Sworders bought the hammer down at £23,000 on a superbly preserved carriage toy by the 19th century Nuremberg maker Rock & Graner: proof that the collecting market has morphed far beyond those objects made specifically as works of art.
Whether a rare Victorian tinplate toy, a signed photo of Winston Churchill or a 1930s map of the London transport network - all would now command sums to dwarf those paid for a piece of Georgian mahogany furniture.
In short, 21st century collecting has few boundaries. In recent years, fuelled by a demand stoked by significant anniversaries and the supply that has followed a passing generation, prices for campaign medals and gallantry awards have moved significantly. British hammered and milled gold coins have enjoyed sustained demand for over a decade while early Olympic, rugby or football memorabilia, pictorial enamel signs, vintage movie or travel posters and souvenirs of rock and pop greats are also among the current strong suits.
Nostalgia, historical importance and rarity all play key roles in pricing but so too does modern technology. The array of the internet search engine - capable of matching sometimes far-flung buyers and sellers in niche or esoteric fields - has been key to Sworders many successful sales in this sphere.
Our specialists hold regular valuation days. Please contact us for more information, or complete the online form to enquire about the valuation of your items.
Want to know how much your Toys and Collectables may be worth? Fill out our easy-to-use form and a member of the team will be in touch with free advice shortly.
Thoughtfully curated works from a Chester Jones designed interior will be offered in the upcoming 25 & 26 March Fine Interiors sale. Further treasures from the collection will then appear in Sworders’ Modern & Contemporary Art, Design, and Old Master, British and European Art auctions.
13 March 2025
We are delighted to present Paul Atkinson | The Nomadic Collector, a two-day sale at Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers on 13 and 14 May 2025. This remarkable collection, spanning continents and centuries, reflects Paul’s insatiable curiosity and lifelong passion for dealing, with highlights including Grand Tour bronzes, Anglo-Indian carvings, Ottoman swords, African tribal masks, and European furniture.
11 March 2025
The medals and ephemera of Air Commodore Vic Willis will be offered as part of our upcoming Homes and Interiors (with Arms and Militaria) auction, taking place on Tuesday 18 & Wednesday 19 March.
11 March 2025