A German Enigma enciphering machine was auctioned today at Bonhams in Knightsbridge for £85,250, above its initial pre-sale estimate of £40,000-£60,000. Built by Heimsoeth and Rinke in 1941, this is the three rotor version, used by Germany between 1938 and 1944 and was patented by H. A. Koch. Whilst this particular device was intended for […]
This 1941 oak Enigma machine was an instrument used to pass coded German messages during the Second World War. This German enigma enciphering machine will go under the hammer for the first time on the 14th November in Knightsbridge (estimated £40,000 – 60,000). Built by Heimsoeth and Rinke in 1941, this is the 3 rotor […]
A letter dated c.1801 from an emotional Nelson to his mistress adds insight to the scandal of the 19th century. A lasting piece of evidence of the affair between Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton is for sale with Bonhams in Knightsbridge, on 13th November. In the letter, Nelson documents the turbulent love life between himself […]
Heritage Sports Collectibles’ $5.8 million Oct. 25-27 2012 Signature® Auction further established the company as the leading auctioneer in the industry, with a record 600 consignors supplying the event with nearly 3,000 lots for the largest bidding audience (2,393) yet to participate in a 2012 auction. “This event was a true testament to the breadth […]
The archive and library of the legendary Scottish big game hunter, Richard Cuninghame, was sold on 24th October 2012 by Bonhams in Edinburgh as part of the contents of Hensol, an historic Category A listed mansion nestling in the beautiful surroundings of Mossdale, Castle Douglas. Although largely remembered as a hunter-tracker, Cuninghame was also a […]
The Coins, Medals and Banknotes Department at Bonhams is pleased to announce the sale of a previously unreported $5 Series 1882 “Brown Back” National Banknote during its auction on December 13. The new discovery was issued on March 29, 1892 in the small city of Creede, Colorado (est. $70,000-90,000). The First National Bank of Creede, […]
Gateway Gallery Auction is to auction the Civil War Diary of First Lieutenant Adoniram Judson Hastings of the 42nd U.S.C.T. on October 22, 2012. The diary of Hastings recounts the closing events of the Civil War including the fall of Richmond, Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, the assassination of President Lincoln, and the shooting of John […]
Bonhams is to auction rare marble figure of a Buddhist disciple from the Tang Dynasty dated 718 AD, for £200,000 to £300,000 in its sale of Fine Chinese Art on November 8 in London. The interest in the piece itself is enhanced by its connection to the great French collector, Léonce Filatriau. Born in Pondichéry, […]
An extremely rare veteran motor car built by an inventor credited with the invention and development of the first tank will go under the hammer in New Bond Street, London, on Friday 2nd November. The 1904 Wilson-Pilcher four-seater (estimate £180,000 – £220,000) is one of a number of important entries in the Bonhams auction of […]
