasis’s formative years, it was instrumental in shaping the sound of their debut album, Definitely Maybe. This guitar was used extensively during early recording sessions at Manchester’s Out of the Blue Studios and Wales’s Monnow Valley Studios, and it featured prominently in live performances at venues like The Boardwalk in Manchester and London’s Water Rats and also appearing in the music video for Supersonic, filmed upon a rooftop in Manchester.

Despite being a more affordable instrument compared to its Gibson counterparts, this Epiphone Les Paul became iconic through its association with Noel and Oasis’s meteoric rise. Its cultural significance was underscored when it went up for auction at Sotheby’s in September 2024. Initially estimated to fetch between £60,000 and £80,000, the guitar surpassed expectations, selling for £132,000, making it one of the most valuable Epiphone guitars ever sold, however – in my opinion, given the recent explosion in interest for the band – I would see this guitar having to be insured for close to £500,000 – it really is that important.

This sale not only highlights the guitar’s historical importance but also reflects the enduring legacy of Oasis and the Britpop era. Gallagher’s Epiphone Les Paul remains a symbol of a pivotal moment in British music history, embodying the raw energy and ambition that propelled Oasis to international fame.

So, how does this result impact the guitar market? Well, it indicates that in many areas of memorabilia, the association with a certain musician or celebrity can outstrip the value of an instrument to a huge degree – for example the next Epiphone Les Paul, manufactured after Noel Gallaghers guitar by the same person in the Samick factory of Korea, is probably worth about £200 – which is clearly a lot less, but wait for someone to purchase the guitar, write a multi-platinum selling album and then see what it’s worth!

From the Course to the Cabinet: Golf’s Most Iconic Trophies

Posted on July 10, 2025July 10, 2025 by Fiona Hamilton

As we look forward to the forthcoming 153rd Open Golf Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club, we’ve taken the opportunity to look back on last Summer when our silver specialist Fiona Hamilton, along with colleague Alastair Meiklejon, travelled to the prestigious Royal Liverpool Golf Club. Warmly welcomed by the fabulous team there, Fiona and Alastair had the honour of assessing the impressive collection of art and antiques in this historic venue.

Discussions regarding the forming of a new golf club in the area began in 1869. The Royal Hotel in Hoylake was the setting for a meeting hosted by James Muir Downie, and attended by a further twenty one gentlemen. All present agreed to the idea and Dowie was duly awarded the title of the first captain.

George Morris who was the brother of Old Tom, and Robert Chambers the son-in-law of Dowie, were tasked to lay out the original nine hole course in 1869, two years later saw this extended to 18-holes.

In the same year, thanks to the patronage of HRH Prince Arthur, the Duke of Connaught, The Club was granted its Royal designation.

The links land doubled as a golf course and a horse racing track for the first seven years, the legacy of which lives on with the original saddling bell still hanging in the clubhouse, and the names of the first and eighteenth holes being ‘Course’ and ‘Stand.’

Hoylake hosted its first Women’s British Open in 2012, the same year as the London Olympics. Due to the impact that the Olympics had, plans were changed, and The Open was moved to September. Despite miserable weather on the day, South Korean golfer Jiyai Shin was victorious.

Fast forward to 2023 and the RLGC hosted the 151st Open where American Brian Harman ultimately triumphed at Hoylake to take the title in a thrilling win.

On entry to the impressive clubhouse at Hoylake, one’s eye is immediately drawn to the splendour of the silver cabinets within the lobby. One of the highlights of which must be the replica of the famous Open Championship trophy, which takes the form of a claret jug. Retailed by the renowned firm of Mackay, Cunningham & Co of Edinburgh, and made in London at a scale of 90% of the original, the claret jug depicts a golfer in mid swing within a surround of chased and engraved stylised scrolling foliage and sits on triple plinth with silver plaques engraved with winners.

Before the production of the original Claret jug in 1873, winners were awarded The Challenge Belt. Commissioned by the Earl Of Eglinton in 1860, the belt is made of Moroccan leather with applied emblems and centred by a silver buckle depicting golfers at play.

In 1927 the R&A made the decision to retain the original Claret Jug where it is on permanent display.

Further highlights of the collection of RLGC include;

The Bombay Challenge cup

Weighing in at over 2kg The Bombay Challenge Cup, by Martin Hall & Co Ltd, Sheffield 1874, is of flagon form on stepped foot, profusely chased and embossed with scrolls and foliage, and with engraved cartouches.

The Liverpool Banking and Insurance Cup

In the form of a freedom casket, The Liverpool Banking and Insurance Golf Tournament Challenge Trophy was made in Birmingham in 1900. The hinged cover has a finial in the form of a golfer in mid swing, the body is painted with various vignettes of the Clubhouses at RLGC, West Lancashire, Wallasey and Formby.

