April Sale Review - 02/05/2010

A rosewood flute at £1,900 and concertina at £1,200 contributed to the upbeat rhythm and atmosphere at Hanson’s recent  April Spring auction.

Hanson’s recent auction of antiques and collector’s items on Wednesday 21 April reported some strong sale results across all areas of silver and jewellery, ceramics and glass, stamps, coins and toys, works of art, paintings, clocks and furniture.

The market commented Mr Hanson, ‘is particularly buoyant at present and has been so for the last year. With private clients keen to acquire antiques and works of art as ’alternative investments’ to stocks and shares, values at auction have risen sharply. The ease at which our clients can participate in an auction by phone or computer whether overseas or local has helped our sales', reported Charles  Hanson. Our packaging and postal service we offer to all clients worldwide has made the purchase of objects at auction far easier.

Highlights in Hansons auction began with a large and extensive silver and jewellery section:

Lot 32, a silver tea set sold for £450 whilst an unearthed 17th century silver trefid spoon, lot 80 from Abbots Bromley rose to take £250.

Lot 134, a good pair of Continental silver candelabrum sold for £520 whilst lot 185, a silver canteen by Walker and Hall fetched £600.

A collection of silver belonging to a Lichfield lady sold above estimate. Lot 194, a silver tankard, hallmarked for 1740 rose to £320 whilst lot 199, a small silver egg nutmeg grater dating to 1852 realised £400.

A jewellery section of over 250 lots saw a 89% selling rate. Highlights included, lot 274, a 9ct gold charm bracelet at £700 whilst lot 309, a gold watch was competed to £800. Lot 333, a gentleman’s gold bracelet was contested to £900 whilst lot 342A, a diamond ring sold for £600. Elsewhere, lot 374, a gentleman’s gold ring with diamond solitaire fetched £500. A Rolex wristwatch, lot 422 commanded £700.

In the collectors section, a small collection of Hornby belonging to a Derby gentleman sold well. Lot 454, a special tank locomotive, boxed L458 raced away to fetch £170.

Lot 516, a clarinet sold at £180 whilst lot 531, a Cine camera fetched £180.

A single owner collection of Royal Doulton character jugs and commemorative ceramics had a 92% success rate. Lot 610, a Coronation Paragon loving cup rose to £190.

In ceramics and glass, lot 718, a pair of Clarice Cliff vases doubled expectations to take £380 whilst lot 730, a Royal Doulton figure Promenade was competed to £450.

A collection of Royal Worcester fruit painted lots sold well and highlight was lot 744, a fruit dish painted by Price which sold for £630.

Lot 834, a Moorcroft bowl sold for £1000 whilst lot 911, a Webb Stourbridge cameo cut scent bottle realised £850.

In the book section, buyers were successfully bidding from Australia, Greece and Malta.

In the picture section, lots 984 and 985, W L Wyllie etchings took £360 and £430 respectively.

Lot 1014, a pair of Arthur Rackham pen and ink drawings sold for £420.

A collection of Arts and Crafts copper sold well whilst lot 1096, a George IV tea caddy rose to take £520.

Lot 1123, a Jaegar Le Coutre timepiece sold for £370.

In 110 lots of furniture, a sale rate was reported at 88%. The market for standard George III and Victorian and later furniture has certainly improved and prices reflect a renewed interest in the value of our heritage.

Hanson’s forthcoming auction will take place on Wednesday 27 May at 10am. Entries are currently being accepted. Please telephone Hansons on 01283 733 988 or email service@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk