Category: Collectibles

Latest World Art News about Collectibles, Collecting, Collectors, Valuable Rarities and much more

Extraordinary 14th Dalai Lama Enthronement Art and Archive to Be Sold at Historic Auction

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A long-lost collection of rare artworks and artifacts from the enthronement of the 14th Dalai Lama is about to make history at Bonhams. Featuring never-before-auctioned watercolours, personal archives, and cinematic footage from Sir Basil Gould’s diplomatic mission to Tibet, this extraordinary sale offers an intimate glimpse into one of the most pivotal moments in Tibetan history. With collectors and historians eagerly anticipating the event, the significance of these treasures cannot be overstated.

Legendary Stradivarius Violin Fetches $11 Million at Sotheby’s, Falling Short of World Record

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A legendary Stradivarius violin, crafted over three centuries ago, has just sold for a staggering $11.25 million at a Sotheby’s auction—fueling not only the dreams of its new owner but also those of countless young musicians. With a history intertwined with Brahms and one of the most celebrated violinists of the 19th century, this rare masterpiece is more than just an instrument—it’s a living piece of music history. But who placed the winning bid, and how will this sale transform the future of classical music? Read further to uncover the full story behind this extraordinary event.

Boston Red Sox Memorabilia Hits It Out of the Park as Lucchino’s Baseball Collection Brings in $740K

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A piece of Red Sox history just sold for six figures—can you guess what it was? The late Larry Lucchino’s legendary memorabilia collection shattered expectations at Bonhams Skinner, with items from the curse-breaking 2004 World Series fetching jaw-dropping prices. From the Commissioner’s Trophy selling for an astounding $165,000 to a pair of old Fenway seats commanding 21 times their estimate, passionate bidding proved that Red Sox Nation is as strong as ever. But that’s just the beginning—some of the biggest surprises came from unexpected items. Read on to see the full list of record-breaking sales!

The Man Who Knew Shelby: An Exclusive Interview with Wallace Wyss on the American Racing Legend and His Art

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Wallace Wyss is a man of many talents—writer, historian, and artist—whose passion for automobiles, particularly the legendary AC Cobra, has defined his career. From his early days as a journalist to his transformation into a fine artist, Wyss has spent decades documenting the machines and personalities that shaped automotive history. In this interview, he reflects on his journey, his encounters with racing icon Carroll Shelby, and his enduring fascination with the artistry of high-performance cars.

Surrealist Prints Achieve Historic White Glove Success with 100% of Lots Sold at Auction

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Amid continued strong demand for Surrealist art, Bonhams achieved ‘white glove’ results—100% of lots sold—for Surrealist Treasures | The Urban S. Hirsch III Collection. The highly anticipated auction, which concluded on January 17 in Los Angeles, garnered an astonishing $778,000 in total sales, with numerous lots exceeding pre-sale estimates and setting new records.

Filthy Fox Auction Club Vol. III: Breaking Barriers for Emerging Artists

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The Filthy Fox Auction Club (FFAC) returned with its third edition at The Old Church in Stoke Newington, delivering an electrifying celebration of art and innovation. Featuring 33 works from 13 emerging artists trained at top institutions like Slade, Camberwell, and City & Guilds, the event achieved a remarkable 90% sales rate and drew a packed house of 200 attendees. By blending a live-streamed auction with in-person energy, FFAC connected creators with collectors in a groundbreaking format that champions accessibility, fair pricing, and community in the art world.

One of the Most Important Musical Instruments Ever to Appear at Auction: $18M Stradivarius to Shape the Future of Music

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Stradivarius Violin

A dazzling relic from music history is about to command the global stage. The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius, a violin crafted in 1714 during Antonio Stradivari’s legendary “Golden Period,” is poised to set hearts racing when it goes under the hammer at Sotheby’s in February 2025. With a jaw-dropping estimate of $12–18 million, this rare masterpiece promises not only to rewrite auction records but also to transform the future of classical music education.

Cricket Legend Sir Donald Bradman’s ‘Baggy Green’ Cap Sells for $310,000 USD at Auction

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A baggy green cricket cap worn by Sir Donald Bradman during the 1947-48 Test series against India, a season marking significant milestones in cricket history, has sold for AU$479,700 ($310,719 USD) at a Bonhams Sydney auction. This iconic piece of memorabilia, tied to Bradman’s record-breaking career and a pivotal moment in Australia’s cricketing heritage, was purchased by a private collector who plans to keep it within the country. The sale highlights the enduring global fascination with Bradman, whose unmatched batting average of 99.94 cements his legacy as the greatest cricketer of all time.

Ultra-Rare Pre-Revolution 1652 Massachusetts Silver Threepence Coin Shatters World Records with $2.5 Million Sale

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In an unprecedented moment for numismatic history, a rare 1652 Massachusetts silver threepence, about the size of a modern nickel, sold for an astonishing $2.52 million in an auction conducted by Stack’s Bowers Galleries. This sale marked a new world record for any coin struck in the American colonies before the American Revolution, surpassing the previous high of $646,250 by nearly $2 million. Additionally, this threepence set a new benchmark for any non-gold coin produced prior to the founding of the U.S. Mint.

The King’s Cadillac: Elvis Presley’s Last Car, 1977 Seville, to Be Sold in Sealed Auction

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A piece of rock and roll history is hitting the auction block as Elvis Presley’s 1977 Cadillac Seville, one of the last cars the King of Rock and Roll ever purchased, goes up for a rare sealed-bid auction with Bonhams|Cars. This customized Cadillac, featuring a powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine and fitted with a CB radio for private communication within Graceland, reflects Presley’s larger-than-life persona and unique style. Authenticated by Graceland and still bearing his name on the title, the car offers collectors a chance to own a personal artifact from Elvis’s final years. Bidding opens on November 4, inviting fans and collectors alike to pursue this exceptional piece of cultural history.