Spring was definitely in the air at Trevanion Auctioneers’ two day March auction. 

As the sun shone down on day one, it was a golden hue of a different kind that caught the eye of bidders, with a collection of gold coins attracting international interest.  Leading the way was an Elizabeth II 1985 United Kingdom gold proof four coin set, which sold for £3900 plus fees, while an Elizabeth II 2006 United Kingdom gold proof three coin sovereign collection made £1650 plus fees.  In total the collection, which included Victorian, Edwardian and George V sovereigns, sold for more than £20,000 plus fees, much to the delight of the vendor.  ‘In an uncertain world gold prices tend to rise, attracting large numbers of buyers and sellers into the market, so if you’re considering selling gold coins or jewellery, now is a great time to do so’ suggests Managing Partner Christina Trevanion.

Watches were also a strong seller on day one, with a ladies 18ct Breguet Horloger de la Marine wristwatch selling for £3800 plus fees.  With its circular mother of pearl dial and integral 18ct yellow gold brick link bracelet, this stylish piece contrasted with the antique watches on offer, which included a mid 19th century 18ct yellow gold chiming full hunter pocket watch believed to be by Hussey and Kemey of London, which sold for £3400 plus fees.

A certified natural tanzanite and diamond cluster ring was the star of the jewellery section.  Dating from the 1970s, the mixed cut 7.61 carat tanzanite was surrounded by twenty two brilliant cut diamonds, and sold for £3500 plus fees.  ‘The history of natural tanzanites is particularly interesting’ says Jewellery valuer Amelia Tomkinson. ‘In 1967 a Masai tribesman came across a cluster of intensely coloured violet and blue crystals in the Merelani region of Tanzania.  Tiffany & Co recognised the potential of the crystals and named them ‘tanzanites’ after the country.  Early tanzanites, such as the one set in this ring, showed a vivid blue violet colour which is believed to be the result of the stones found near the surface being heated by bush fires.  As tanzanites were mined from deeper levels, they had to be artificially heat treated to develop a similar colour.’

Also selling well in the jewellery section were a Schoeffel cultured pearl and diamond necklace, which featured eighteen baroque shaped cultured pearls of various pink, orange and cream hues alternating with diamond set floral links, which sold for £3200 plus fees, and a late 20th century two tone bracelet, which also made £3200 plus fees.

Day two of the auction saw some strong results in the Asian and Oriental section, with a Chinese porcelain famille rose tea bowl and saucer believed to date from the 18th century selling for £3400 plus fees.  ‘Both pieces were of beautiful quality, finely painted with figures outside a pavilion’ notes Associate Director Ashley Jones.  ‘Quality of this kind always attracts strong interest, and it was no surprise to see the bidding fly past the high estimate’. Also exceeding its estimate was a Chinese Ming Dynasty bronze and partially gilt lacquered  model of a seated buddha. Despite being a diminutive 19.5cm high, the piece sold for an impressive £1600 pus fees.

A collection of twenty eight letters and cards addressed to English novelist and playwright Clemence Dane (born Winifred Ashton) and her secretary Olwyn Bowen-Davies, also caused quite a stir.  ‘The letters were sent from various literary, theatrical and musical figures, including J.M. Barrie, Daphne Du Maurier, Dorothy L. Sayers, Noel Coward, Ivor Novello, Katherine Hepburn, Joan Crawford, Ralph Richardson, Dame Peggy Ashcroft, John Gielgud J.B. Priestley, R.F. Delderfield and George Bernard Shaw’ says valuer Simon Grover. ‘It was like a who’s who of the great and the good of 20^th century creative and intellectual society, making it a truly unique collection.’  After some fierce bidding, the collection sold for £2200 plus fees.

Longcase clocks can be difficult to sell in the current market, but a George III mahogany cased eight day musical longcase clock firmly bucked the trend.  Signed by Richard King, the pagoda hood with fretwork panel flanked a 30cm brass break arch dial with silvered chapter ring, silent/chime indicator, four/eight bell indicator and subsidiary seconds dial.  ‘Although the three train movement was a later addition, it featured a nest of eight graduated bells and a coiled gong fitted to the backboard interior,’ notes valuer Ian Woodward. ‘The combination of case, dial and movement really made this clock stand out, and it’s certainly the best example we’ve seen this year, which is reflected in the selling price of £2200 plus fees.’

Day two of the auction concluded with furniture, which brought some of the best results of the sale.  After a protracted bidding battle between phone and room bidders, a contemporary Knole design drop arm sofa sold for £4000 plus fees, while a huge Victorian pine housekeepers cupboard made an impressive £3200 plus fees.

Managing Partner Christina Trevanion was delighted with the auction results.  ‘All sections of our March auction saw some great results despite the prevailing economic uncertainty,’ said Christina.  ‘With precious metal prices strong, and interest evident in good quality and unusual pieces across all areas of the antiques market, there’s never been a better time to buy or sell at auction’. 

Trevanion Auctioneers will hold their next auction on April 30^th.  The deadline for consignments is 11^th April.  To book a valuation appointment, please call 01948 800202.