An exquisite and rare bracelet proved to be the unlikely headline lot of Trevanion Auctioneers’ bumper autumn offering.  Held over two days, their Fine Art and Antiques auction had a very strong start with the specialist jewellery and silver sections on day one. The star lot was a bracelet believed to have been made by renowned stained glass designer John Hardman Powell of Birmingham from designs by famous architect Augustus Pugin.  ‘John Hardman Powell worked closely with Pugin, and made a near identical bracelet as a wedding present for Pugin’s daughter Anne in 1859,’ says Jewellery specialist Amelia Tomkinson. ‘The preliminary sketches for that bracelet still exist, so it was fascinating to compare the two’. 

The bracelet was consigned by a south Shropshire vendor, and although it had been passed down through the family for generations, nobody had any idea that it was something special.  ‘The vendor brought in a box of her mother’s jewellery for me to go through, and I found it near the bottom,’ remembers Amelia.  On auction day, the bracelet quickly exceeded its estimate and, after a lengthy bidding battle both online and on the telephone, was bought by a specialist buyer from the south of England, selling for £18,500 plus fees.

This is the latest in a string of sparkling finds by Amelia who, within the last year alone has discovered and successfully sold on behalf of her vendors: a diamond set bracelet for £28,000, a pear cut diamond set ring for £26,000, an emerald and diamond ring for £13,000, a micro mosaic necklace for £12,500 and a diamond set tiara for £12,000.  Every Fine Jewellery auction attracts bidders from across the globe and has firmly placed Trevanion Auctioneers as market leaders within the field of antique jewellery.  ‘The jewellery department has gone from strength to strength under Amelia’s watchful eye, and the results speak for themselves,’ commented managing partner Christina Trevanion.  ‘It really is testament to Amelia’s hard work, dedication and research skills that our jewellery department is now highly recognised for its exceptional results’.

Also impressing bidders was a 19th century Etruscan Revival yellow metal bracelet, formed of seven square shaped panels with stylised flowerhead details.  The piece attracted numerous bidders, and finally sold for £6,500 plus fees.

The second day of the auction featured fine furniture, ceramics, works of art and carpets.  Furniture proved a strong seller, with two David Gundry of Nottingham Knole ‘Broadway Major’ sofas selling for a total of £3,300 plus fees, and a set of six Danish mid 20th century dining chairs designed by Hans Wegner for Fritz Hansen making £1,100 plus fees.  ‘Mid century furniture remains a strong seller in the current market, with Danish designers commanding a substantial premium,’ notes furniture valuer Ian Woodward.  ‘Danish pieces are usually compact and stylish, which tends to suit those living in today’s smaller properties’.

An unusual late 19^th century Mintons Botanical dessert service also sold well, attracting bids from around the world before finding a new home with a UK buyer for £1,100 plus fees, while a Victorian silver mounted Stourbridge cameo glass scent bottle attributed to Thomas Webb & Sons made £950 plus fees.  ‘This was a beautiful blue example with exquisite detailing,’ says valuer Simon Grover. ‘It was part of a single owner collection of objects of virtu which sold for a total of £3,600 plus fees’.  The collection also included a rare late 19^th century Crown Derby porcelain double walled reticulated teacup and saucer which sold for £850 plus fees.

Of particular local interest were two colour lithographic advertising poster for J.E. Thomas & Sons Removal Contractors of Welsh Walls, Oswestry, one depicting a steam powered road wagon and trailer, the other an early 20th century removal lorry in red livery.  Consigned by the family that ran the business, the pair sold for nearly £1,100 plus fees.

‘This was a fascinating auction,’ commented Christina.  ‘Not only did it see some great results for our vendors, but it also brought together some wonderful pieces that made viewing a really exciting experience for our buyers, and we had some fantastic compliments as a result.’

Trevanion Auctioneers will hold their last auction of the year on 20^th November.  The deadline for entries is 1^st November.  To book a valuation appointment call 01948 800202.