Bumper auction success in August shows that, despite difficult economic times, keen buyers across the world have cash to spare to bid, buy and add to their collections, writes Charles Hanson.
This month Hansons enjoyed a ‘white glove’ Medals, Militaria and Firearms sale. In the auction world, a white glove sale means every lot sold.
Our General Antiques and Collectors Auction excelled in every department, from furniture and ceramics to paintings, jewellery and more.
And our August 19 Football in Focus and Sports Memorabilia sale deserved to lift a trophy, such was its dominance. For example, eight lots relating to Tottenham Hotspur, including matchday tickets from 1960-61, the season when the Lilywhites did the League and FA Cup Double, made more than £7,000.
Spurs tickets soar to glory at at auction.
The bidding was hot among Rams fans and collectors too. A turnstile from Derby County’s original home, the Baseball Ground, reached £620 and a cigar lighter which belonged to former Rams manager Jim Smith sold for £200 from a £50-£80 estimate.
Right now, we’re inviting entries for our autumn auctions which include our September 17-22 General Antiques and Collectors sale, September 24 Derbyshire Fine Art, Asian Art, Jewellery, Silver and Watches Auction and September 25 Toy Auction.
Perhaps recent results will inspire you to get in touch or come along to our free valuation days to find out if that special object or collection could net you a windfall.
Among hammer highlights in our August sale was a wonderful collection of studio pottery made by Langley Mill potter, the late Edward Campden. The collection, which also included objects lovingly sourced over a lifetime by Edward and his late wife, sold for thousands of pounds.
I’m also delighted to reveal that fine religious objects from The Central United Reformed Church in Derby did well. As the building faces potential demolition, church elders took action to save important objects, even though the cost of removal was high.
Stained-glass windows from a Derby church.
The top-selling church lot consisted of two double-sided stained-glass windows immortalising Oliver Cromwell, John Bunyan, a writer and Puritan preacher, John Milton, a poet and intellectual, and John Wycliffe, a scholastic philosopher. They sold for £2,000.
Objects like this demonstrate the eclectic nature of auctions and the fact that they bring to market unique or highly unusual objects. Historical importance, quality and great craftsmanship are also seen time and again.
For example, lot 2055, a Queen Anne-style walnut glazed bookcase made £1,400. Then there was lot 1418, a late 19th century Bohemian amber flashed glass transparent enamel beaker vase which was contested to £1,300.
Another strong result came in for lot 3031, an oil on canvas by Brian Davies (British, 1942-2014) of Champagne and shellfish. It sold for £1,200.Musical instruments often strike a chord with bidders, too. A French violin and bow, circa 1880, sold for £1,500.
As always, our jewellery, silver and watches section shone brightly. A big hitter in vibrant red was lot 474, a cherry amber-type bead necklace which raced to £1,600. Amber beads have long been highly desirable at auction, often surprising vendors
And, once again, the results achieved for gold impressed. Gold has soared in price by 30% this year. In unstable economic times investors prefer to put their money into tangible assets such as gold, silver and other precious metals.
Consequently, lot 412, a collection of 9ct gold items including chains, rings and brooches made £1,400. Even broken gold chains or single ear-rings can reap you a financial reward. Take Lot 427, a collection of Victorian and Edwardian 9ct gold chains including a fancy link chain with some links detached and damaged. It sold for £1,400
Golden star lots forged on with lot 433, a 9ct gold, heavy weight ID bracelet which made £1,350 and lot 373, a 9ct gold charm bracelet which reached £975.
Rings are popular at auction and we see a wonderful variety of both antique and vintage designs. Lot 224, a ruby and diamond 18ct white gold ring, sold for £900 and lot 194, an aquamarine and diamond platinum ring, made £850.
Vintage time pieces are hot news, too, which is why you would be wise to check the value of any old watches tucked away in drawers or jewellery boxes. Lot 556, a 1950s Omega stainless steel wristwatch, made an impressive £780 despite its age.
Our August sales brimmed with strong results and buyer demand. If you’re considering selling any type of object suitable for our general or specialist sales we would be delighted to advise. Free valuations are available at Hansons, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire, DE65 6LS, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, Wednesday 5-7.30pm and Saturday, 9am-noon.
