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On a chilly autumn evening nothing beats a warming nip by a roaring fire. But could your drinks trolley be worth a fortune, asks Charles Hanson

That dusty drinks trolley in the corner could be worth more than you think. From forgotten whiskies to rare liqueurs like Chartreuse, Charles Hanson reveals how bottles once bought for celebrations are now fetching surprising sums at auction. Before you pour anything away, it might just pay to take a closer look…

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Derbyshire’s Brampton stoneware races past its estimate

Three lots of 19th-century Brampton stoneware made in Chesterfield surpassed estimates at Hansons Auctioneers’ recent sale. Highlights included a set of four pipes selling for £2,050 against a £70–£90 guide, reflecting strong demand for the region’s distinctive salt-glazed pottery and industrial heritage.

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A slice of history in the shape of wedding cake from one of the most famous unions in history goes under the hammer this week , writes Charles Hanson

I recently came across a piece of cake from Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s 1947 wedding, gifted by the young princess herself to Cyril Dickman, her much-loved royal butler who served the family for 50 years. Known as the “10,000-mile cake,” it was made with ingredients from across the Commonwealth and even cut with Prince Philip’s sword - a beautiful reminder of love, loyalty, and a moment that brought a nation together.

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An upcoming exhibition of work by Joseph Wright of Derby shines a light on the city’s most famous artistic son, writes dedicated fan Charles Hanson

When people ask who I’d invite to my dream dinner party, my answer is always Joseph Wright of Derby. His mastery of light and devotion to our city make him, to me, one of the world’s greatest artists. As his works head to the National Gallery, I’m reminded how proud I am of Derbyshire’s rich artistic heritage — from Wright’s genius to George Turner’s pastoral beauty.

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Ingenious walking sticks stride past their estimate in Oxford

A collection of 21 walking sticks and gadget canes stunned at Hansons’ Oxford saleroom, selling for £3,270 against a £950 guide. Highlights ranged from sword and telescope canes to ingenious designs dubbed by Jasper Marsh as “the Swiss Army knife of the 19th century.”

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Lifetime collection of 250 bayonets is a cut above

A collection of fearsome bayonets used in conflicts around the world is expected to make £15,000 when it goes under the hammer in Richmond. The 250 blades, used to fight the enemy in the Trenches, Boer War and WWII, were collected over a lifetime.

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Rare Bowie knife slices through its guide price

A rare Sheffield-made Bowie knife with a crocodile handle sliced past its £200–£250 estimate to fetch £2,500 at Hansons. Crafted by John Hinchliffe, the folding blade features the words “For self-preservation” and a lion pommel, making it a rare and highly collectable piece.

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Bids fly in from around the world for a Kent pilot’s royal gifts

A pair of gold cufflinks presented by Queen Elizabeth II to the pilot who flew the body of the Duke of Windsor back to the UK sold for £1,700 - more than four times its low guide price of £400 at Hansons Auctioneers’ Kent saleroom in Penshurst today . The cufflinks were part of a treasure trove of presents given to Squadron Leader Denis Lowery (1925-2012) from royal heads of state from around the world, including the late Queen.

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