By Adrian Rathbone, Associate Director, Hansons Auctioneers, Bishton Hall, Staffordshire.
A recent auction proved cash really can be found in the attic. Hansons Country House Attic auction held at their Bishton Hall saleroom in Staffordshire was an outstanding success with 92% of the 700 lots on offer selling to bring a total just short of £100,000.
With the auction venue closed to the public in accordance with current guidelines, the sale was showcased and conducted entirely online. The shift to online-only auctions has helped to boost bidder numbers as they take advantage of easy access to virtual viewings. This led to some truly exceptional prices being achieved across the board.
From jewellery, silver and ceramics to vintage costumes, pictures and old books, every facet epitomising ‘attic’ and ‘garage’ finds was on offer.
Individual highlights from the garage section included Lot 2861, a classic 1987 Ford Capri 2.8 injection which raced away at £9,500. A collection of eight vintage/classic motorcycles dating from the 1920s and 30s also emerged from the garage. The highest price was £3,200 achieved for Lot 2873, a 1936 New Imperial 250cc model. Another item appealing to those with a lust for speed and fine engineering was Lot 2454, a garden steam locomotive with sit-on carriage. Built in 1990 by J.G.S. Clarke & Co, the 5 inch gauge Polly locomotive painted in gleaming bright blue livery sold for £3,400.
Attic furniture continued to perform well signalling a long awaited and welcome return to form for traditional quality brown antique furniture. Here, Lot 2684, an 18th Century yew and Windsor armchair sold for an impressive £1,100. Lot 2718A, a relatively modern console table in the Regency style found favour with interior decorators by selling for a pleasantly surprising £1,100.
With the current vogue and remarkable prices being achieved for quality antiques and collectables, there has never been a better time to sell.
If you are curious to find out the true current value of your jewellery, watches, silver, ceramics, pictures, classic vehicles, furniture and much more, please contact Adrian Rathbone on 07843 061921 or email images to [email protected]
