The story behind American Gothic: unpacking the mystery of America’s most famous portrait
In 1930, Grant Wood painted his sister and the family dentist standing outside a small Iowa house, and started an argument that has never really ended. Was American Gothic a loving tribute to rural life or a sly joke at its expense? Nearly a century, several new theories and a Google advert later, nobody has settled it.
2026-08-19
Johnny Cash Memorabilia: A guide to collecting the Man in Black
Johnny Cash memorabilia offers more than simple autographs. The 2004 Sotheby’s auction of his estate transformed the collector market, with historic guitars, Grammy awards and stage-worn clothing achieving five or six figures. Collectors now prioritise provenance linking artefacts to Cash’s Sun Records era, prison recordings or American Recordings revival. Our guide reveals the most historically significant pieces and authentication essentials.
2026-07-20
Washington-owned books likely to lead US 250 document sale
These books travelled with Washington as he fought the British. And a letter he wrote that links him to Ben Franklin and the Marquis of Lafayette is consequential and unique.
2026-01-21
Your own MLK Jr Boulevard? Historic LA street sign up for sale
A sign for which Stevie Wonder and Reverend Jesse Jackson campaigned is for sale at UK collectibles specialists Paul Fraser Collectibles. It once stood on the 7-mile Martin Luther King […]
2024-11-01
Calamity Jane’s rifles set to auction at Heritage
A pair of rifles owned by Martha Jane Canary, better known as the famous Old West character Calamity Jane, are heading for auction next month. The two guns, a Percussion […]
2020-01-27
American Silk City Diner leads at RM Sotheby’s
A classic American Silk City Diner was the runaway star of the Dingman Collection sale at RM Sotheby’s in Hampton, New Hampshire this week. The unusual lot sold for $336,000, […]
By Tom Meyrick
2018-06-27
The Guggenheim mining ledger to star at Nate D Sanders
On June 28, Nate D Sanders will offer a spectacular piece of American history – the Guggenheim mining ledger. The lot, valued in excess of $40,000, tells the story of […]
By Tom Meyrick
2018-06-20
Original vintage roadside diner to sell at RM Sotheby’s
How’s this for a piece of classic Americana? An entire vintage roadside diner is about to cross the auction block at RM Sotheby’s this month. The 1940s diner has been […]
2018-06-11
JH Dance Confederate Dragoon revolver to sell
A rare JH Dance & Brothers Confederate Dragoon revolver will lead Heritage Auctions’ March 17 Western Americana and Texana sale in Dallas. JH Dance was founded in 1862 to provide […]
2018-03-05
Rare Detective Comics #27 offered for the first time
An ultra-rare CGC 5.0-graded copy of Detective Comics #27, the comic book that introduced the world to Batman, will sell at Hake’s Americana on March 13-15. With an estimate of […]
Important General Custer document leads historic Americana sale
From Babe Ruth to the Battle of Little Bighorn – the current sale at One of a Kind Collectibles features a treasure trove of historic Americana. The online auction, which […]
2017-11-29
Rare JFK painting could top $50,000 at Heritage Auctions
A highly rare painting by President John F. Kennedy is expected to sell for more than $50,000 at auction. The oil painting will cross the block as part of Heritage […]
2017-11-24
World’s best vintage Star Wars toy collection to sell at Hake’s Americana
Hake’s Americana is set to present a remarkable collection of vintage Star Wars toys in their November 2017 auction. The Russell Branton Collection features a complete set of toys made […]
2017-10-10
The wooden gun that links two of the Old West’s greatest legends
A simple wooden gun linking two of the American Old West’s most legendary figures is heading for auction in Ohio. The gun was carved by notorious outlaw Frank James, and […]
2017-09-05
Hake’s Americana 50th anniversary sale tops $1 million
Hake’s Americana has celebrated its 50th anniversary in style, with an auction of pop culture memorabilia that realized more than $1 million. The sale, which featured everything from concert posters […]
