Auctions

LONDON offers a wonderful week for downmarket collectables, which can often be snapped up more cheaply than in the provinces. However, costume and railwayana both fetch lower prices in London. Out of town, prices for, say, 18th-century bonnets can be driven up by dealers seeking one-off bargains. Regular London costume sales attract less attention. Christie's South Ken has a costume and textile sale on Tuesday (2pm).

As for railwayana, at Phillips Bayswater toys and trains sale Tuesday (12 noon), bidding may be sparse for the desirable 'King William III', the first 'King' locomotive nameplate to reach the open market - one of only 60 made. Estimated pounds 8,000- pounds 12,000, the plate could fetch pounds 15,000 or more if offered by the specialist railwayana auctioneer, Sheffield Railway Auctions. Next bi- monthly SRA sale is at Myers Grove School, Wood Lane, Stennington, Sheffield 6, Saturday April 17, 11am (0742 745085).

Other collectors' highlights: Christie's South Kensington's book, comic and magazine artwork sale Thursday (2pm) includes offerings by Eagle artists Don Harley and Keith Watson (typical est pounds 250- pounds 300). Among romantic covers, some striking and sensitive work by Fred Laurent (ests pounds 100- pounds 150). More illustrations and a host of modern curios at South Ken's decorative arts sale Friday (10.30am). More Deco, especially Moorcroft pottery, at Bonhams Wednesday (2pm).

Christie's first-time offering of 19th- and 20th-century designer furniture is at South Ken, Wednesday (10.30am). Christie's sale has few of the striking shapes that have made Bonhams' sales famous, being dominated by Art Deco, Arts and Crafts and earlier. Deco and 19th-century furniture at Phillips Tuesday (11am).