08/08/2026
Post-sale report 30th/31st July 2026
Our sale started strongly with some excellent items of silver, the best price was for a very fine mid-20th century four-piece tea service. It was in good condition with a good Art Deco look about it. Competition was fierce and the final outcome was significantly greater than the high end of the estimate. Also performing well were individual groups of silver, of which there were several and most achieved figures towards the upper end or exceeding higher estimates. Our jewellery section also had many highlights, with gold still achieving some incredible prices. One of my favourite items was lot 329, a charming Art Deco style sapphire and diamond pendant. Its quality was quickly recognised and presale interest incredibly strong. On the day, bidding quickly breasted the £1,000 mark and eventually went to an on-line buyer at £1,400. Other highlights include a Victorian flowerhead diamond set pendant and some fine high carat Middle Eastern bangles and jewellery.
The stellar lot in our watch section was lot 504, an Omega Speedmaster Professional, which is more commonly described as the ‘Moonwatch’ as the watch had been adopted by NASA for its Apollo missions. A difficult lot to judge, as it clearly had a hard life. The case showed signs of use, the outer bezel ceased to function and the chronometer required work to re-commission. Despite these faults our bidders saw its true potential. Presale interest took bidding above the upper estimate and it continued on the day to a hammer price of £4,200.
We included a great selection of militaria and medals in the first day of the sale. Although not all lots were well received, there were many highlights. The best group on the day was an unusual Indian Civil Service group awarded to Christopher Gimson which made a hammer price of £1,200.
Day two also started strongly, with a Southern Railway enamel destination board from Edenbridge to Hastings via Tunbridge Wells going to a south-east buyer against some determined bidding. Another strongly contested lot was lot 1171, a coco de mer. These seed pods have been highly prized for centuries and online bidding reflected this, with a winning bid of £480. A further much regarded lot included a pair of horses formed from old horse shoes and four individual stained-glass panels incorporating the town/city arms for Walsall, Southampton, Glasgow and Wigan, with hammer prices of £250, £80, £350 and £200 respectively.
The ceramics section included an usual 19th century Bohemian green glass humpen, or communal lidded drinking glass. The vessel had been subject to an Antiques Road Show valuation a number of years ago. Again, it was well viewed prior to the sale, glasses such as these are a rarity and bidding was strong, selling to an online buyer. Our furniture section had a number of interesting lots, including an Edward VII coronation chair by Glenister of High Wycombe. Of more local interest we also offered an interesting hanging shelf by local craftsman by Robert ‘Robin’ Nance, selling for a hammer price of £220. Again, it had been much admired during our viewing. The piece was in fine condition and nicely stamped to the underside and bidding reflected this.
Our next auction is scheduled for 24th/25th September and we will be accepting entries up to the first week in September. If you wish to consign, we always recommend approaching us sooner rather than later, Mel and Guy would be delighted to hear from you. Please call our saleroom on 01872 270 200.
For further information regarding our free valuation service or if you would like to make arrangements for a home visit, please call Guy or Melanie on 01872 270 200 or email [email protected].
