Collectables

In 1925, Oskar Barnack created the first small-format 35mm camera, the foundation stone of Leica - and one which revolutionised photography in the process. Many famous reporters and photographers such as Robert Capa and Henri Cartier-Bresson worked with the handy but high-quality Leica cameras and, today, you find not only the latest digital models in demand, but also the classics. In the Bonhams 'Leica and Classic Camera Sale' on 22 November, the cameras and lenses on offer include such special items as a rare Leica Luxus 1 from 1930, estimated at €480,000-670,000.

The folks at Hermès know that life sometimes flows at several different speeds

In a world of permanent progress, where this morning’s high-tech product is already obsolete, something effortlessly cool emanates from old and timeless design. An Eames chair, a Barbour jacket, a turntable by Technics or a well-used Porsche 911 – their history tells their story; they’ve nothing to prove. Over 216 pages, EarBOOKS’ ‘Vintage & Classic Style Guide’ explains which cars, furniture and accessories every small collection should include.

The 39cm-wide case comes complete with a variety of internal trays and a selection of spanners, pliers and screwdrivers. It will be offered by Bonhams at its 14 September, Goodwood Revival auction. Estimate: £700 – 900.

And for the car... Ferrari 348 and 355 in the Classic Driver Market:

German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer made the Hamburg company famous in 1963 when, in a state of pen-less embarrassment, he borrowed President John F. Kennedy’s own Montblanc Meisterstück to co-sign the Golden Book of Cologne.

Today, the latest Montblanc Heritage Collection 1912 harks back to those times and the classic resin and silver pens beloved by businessmen, politicians and diplomats the world over. An innovative feature of the new range is a retractable nib, operated by the same piston that charges the ink reservoir. 

Photos: Montblanc

Never sold, always given away to the chosen few...

It was back in the early 60s that a young go-getter in the advertising industry made the connection of men, cars and girls. And rubber, obviously.

Never sold, always given away to the chosen few, the annual Pirelli calendar was shot by some of the brightest stars in the photographers’ firmament. Herb Ritts, Bruce Weber and Richard Avedon, Annie Leibovitz, Sarah Moon - even Karl Lagerfeld, all were to work for the Italian tyre giant.