With the days getting shorter and Christmas fast approaching, Trevanion Auctioneers’ November auction was the perfect opportunity for eager buyers to bring a bit of sparkle into their lives.

Topping the lots was a beautiful late 19th century Russian enamel timepiece by Mikhail Perkhin (1860-1903), chief work master for the internationally renowned Faberge, jewellers to the Russian Imperial Family and makers of the world famous easter eggs. ‘Perkhin was the child of a peasant family from the village of Okulovskaya in northwest Russia,’ notes jewellery specialist Amelia Tomkinson, who catalogued the piece. ‘He learnt metalwork with the local blacksmith before moving to St Petersburgh to train as a goldsmith, and in 1888 he was recruited by Carl Faberge as chief work master, tasked with moving Faberge’s output from the large and gaudy pieces popular at the time towards the beautiful and elegant pieces that would become their trademark. The rose pink guilloche enamel finish of this timepiece is the epitome of Perkhin’s restrained elegance, beautifully enhanced with silver swags and foliate details.’ Unsurprisingly it attracted bidders from around the world, eventually selling for £4800 plus fees.

A timepiece of a more modern vintage also attracted huge interest, in the form of a yellow metal Omega Automatic Constellation wristwatch. ‘Dating from the mid 20th century, and a featuring a gold coloured dial with shaped arrowhead markers, this watch too exuded a restrained elegance,’ says Amelia. Bidders agreed, and quickly pushed the watch up to its high estimate, where it sold for £4000 plus fees.


Buyers in search of some Christmas sparkle found diamonds and sapphires irresistible, competing fiercely to become the proud owners of two beautiful rings. A 20th century sapphire and diamond cluster ring, which sold for £2800 plus fees, was quickly matched by a 19th century sapphire and diamond three stone ring, which achieved the same price.

A jewel of a different kind was the star of the fine art section of the auction, with a tiny drawing attracting international attention. The drawing depicted a sprawling figure lying on the floor and measured just 10cm x 12cm, but it was the identity of the figure that had bidders excited, explains art valuer Simon Grover. ‘The drawing is of Tadeusz Rejtan, a key figure in Polish history, who famously tried to prevent the first partition of Poland by throwing himself across the door of the room where the partition vote had been taken,’ says Simon. ‘The moment was immortalised in the painting ‘Fall Of Poland’ by Polish artist Jan Matejko. The pose of the figure in our drawing matches that of Rejtan in the painting, leading us to believe that the drawing may have been a preparatory sketch for Matejko’s work.’ Potential buyers seemed to agree, with several Polish bidders among those trying to secure the piece. It finally sold for £2800 plus fees, and will soon be on its way back to Poland.
‘Our Christmas auction is always a highlight of the Trevanion year, and this year’s was particularly special,’ says managing partner Christina Trevanion. ‘I just loved the variety of pieces on display, and our saleroom looked absolutely beautiful. It was lovely to receive the appreciative comments from our buyers, and the whole thing made me feel really festive!’
We will begin our 2026 auctions on 5th and 6th February. The closing date for entries is 15th January. To book a valuation appointment please call 01948 800202.