An eclectic mix of nearly 700 lots are set to go under the hammer in Hansons’ Staffordshire Attic Auction at Bishton Hall on March 3-4 – a special sale which includes two private vintage motorcycle collections.
There is something for everyone with sale lots starting from as little as £20. Here Richard Halliday, Hansons’ Head of Curated Ceramics & Glass and House Manager at Bishton Hall, picks out five lots that have caught his eye during the cataloguing process.
A lifetime’s treasures | Lot 2514A
A truly fascinating and extensive collection of loose prints – etchings, engravings and lithographs – mostly 19th-century bookplates, and a smaller range of earlier material, predominantly portraits and topographical views, some loosely arranged thematically by county or country in worn folders. Prints include two portraits of Leicester’s Daniel Lambert, officially the heaviest man in England in 1805 at 50 stone. The condition of the items varies. Some of the better mezzotints are mounted or trimmed, for example, and some of the earlier material is mounted on paper. Offered as a lifetime collection from a deceased estate in Nottinghamshire, and sold with all faults as found. Includes a quantity of modern photocopies of prints/posters. One of the smaller boxes contains only photocopies. Collection housed in five boxes. £500-£800
Oriental Artwork | Lot 185
Oriental works of art are always in high demand. A Japanese ivory okimono dates – below right – dates back to the Meji period, 1868-1912. It is a carving of a smiling man with a basket of gourds, signed, height 17cm. Condition generally good. £50-£80
Celebration Inspiration | Lot 2409
No doubt most of you would prefer a full bottle of bubby but this striking large empty Champagne bottle – above left – re-sealed, creates a wonderful impact. It stands 80cm tall, 15000ml Nebuchadnezzar. £15-£20
Train Attraction | Lot 2454
Bids are already coming in for a Garden Steam Railway locomotive – above centre – with sit-on carriage. Built in 1990 by J.G.S.Clarke & Co., this is a 5” gauge Polly Locomotive with tender and ride on platform with side steps. Barrel, Firebox and tubes constructed in copper. Working pressure 90 PSI. £1000-£2000
Rock Me Gently | Lot 2686
This early 20th century child’s rocking horse with mane is a stunning example of a toy built to last. It is light grey with dark markings, has a part saddle with bridle and reigns and stands on metal rockers on an oak frame. It’s in good stable condition with general scuffs and scratches. £300-£400
