SITTING PRETTY -
POODLE PIC MAKES £3K!

BY THE AUCTION ROOM CORRESPONDANT ADRIAN RATHBONE

a pair of Sevres baluster vases dating from c.1870

Like the fashion world, the auction world too is dictated by trends; some things are in one day and can be out of fashion the next. Not of course to such an extreme extent as that, but buyer tastes are constantly evolving. The auction house has to adapt to current trends and offer what the buyers want. General sales are where goods of all type have been entered from deceased estates for example and simply have to be sold and these sales play a key and exciting part of the auction process. The odd treasure can also be found in these sales.

It is the specialist auctions where items are specifically selected on individual merit are to be found and target at the right audience. These are usually from a wide range of sources – from the many free valuation days held throughout Staffordshire, clients downsizing, from collectors and again extracted from estates. Value is not so much the issue here, it is the object in question. It does not always have to be an antique or even old, but we ask ourselves is it something that would appeal to buyers in the current market? Needless to say, quality will always sell well.

This was the philosophy behind the specially selected goods offered in a recent Fine Art Auction held by Richard Winterton Auctioneers in Burton On Trent. In this sale privately entered Lots were offered to appeal to broad range of buyers and their pocket depth. The sale was also broadcast live on the internet to enable clients to bid in ‘real time’ thus adding to the overall atmosphere of the auction.

Aesthetic Movement rosewood centre table
Victorian brass skeleton clock

The furniture section kicked off to an excellent start with lot 1, an Aesthetic Movement rosewood centre table (see right) dating from the 1880’s clearly showing Eastern influences. Despite phone bidders it sold in the room for £3,200. Following on, Lot 20, a Victorian brass skeleton clock (see right) in the form of Lichfield Cathedral exceeded the £1,500 upper estimate to bring £3,300.

Paintings can be particularly prone to market trends and the continuing love of canine pictures with International buyers is illustrated with Lot 29, a satirical dog painting (see below). Discovered in Tamworth Staffordshire, the oil on canvas was rather distressed and holed when brought into the Lichfield Saleroom for appraisal. It had all the hallmarks of instant charm and appeal. The master Poodle seems bored by all the other breeds surrounding him. It was put forward for a full restoration to museum standard and then offered in the auction. Thought to be after Landseer, a London telephone bidder secured it for a client in the USA for £3,000.

In the jewellery section, Lot 95, a two stone diamond crossover ring (see right) measuring 0.65ct each in an 18ct setting sold for £1,450. When it comes to silver, small unusual items are ‘de-rigueur’. Lot 153, a Georgian shell snuff box (see right) had been discovered amongst goods sent in from a local client and sold for £200.

Traditional ceramics have proved patchy recently, but a good factory will always attract decent bids. Lot 202, a pair of Sevres baluster vases dating from c.1870 (see top image) and mounted in ormolu sold at the top estimate for £500.

nineteenth century percussion cap and flintlock

Antique weapons are a highly specialist field and six pistols were consigned form a local farm. These included nineteenth century percussion cap and flintlock varieties and totalled over £3,000.

If you would like any professional advice on items you have or an estate clearance, please contact the Auctioneers on 01283 511224.

Sitting Pretty

SITTING PRETTY - POODLE PIC MAKES £3K!

SITTING PRETTY -
POODLE PIC MAKES £3K!