Sale Report

A POSITIVE START

January is often a lethargic month with cold, damp weather and debts to be paid. With the present economic depression and with spring seemingly never to return, general gloom abounds, so who would ever consider selling antiques or indeed buying them at this dark time of the year?  Well, the spirit and fight in many rises during these times and at Wotton Under Edge a slightly smaller than usual selection of lots, was received by a surprisingly buoyant and eager crowd, trade and private buyers alike rubbed shoulders to fight over the lots on offer.

(Lot 396 - £1,000)

(Lot 468 £920)

Although there was no one individual price that stood out in the crowd, the overall selling rate was high and prices were considerably higher than pre-sale estimates throughout. For instance an early 20th century brass table lamp by the celebrated designer W A S Benson sold at £1,000 (10 times over the estimate), an early 20th century tin plate steam crane sold at £580 and a suitcase full of Hornby Dublo gauge pre-war railway effects including engines, rolling stock and sundries sold at £920 (about 18 times over the estimate). Whilst amongst the ceramics, a conical shaped sugar caster designed by Clarice Cliff in the Blue Firs pattern sold at £580.  Amongst the jewellery a 1.6ct diamond cluster ring realised £720, which was surprisingly un-sold in the December sale with a reserve of £500.  A suite of Victorian mourning jewellery with hair insert and moonstone pendants made £600 (3 times the estimate).  Amongst the clocks a Regency drop dial wall clock with fusee movement sold at £740 (twice the estimate) and an Edwardian GWR Station Masters clock £520 (5 times the estimate).

Amongst the pictures the highest price of £920 was taken for a Benjamin W Leader oil on canvas landscape (twice the estimate).  Books continued to sell well with £580 being taken for 6 volumes of James Bruce’s Travels to Discover the Source of The Nile 1768-1773, whilst a collection of 20^th century car related books sold at around £500.  Interestingly approximately 30 Vogue magazines dating from the 1950’s and 60’s sold at £300

(Lot 580 - £920)

(Lot 1393 - £1,000)

Brown furniture has always sold well at Wotton Under Edge and £600 was taken for an Edwardian walnut 3-door library bookcase with £940 and £820 purchasing two large Victorian mahogany wardrobes.  £1,000 was paid for an 18^th century continental walnut kitchen dresser and £740 for a Victorian mahogany partners desk.  £580 was paid for a Victorian mahogany cheval glass and the final surprise of the day came when a 19^th century middle eastern carved and inlaid over-mantle frame sold at £750 (about 7 times over the estimate).

The forthcoming sale at the end of February will include a large percentage of recent probate instructions, further entries from local sources including an important folio of Victorian photographic scenes of Bristol, Exeter and the locality taken around 1886.

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.

Next sale dates – viewing Monday 23^rd February, sale days Tuesday 24^th & Wednesday 25^th February

• We specialise in valuations for Insurance and Probate purposes

• Gift Vouchers available upon request for that special occasional

• Transport can be arranged with our highly experienced hauliers (at cost)

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