An exceptional single-owner collection of antiques – including Victorian and Edwardian treasures – are set for auction on January 26.
All belonged to the late Margaret Stanhope, MBE. The Staffordshire woman devoted 51 years of her life to serving her community both as a councillor and head of South Staffordshire Health Authority. But in her leisure time, she loved to find and buy beautiful antiques. They adorned her atmospheric cottage in the picturesque Staffordshire village of Alrewas.
Here Hansons’ experts share eight lots set for auction to give a flavour of her impeccable taste and style:
Diamond delight
This gents’ diamond and 18ct gold ring features an old cushion cut diamond approx 1.75carat, assessed colour K/L, assessed clarity SI1, claw set, the mount with open shoulders, total gross weight approx 9.7gms. £1,200-£1,500
German charm
This late 19th Century German porcelain plaque portrait of a lady holding a chamber stick is titled verso “Gute Nacht” (good night). It is painted in the style of Georg Hom (1838-1911), stamped Vervielfältigung verboten, E&G L within artist’s easel, 17 x 12cm, gilt framed. £300-£500
Fireside comfort
Relax in style courtesy of this 20th century ox-blood button back, Chesterfield-style fireside wingback armchair. Condition: Good condition, a few rubs. £200-£300
Edwardian elegance
Elegance abounds courtesy of this large Edwardian, silver mounted, cut glass scent bottle. The body is chased and pierced with scrolls, foliage, flowers and open panels to the sides. The hinged cover is decorated with flowers and foliage. The item us hallmarked by Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co., London, 1903, approx 15cm high, the body 6.5cm wide £100-£150
Heaven-scent
We adore this 18th Century South Staffordshire enamel gilt metal mounted combination scent bottle and bonbonniere, circa 1770. Its turquoise body and cover are painted with panels of floral bouquets all within gilt scroll framing, the body painted with white latticework and stars, the cover with cast flower stopper on chain, approx 10.5cm long £300-£500
Victorian lady’s desk
Capture early Victorian elegance with this ladies’ walnut writing desk. It has a stationery cabinet top and bookshelf, pierced gallery and side supports, pull-out writing top with green leather insert above single paper drawer with carved frieze, standing on long cabriole legs. Size: 79cm wide x 49cm deep x 125cm high. Condition: very good condition, no damage, with drawer key. £300-£400
Classic clock
Edwardian, silver and tortoiseshell mounted miniature carriage clock, the case with bell flower silver border, the front inlaid with Neo-Classical decoration, on four bun feet, the case hallmarked by William Comyns, Birmingham, 1906, numbered 235, the clock with white enamel dial, Roman numerals, French movement, the case approx 6.8cm high overall. £300-£500
Antique diamonds
Antique jewellery is highly sought after and this Edwardian diamond and gold hinged bangle is sure to appeal to bidders. It boasts 11 graduated old cushion cut diamonds, set in platinum to a decorative mount, and 20 rose cut diamonds. Overall diamond weight approx 4.00 carats, assessed clarities VS2-I2, (feathers in two largest diamonds) assessed colours H-M, width approx 8mm, scroll decoration to the sides, internal diameter approx 57mm, box clasp with button release and safety chain, unmarked assessed as 9ct gold, total gross weight approx 16.9gms £800-£1,200
Auction: The Derby Margaret Stanhope Auction will be held on January 26. Catalogue due live January 8 at www.hansonslive.co.uk or www.the-saleroom.com
Enquiries: [email protected]