The Queen’s Silver Jubilee Bowl

Representing more modern design is the distinctive Queen’s Silver Jubilee Bowl, by celebrated silversmith Stuart Devlin. Made in London in 1977 the trophy is in the form of a rose water dish, with pierced gilt reticulated border, centred by a boss engraved with winners, and a 360-degree view of the London skyline.

The Atlantic Trophy

Enamelled in stunning shades of blue, the fabulous Atlantic Trophy was made by the acclaimed firm Boodle & Dunthorne in London in 2004. Modelled as a vertical scrolling wave, the curve supports a silver golf ball, showing RLGC and USA, to simple silver disc base, the plinth bearing silver plaques engraved with winners.

From the medals and trophies of the early 1800’s the enduring presence of silver in sports trophies continues to represent the history and prestige attached to major sporting achievements. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, these awards mark the determination and achievement of sportsmen and women at the pinnacle of their careers.

The presentation and winning of the iconic claret jug continues to inspire and motivate and we look forward to celebrating the success of the eventual winner of the 153rd Open Championship.

The 2025 British Open, officially the 153rd Open Championship, will be held from July 17 to 20 at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland.

Insuring the Infamous: Valuing Al Capone’s Custom Timepiece

Posted on July 10, 2025August 13, 2025 by Liz Bailey

We have seen watches boasting fantastic provenance hitting the auction block this year, including a limited edition Omega Speedmaster owned by Neil Armstrong selling at RR Auctions for $2.1 million, a Rolex Daytona ‘Big Red’ gifted to F1 Driver Jean-Pierre Jabouille selling at Phillips for $215,900, and a Rolex GMT-Master, owned by Sheila Scott OBE ‘Britain’s Queen of the Air’ selling at Spink for £30,000.

Perhaps one of the most notorious and nefarious watches to be offered in the June Watch Sales was a platinum Patek Philippe pocket watch, owned and customised by the legendary Chicago born gangster, Al Capone. Dating to 1919, this 42mm open face pocket watch was custom-cased in platinum, and personalised with ninety single-cut diamonds spelling out the initials ‘AC’ to the case back. Interestingly, the pocket watch is missing its minute hand, and undoubtedly would have some real tales to tell, of a criminal provenance that belies its sleek and stylish Art Deco aesthetic.

Reputedly, Capone was unhappy with the original ‘plain’ case of this timepiece, and took the watch to a jewellers to re-case in this striking platinum and diamond design. Making a ‘project’ out of this Patek pocket watch, Capone was an early adopter of the customised watch. As Sotheby’s catalogue notes point out, “such a watch was hardly subtle, and ultimately it was tax evasion that enabled the federal government to send Capone to jail, eventually landing him in the legendary Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary.”

Sold with a provenance letter from Capone’s granddaughter, Barbara Mae Capone, this watch was estimated at $80,000-160,000, and reached mid-estimate inclusive of fees. The watch was last sold in 2021 by Witherells Auctioneers for $229,900 against a $25,000-50,000 estimate. At the June sale in 2025 it made just $95,250.

So what could account for this drop in hammer price? Perhaps it was simply offered too soon after its initial sale. In 2021, the piece was completely ‘market fresh,’ and so the buzz and interest around this piece understandably would have been much greater, even compared to Sotheby’s world-class marketing and lot presentation.

The watch was sold in 2021 as part of an ‘estate sale’ together with 174 other lots relating to the Capone family. This sale included letters from Alcatraz, photographs, pistols, jewellery, watches and furniture. Browsing this sale does provide a real insight into Al Capone’s personal life, his belongings, style, and manner of collecting. Similarly personalised stickpins, cufflinks, and accessories really help to contextualise and allow us to picture the pocket watch as part of a larger collection. Pieces such as the 14k white gold and diamond notebook cover in particular, are decorated in such a similar manner that they may well have been commissioned by Al Capone at the same time – this piece sold for $36,300 against a $2,000-5,000 estimate.

As the value trajectory of this legendary pocket watch will show, the value of provenanced items and fine timepieces can fluctuate! Various factors including timing, the appetite of the market, condition, originality, working order, can impact collections in the short to medium term. I have no doubt that in the long term, this watch will continue to grow in value, but it serves to show the importance of regular valuations of your items to protect against over or under insurance.

Images with thanks to Sotheby’s and Witherills Auctioneers.

When Old Tech Turns Valuable: What’s Worth Insuring in Vintage Technology

Posted on June 26, 2025June 25, 2025 by Stephanie Connell

Historic technology collecting is a constantly evolving field, where exciting developments can quickly lead to new assets.

