Tag: British Antiques

Historic Dalai Lama Sale at Bonhams Breaks Records with Krishna Kanwalโ€™s Watercolors and Sir Basil Gouldโ€™s Archive

The Dalai Lama on the Throne

Discover the remarkable story behind Sir Basil Gouldโ€™s historic collectionโ€”featuring exclusive artworks, rare photographs, and personal artifacts from Tibetโ€™s most pivotal moments. From Krishna Kanwalโ€™s evocative watercolors capturing the enthronement of the young Dalai Lama to Gouldโ€™s intimate archive of images and memorabilia, this auction offers a rare glimpse into a transformative chapter of Tibetan history. Uncover the full story of this extraordinary sale and the figures who shaped itโ€”an event that achieved nearly a million pounds in just one day.

Reception in the Harem: Discovered Masterpiece by John Frederick Lewis Shatters Expectations, Selling for Almost $1.5 Million

A long-lost masterpiece by John Frederick Lewis, A Reception in the Harem, has emerged from obscurity after more than 60 years, stunning collectors and experts alike. The extraordinary watercolour, once hidden away in a private collection, shattered expectations when it fetched almost $1.5 million at Bonhamsโ€™ prestigious 19th Century & Orientalist Paintings auction in London. With its vivid colours and intricate detail, this rediscovered gem is one of the most significant discoveries in the art world this year.

Rare Antique Book Collection Sells Out Completely at Bonhams New York Auction

In a historic moment for bibliophiles and collectors, Bonhams New York achieved a white glove resultโ€”100% soldโ€”at its December 17 auction of The Complete Kelmscott Press Collection of Joseph Mark Van Horn. The auction marked the first time in half a century that a complete collection of books from the renowned Kelmscott Press, founded by 19th-century designer and visionary William Morris, had been offered at auction. The collection included all 53 works published by the press during its seven-year existence, a remarkable feat of artistic craftsmanship and fine printing.

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

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 Gouldโ€™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.

Obscure Artist Stuns Auctioneers: Leonardo Guzzardiโ€™s Portrait of Lord Nelson Sells 15 Times Estimate

In a stunning turn of events, a rare portrait of Admiral Lord Nelson by the little-known Italian artist Leonardo Guzzardi sold for ยฃ94,380 ($120,000) at Bonhamsโ€™ Old Master Paintings auction in London, shattering its modest pre-sale estimate of ยฃ6,000โ€“ยฃ8,000 ($7600โ€“$10,200). The 1799 full-length depiction of Nelson in naval dress, set against a dramatic maritime backdrop, captivated bidders and underscored a growing appetite for rediscovered works by overlooked artists. Guzzardi, a relatively obscure figure believed to have worked for the Neapolitan Court, has gained renewed attention for his raw, realistic portrayals of the famed British naval hero, marking this sale as both a market surprise and a testament to the timeless allure of historical portraiture.

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

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 Stackโ€™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.

Rare 1959 Aston Martin DB4 Prototype ‘DP2155’ Set to Hit Auction with an Estimated Value of Over $1.5 Million

Automotive enthusiasts and collectors are eagerly anticipating the Bonhams|Cars Zoute sale, set for October 6 in Knokke-Heist, Belgium. One of the highlights of the auction is the Works Prototype Design Project ‘DP2155’ 1959 Aston Martin DB4, which carries an estimated value of โ‚ฌ1,300,000 to โ‚ฌ1,600,000. This engineering marvel, distinguished as the last to bear the DP prefix, represents a significant chapter in Aston Martinโ€™s storied history.

The Only Known Cased Superimposed Load Pistol to be Sold at Bonhams’ Arms & Armour Auction

A remarkable find in the world of antique firearms, a cased 15-bore percussion four-shot superimposed load officerโ€™s pistol, believed to be the only one of its kind, will take center stage at Bonhamsโ€™ upcoming auction of Antique Arms & Armour in London. The auction, which will also include items from the esteemed Per T. Norheim Collection and Modern Sporting Guns, is scheduled to run online from May 13 to May 22 on Bonhams.com

Legendary Admiral Lord Nelson’s Memorabilia Up for Auction

Admiral Lord Nelson’s indelible mark on British history extends far beyond his iconic victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. His naval prowess, coupled with his captivating personal life, continues to captivate the public imagination. This April, Bonhams Knightsbridge is set to showcase a remarkable collection of memorabilia celebrating Nelson’s legacy in two distinct sales: Nelson Forever! A Naval Legacy in Ceramics and Glass on April 23, followed by the Marine Sale on April 24.