If you want to give your house a festive makeover in time for Christmas – or buy quirky gifts for friends and family – a sale coming up this weekend could be the answer to your shopping prayers.
On Saturday, November 2, a County House Collectors and Attic Sale will be held at Hansons Auctioneers’ Staffordshire saleroom, Bishton Hall at Wolseley Bridge. And, according to the antiques experts, there are bargains galore to be had.
Edward Rycroft, Hansons’ furniture expert and valuer, said: “You could find an amazing piece at an amazing price. Most of the lots – and there are around 600 – are being sold without a reserve price, which means you could bag an item for a hammer price of £10 or less.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to buy affordable household antiques and collectables including ceramics, works of art, glassware, paintings, furniture and textiles.
“There’s something for everyone in this sale. You could snap up a cheap find to make your friends green with envy, find festive gifts with a difference or, thanks to the low prices, start out as a collector yourself.”
Choose from rare 18th Century porcelain, collectable 19th Century pieces, quality glassware, watercolours, 19th Century prints and maps, fine antique furniture and textiles, the latter including everything from wedding dresses and top hats to a 1930s ballgown.
Among items to tempt collectors is lot 1, a fine hand-painted porcelain plate, probably dating to the middle of the 19th Century. It’s a perfect display piece or fitting for the festive table.
Lot 7 is worthy of a museum, according to Mr Rycroft. The Flight Worcester slop bowl, circa 1782-1792, could be yours for as little as £10.
Other ceramics include cabinet plates and Wedgwood Jasperware. Lot 39, a black Wedgwood Jasperware ashtray with a central profile of Caesar, has a starting price of £10. You’ll also find collectable Meissen figures.
The Works of Art section includes lot 136, a pair of Japanese black lacquered decorative wall plaques which date back to the Meiji period, estimate £60-£100. Then there’s lot 141, a burr walnut writing slope, estimate £80-£120, and lot 216, a pair of George II brass candlesticks.
Clocks and time pieces also play a part. Mr Rycroft said: “Of particular note is lot 241, a 19th Century provincial clock with a carved oak case but no obvious maker’s name on the dial. This is part of its charm and it could be yours for less than £100.”
Furniture buys include lot 351, a Victorian cast iron garden bench, estimate £400-£600. There are also contemporary items such as lot 356, an oak dining table and six chairs, estimate £200. If you like Art Deco, check out lot 369, a pair of 1920s/30s Bergère chairs. Lot 370, a George III linen press, would perfectly grace a Georgian town house.
Mr Rycroft said: “I like lot 481, an early to mid-17th Century chest. There is also a later 17th Century chest, lot 479. You’ll also find Georgian drop-leaf tables, chests of drawers, occasional tables, chairs, kneehole desks, side cabinets and much more.”
The Country House Collectors and Attic Sale will be held at Bishton Hall, Wolseley Bridge, Staffs, ST17 0XN on Saturday, November 2, 9.30am. Viewing on the day from 8.30am or on Friday November 1, 11am-7pm. Browse and bid online at www.hansonslive.co.uk. Please note, buyer fees apply to hammer prices.