Many of us have old phones and computers, it can be tricky to decipher which pieces of tech are worth looking at for insurance.

Demand is influenced by several factors. For valuable vintage technology more broadly, the most valuable are those historically important pieces which resulted in a change in global society.

So let us look at a few areas of the vintage technology market and what to look out for and what’s worth insuring in valuable vintage technology.

In July 2023 Apple grabbed the headlines when a first-generation iPhone sold at auction for over $190k (suggested insurance figure £250k) – tripling the record price set just 4 months earlier. Surprising for a phone whose purchase price was around £500 when released in 2007.

But this iPhone was not an ordinary example. The lot was ‘factory sealed’, meaning this rare survivor was unopened, unused, and still in its plastic casing. The phone was also a 4GB storage model, this version was less popular when issued in 2007, therefore scarcer. As a comparison Heritage auctioneers sold a factory sealed first generation of the more popular 8GB version in February 2024 for $21,600 (Heritage, Video Games, Lot 28129, February 24, 2024 – suggested insurance figure £65k).

In the current market, replacement values for first generation iPhones typically only exceed £500 in instances where the device is in excellent condition with packaging. It is the extremely rare factory sealed pieces which are the ones to look out for.

The most collectable pieces in the world of Apple products are those manufactured in the early days of the company.

In September 2024 auctioneers Christies sold an Apple computer for $945,000 (suggested insurance £1.8 million).

However, this example, was arguably the most important commercially produced computer in the history of the company.

An Apple-1 personal computer, manufactured in 1976, it was sold as part of the collection of the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen (2024, Lot 10, Paul G. Allen Collection, Christies NY). The first commercial Apple computer, this piece had previously stood in the office of Steve Jobs. The value here is dictated not only by the technology itself, but as an extremely important item in the history of computing. Early Apple products are scarce and of great interest to collectors – Apple-1, Apple II, Apple Lisa and prototypes should all be considered.

To retro gaming: with contemporary video game collecting, those pieces with the highest values are akin to the markets for vinyl, trading cards, collectable figures, and comic books. Rarity and condition are pivotal factors in value. Original packaging and unopened are desirable to collectors.
Areas with a strong international market and instantly recognisable brand name such as Sony Playstation, XBOX and Nintendo command the highest prices. Those produced with a more British focus such as the educational BBC Computers or ZX Spectrum in general are of limited value.

Looking at the market for Nintendo video games, in July 2021 auctioneers Heritage sold a copy of Super Mario 64 for an astonishing $1.5 million. This piece was not a typical game of its type. This version was unopened and sealed, it had been professionally graded at 9.8 – being a near mint copy – only four versions are known at this grade (Heritage Video Games auction, July 2021, lot 28137). It is worth noting that in the same auction, the same game with a slightly lower grading of 9.6 fetched just over $13k (suggested insurance for 9.6 version £15k).

In general Nintendo video games would have been played and sold in large numbers – these are of modest value and not usually requiring separate insurance. Sealed version of iconic titles such as Zelda and Super Mario are amongst the most desirable.

Here are some factors worth looking at for more valuable pieces. Was the piece rare at time of issue? For example, games that were not commercially available when manufactured. ‘Not For Resale’, ‘Test’, and ‘Competition’ editions are all something to be aware of. These pieces are extremely rare – they would have been exceptional or unusual at the time of acquisition (see Heritage Auctions, June 12, 2025 – Video Games – Lot 79029 – Super Mario Club Communication Cartridge CIB sold for $475 – suggested insurance value is £600).

Furthermore, games which were unsuccessful at the time of release, therefore sold in small numbers, if in excellent condition can be valuable.

For those consoles which were more widely commercially available condition is key to value. Nintendo manufactured the ‘Game & Watch’ series – a precursor to the Game Boy – where each handheld console played just one game. Game & Watch are popular amongst collectors and can be a good entry point.

In September 2023 auctioneers Ewbanks sold a Super Mario Bros Crystal Screen (YM-801) in very good condition with box for a hammer price of £750 (Lot 5036 – Ewbanks – Retro Video Games & Consoles – September 28, 2023 – suggested insurance value £875).

When a lesser condition version appeared at auction last year, again with box, it achieved a hammer price of £320 (Hawleys Fine Art – 18th May 2024, lot 1182).

In the field of retro video gaming, there is combination of nostalgia, for vintage titles played during childhood or adolescence, alongside iconic names and characters with broad appeal.

If you haven’t considered it before, your valuable vintage technology of treasured vintage home computing, technology and retro video games, may be worth insuring.