A feast of antiques are set to go under the hammer in a sale of contents from a Welsh castle steeped in history.
Adam Schoon, consultant valuer for Hansons Auctioneers, has been cataloguing the treasure trove of items for what he describes as a ‘golden age of antiques sale’.
He said: “This jewel of a property was brimming with surprising and lovely things. Some items have remained in the house during the occupancy of several previous and, indeed, illustrious owners such as G Wren Howard, co-founder of Jonathan Cape Publishers which published the James Bond books, and his son Michael S Howard.
“These antiques, collectors’ items, and books, used and loved for many decades, give a lovely feeling of history and continuity.
“The sale includes library steps, a metamorphic chair, a cool 1960s Danish teak rocking chair, amusing cast- iron door stops, fine drinking glasses, and a splendid assortment of garden urns and statuary.
“The diversity of works of art, objects and furniture is exceptional – ranging from an exceptional 19th century chinoiserie bureau-plat or writing desk bought by the current owner’s mother at the Mentmore Towers Sale (The Earls of Rosebery) held by Sotheby Parke Bernet in 1977 (estimate £30-50,000) to a massive 16 gallon copper Victorian wash tub with an estimate of £200-£400.
“What could be more potent as militaria collectors’ items as two Cromwellian period lobster-tail helmets– gloriously original and boasting a little rust and wear and tear. Whose heads might they have adorned and protected some 250 years ago? These curiously-shaped helmets could be yours for £500-£800 or £600-£1000.
“The Italian Grand Tour, mainly enjoyed by aristocrats for educational and life experiences, is a source of two visually exciting lots in the sale. In the library, up high and away from bright sunlight, are a fresh looking pair of superb watercolours by Frantz Keiserman (Swiss/Italian 1765-1833).
“They depict The Ruins of Paestum, and The Forum, Rome, and are signed and dated 1818. The estimate of £4,000-£6,000 may be outstripped on auction day. Meanwhile, in the Dining Room are two Grand Tour bronze classical figures of Venus by Metello Amadio (Naples 1884-1967). Standing 63cm and 65cm high respectively, they carry hopes of £1800-£2500.
“A masterful Italian walnut and marquetry inlaid commode dating to the late 18th century estimated at £2000-£3000 could not be more different to a cellar found pine box for fishing rods made for Hardy Bros, Pall Mall, circa 1890, at an estimate of under £50.
“Just £50-80 could buy you seven cellar-found iron wine racks, originally used by Major Sir H Harmood-Banner Bart when he lived at the castle, circa 1900-1910.
“This Golden Age Country House Sale offers an eclectic mix of fascinating objects found in every room from attics to cellars and from the outbuildings to the rolling garden.”
The Contents of a Welsh Castle will be offered by Hansons Auctioneers on October 28. To find out more, email [email protected].
