Our Winter Antiques Auction drew the year to a close in fine style in our Staffordshire saleroom. A diverse catalogue of over 700 lots once again showcased the wide range of objects we regularly consign, from ecclesiastical and historical curios to fine furniture, jewellery, silver, decorative arts and collectables.
Among the highlights was Lot 671, a striking full-size brass eagle lectern featuring a dedication engraving dated 1922. Despite lacking its original book rest panel, the piece ‘soared’ to achieve £2,500. Also performing well was Lot 258, a 9-carat gold charm bracelet adorned with 20 charms, including a small indistinct coin, which achieved a hammer price of £1,700.
Historic interest met literary heritage in Lot 93, a 1680 folio edition of the Holy Bible, printed at the Oxford Theatre, which fetched £420, while military collectors and those with a local interest honed in on Lot 554, a rare Walsall WWI Volunteer Training Corps badge in the form of a bear on a Staffordshire knot, which made £220.
Gold, Silver and Enamel Work Shine
The ‘gold rush’ continues, with gold, silver and other precious metals commanding high sums across the board. Lot 259, a hallmarked 9ct gold double Albert watch chain with T-bar and medallion fob, sold for £1,200, while Lot 207, a large and heavy hallmarked silver salver by Joseph Angell I (London 1824), commanded an impressive £1,800.
Collectors of more unusual silver and country sports ephemera were treated to Lot 338, a set of six hand-painted country-themed enamel-panelled silver napkin rings by Hansford & Ainsworth (Handsworth Enamels). With scenes including horses, pheasants and foxes, and associated with the Queen’s Coronation Festival, they achieved £350.
Art, Design & Furniture
Period and design-led pieces attracted wide interest. Lot 379, an Art Deco style bronze figure of a semi-nude young woman by M. Mirval, sold for £420, while Lot 694, a sleek Danish mid-century rosewood sideboard by Ib Kofo Larsen, achieved £1,400. Meanwhile, Victorian charm also bought in the bids with Lot 701 – a mahogany-framed conversation settee, upholstered and set on cabriole supports with castors, which went for £900.
Oriental art continues to impress – with Lot 516, a small Chinese porcelain baluster vase bearing a six-character Yongzheng mark to the base, selling for £850.
Collectables, Curios & Ephemera
Unusual and nostalgic items always generate interest, and this sale was no exception. Lot 222, an antique carved wooden brooch in the form of a Scottish dirk with mother-of-pearl blade and gemstone detailing, sold for £400.
Music memorabilia collectors were drawn to Lot 144 (possibly driven by the recent uptick in interest in Heavy Metal following the death of the Price of Darkness) comprising a selection of nine LP records featuring Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne and Judas Priest, which hammered at £150. Transport and signage enthusiasts vied for Lot 591, a vintage Fry’s Cocoa enamel advertising sign, which sold for £380.
The ever-popular Railwayana and militaria section also fared well with one highlight being Lot 600 – an original WWI Cambrian Railways enamel badge – which fetched £260.
Fine Spirits in fine fettle
This sale once again featured a strong section of wines and spirits – Lot 439, a rare 1935 bottle of John Exshaw Grange Champagne Cognac, specially bottled for Grosvenor House, achieved £280, while Lot 408, a collector’s edition bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Icons 2.0, made £150.
The full illustrated catalogue and results from the Winter Auction are available to view online at www.cuttlestones.co.uk
We are now inviting consignments for our upcoming sales. For a free, no-obligation valuation, please email images to valuations@cuttlestones.co.uk, WhatsApp us on 07949 603872, or call the saleroom on 01785 714905.
