April’s antique auction also included the biannual Maritime sale, and this section saw some outstanding results. Consigned from a house clearance just a stones throw away from the saleroom came 2 large 19th century half block shipbuilders models. They detailed each vessel, its size, weight and date of construction and had been in the family ever since they were made. A buyer in the room battled with 2 telephone bidders before the hammer came down at £1600 and £1550 respectively.
The top price of the day came in the Maritime section with a fine late 19th century rosewood cased marine 2-day chronometer. This example was made by Johanssen in London around 1890 and was in excellent condition. On the day it was a buyer who had driven from North Yorkshire who secured the chronometer, seeing off competition on the telephone and paying £2300 to take it over the Pennines.
Another strong result in this section was the £1750 realised by a huge late 19th century telescope. Mounted on its original tripod and with its original box, the 6 foot brass telescope was made by the noted firm of Negretti and Zambra. All these factors led to a significant amount of interest and a final battle between 2 bidders in the room.
Elsewhere in the auction, the surprise of the day came when a group of 5 Indian carved figures were offered. The vendors parents had been given them in the 1950’s by a member of staff who had carved the group for them when they had a business in India. The pre-sale estimate of £50 was soon passed as a telephone bidder succeeded to buy them against an internet bidder for a staggering £1200.
The jewellery and watch section was as strong as ever, and this was led by the £1500 which secured a gents Cartier Tank wristwatch, and an early 20th century Russian kovsh made £820 despite of its diminutive size.
The next sale is 8th May with entries being invited until Friday 26th April. For all enquiries please call the saleroom on 01517098070.
