Sale Report

 

SNOW BUSINESS

 

The heavy snow fall and prolonged icy conditions of early February made working difficult for many of us, particularly on the hills and valleys that form the Cotswolds.  It was remarkable then that our sale at the end of the month was almost full, at least to about 85% capacity.  It became apparent however that other auction rooms had been hit harder.  The net result was that those who had objects in the sale found that the prices paid were higher than might have been expected.  The old economic equation of sustained demand chasing fewer goods became very apparent. This combined with a number of exciting lots, turned what appeared to be a difficult situation early in the month to a credible result at the end.

 

Two lots of local interest spurred a good deal of attention.  Firstly, during the course of a probate valuation near Bristol some weeks ago, two Victorian photograph albums were discovered in a bedroom cupboard. These were not of the usual family portrait, local church and wedding company sort, but a fantastic collection of some 900 photographs taken by an amateur Victorian photographer with great skill, working throughout the city of Bristol and district during the late 1880’s and early 90’s.  Each photograph was dated and the building, street or view meticulously detailed. With a careful eye he had recorded much of what was to be either bulldozed, bombed or built on over the next century, leaving a wonderful record of the district as it then stood.  The Bristol Evening Post was so taken with the images they produced a special 8-page edition of selected photographs earlier in the week.  Purchased by a prominent local journalist and historian, it is likely the photographs will be a foundation of a new book allowing all to enjoy the collection. It realised £2,800.

 

Secondly, rural churches throughout the country are fearful of having their contents looted and items which have remained safe throughout the centuries are now, during these ‘civilised times’, under threat of theft. It was on this basis that a pair of late 17th/early 18th century coffin or joint stools from a church in the Berkeley Vale were forwarded for sale, following a decision by the Gloucester Diocese to sell them.  A single joint stool can be a relatively common object in a saleroom; a good one with all original timbers less so; a pair with all original timbers is an extremely rare sight. There would have been countless occasions over the past 300 years or so when these two stools could have been parted.  They performed their last ecclesiastical act at the end of last year supporting the coffin of an elderly parishioner who had probably seen them used for the same purpose at other services over her lifetime.  With bids commencing at £1,000 the winner found himself paying £4,900 for the privilege of ownership.

 

Elsewhere amongst the furniture a large 19th century mahogany break front bookcase enclosed by four glazed panelled doors over an arrangement of cupboards and drawers sold at £1,800, a good quality Edwardian satinwood display cabinet in an Adams style realised £1,300.

 

An early 20th century Moorcroft green ground 2-handled pot of 4-sided form decorated with toadstools sold at £500, while Beswick models continued to sell well.  Two matt glazed models of a Charolais bull, cow and calf sold at £210, a Percheron with plaited mane £240, a small horse with the rocking horse colour way £300.

 

A Lalique Champs Elysees pattern open bowl of leaf moulded form sold at £520.  Small mixed lots of watches and jewellery were selling well on the back of rising metal prices. A mixed collection of watches including plated half Hunter, a 9ct gold wristwatch and other examples realised £620, while a small quantity of vintage fountain pens by Waterman’s, Parker, Swan, etc sold at £330.  Amongst the silver a small collection of 3 Georgian silver chamber sticks dating between 1764 and 1812 sold for a total of £1,280, while two Georgian silver tankards - one London 1753 and the other Newcastle 1779 sold at £580. Amongst the carpets a large and very worn Edwardian wool carpet in the Persian style, which was within hours of being sent to the recycling centre, sold at £750. A small collection of military effects included a 19th century French heavy cavalry helmet at £450 and two early 20th century Japanese officers swords at £800.  Toys continued to sell well, a mixed collection of Hornby O gauge tin plate ware sold at £320 and a rather battered but beautiful tin plate model of a steamboat sold at £450.  Best of the clocks included a Regency mahogany dial clock of octagonal form with scrolling brass detail at £540.

 

It is hoped that the saleroom will be back at full capacity for the March sale and with prices likely to remain strong it would be a good opportunity to benefit from the current situation.  Entries are now invited.

 

We are always pleased to inspect items for possible sale without cost or obligation.  Please phone the office to make an appointment for a home visit 01453 844733.

 

Viewing Monday 23rd March 10am – 7pm, sale days Tuesday 24th & Wednesday 25th at 10.30am

 

 

 

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