$90 · A most extraordinary auction catalogue: The Royal House of Hanover

So how exactly do you auction the entire contents of a royal estate like Schloss Marienburg? Well, you start by engaging an auction house like Sotheby's, who in turn engages the services of a Doctor of Royal Stuff (not the precise title) to put together an inventory and historical record of the paintings, sculpture, furniture, military antiquities, crystal, gold, silver, china, ceramics, the list goes on. For this 2005 auction (apparently this catalogue cost about US $200 at the time), Sotheby's released a masterpiece of the printer's art detailing everything in the household: 3 volumes, plus DVD in a gorgeous hard slipcover. Mint condition. Volume 1 is the dazzling photo and text centrepiece, and excels as a standalone history of the House of Hanover (close links to the House of Windsor, I believe) and the incredible pieces that made up this sale. Also a superb reference work for European art & antiques in general. A copy is currently being offered online at that big name auction site for $300 CAD.