A remarkable find in the world of antique firearms, a cased 15-bore percussion four-shot superimposed load officerโs 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
In New York, during Bonhams Fine Books and Manuscripts sale on April 10, a significant highlight emerged as a rare Gimbels Department Store version of the M101-4 1916 Babe Ruth Rookie Card fetched an impressive $762,500, surpassing its initial estimate. This particular card, renowned as one of the most sought-after trading cards in existence, carries historical significance dating back over a century.
In a surprising turn of events at Bonhamsโ Important Instruments of Science and Technology Sale in London on April 24th, a remarkably rare 15th-century astrolabe soared past its pre-sale estimate, fetching an impressive ยฃ508,400 ($635,000). Jon Baddeley, a specialist at Bonhams, expressed his astonishment at the outcome, stating, โThis is one of the strongest results weโve seen at auction at Bonhams Knightsbridge in the past decade.โ Describing the astrolabe as an “early smartphone of sorts,” Baddeley emphasized its multifaceted utility, noting its significance in timekeeping, navigation, celestial observation, and even decision-making.
Peggy Elias, the visionary founder of JM Gems, renowned for her artistic brilliance, has generously donated a stunning piece of jewelry to support the Arthritis Society Canadaโs 30th Anniversary Celebrity Roast. The 18k rose gold Queen chess piece pendant necklace, adorned with diamonds and sapphires, served as the coveted Raffle Prize at the gala event held on Wednesday, April 17th in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Katrin Fridriks and Jan Kalรกb have achieved a remarkable synergy in their collaborative endeavor “PERFECT STORM,” seamlessly blending their individual artistic expressions to create mesmerizing pieces characterized by dynamic movement and vibrant color palettes. From their studios in the south of France and Prague, they collaborate closely, meticulously enhancing and refining each other’s work, resulting in a partnership marked by immaculate attention to detail.
Racing aficionados and collectors are gearing up for an electrifying moment at The Bonhams|Cars Monaco Sale, ‘Les Grandes Marques ร Monaco’, on May 10th, as one of the most historically significant Formula 1 cars makes its way to the auction block. The 1957-58 Lotus-Climax Type 12 chassis โ353โ, estimated at โฌ290,000 โ โฌ390,000 ($308,000 โ $415,000), is poised to steal the spotlight, offering enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of motorsport history.
Mika Hรคkkinen, the renowned two-time Formula 1 World Champion and McLaren Brand Ambassador, is set to offer a unique piece of automotive history to the wealthiest car collectors in the world. Bonhams|Cars will present Hรคkkinen’s 2013 McLaren P1 Coupรฉ Validation Prototype 3 (VP3) at The Monaco Sale ‘Les Grandes Marques ร Monaco’. This event, scheduled for May 10, will witness the auctioning of this exceptional vehicle, making it the only Validation Prototype ever to grace such an occasion.
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.
Celebrated African-American artist Kehinde Wiley is set to be honored with the prestigious Rees Visionary Award at this year’s ArtBall 2024, hosted by Amref Health Africa (Amref), the leading healthcare organization on the African continent. Known for his groundbreaking portraits that reimagine people of color in the classical style of Old Master paintings, Wiley has captured global attention for his iconic works, including the portrait of former U.S. President Barack Obama displayed at the National Portrait Gallery.
On March 20, 2024, at Bonhams Knightsbridge, a significant literary artifact changed hands as an uncorrected proof copy of “Harry Potter and the Philosopherโs Stone” by J.K. Rowling, dating back to 1997, was auctioned off. The item, which bore Rowling’s inscription and signature, sold for ยฃ35,840 ($45,000), falling within the pre-sale estimate range of ยฃ30,000-50,000 ($37,000-63,000).
