A 400-year-old gold coin found among a pile of loose change and a watch presented to a British rally driver in 1970 raced to glory at auction.
A 1970 Heuer Autavia Chronograph watch awarded to privateer rally driver Doug Harris for finishing the 16,000-mile London to Mexico World Cup Rally in 1970 was expected to achieve £6,000-8,000 at the inaugural sale of Hansons Royal Tunbridge Wells (HansonsRTW) in Kent on May 23, 2023.
However strong bidding saw the watch hammer at £9,500. In addition, an accompanying engraved silver coffee pot trophy was contested to £2,000, smashing its £500-£800 guide. Both sold to the same buyer, a private collector who was involved in the race in 1970.
Robin Fletcher, manager of HansonsRTW office in The Pantiles Arcade, said: “I was thrilled by this result. Vintage watches and silver are in demand but these examples were extra special due to their connection to Doug Harris. He won Class 1 of the race in his Ford Escort 1300GT, the car with the smallest engine in the event.”
The watch, engraved, ‘World Cup Rally 1970. Mr D Harris. Congratulations from Ford Britain’, came to auction courtesy of the Harris family and provenance included a photo of Doug’s car, no 45.
Another lot to do well was a Charles I gold Unite coin, circa 1625, which hammered at £2,000 after being plucked out of a mish-mash of mixed 20th century coins at a house in Tunbridge Wells.
Robin said: “I spotted the historical gem hidden among around 200 coins and bank notes. Its owner found it at the back of a dressing table drawer when she was sorting thought her late aunt’s effects. Both she and her husband assumed it must be fake so took little notice of it and tossed it into the box of old coins.”
The coin features a portrait of Charles I (1600-1649). He was King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from March 27, 1625 until his execution in 1649.
Other items to sell well included lot 4, a 1950s Omega 266 gents’ 9ct wristwatch and bracelets. (£1,180) and lot 272, a Tunbridge ware panel depicting The Pantiles (£330).
In addition, lot 276, a carved wood heraldic arm entwined by oak leaves and acorns with a bare fist grasping a dragon’s head hammered at £850, double its £350-£450 guide.
Robin said: “It’s believed this unusual item may have been removed from St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. It features the Bath crest of General The Honourable Sir John Francis Gathorne-Hardy. He was appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Military Division of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath in 1935.
“Overall, I was delighted to see so many lots excel in the first Tunbridge Wells sale, and to uncover so many great finds along the way. We have had a great response from the public since opening our valuation and consignment office in the Pantiles Arcade.”
Auction entries invited
Entries are invited for the next HansonsRTW auction. To discuss a potential consignment, or to book a free valuation or home visit, please email Robin Fletcher: [email protected]
Free valuations are available on Fridays and Saturdays, 10am-3pm, at HansonsRTW, The Pantiles Arcade, 49 The Lower Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5TE. No appointment necessary.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers and a familiar face on TV antiques shows, will be hosting valuation events at the Pantiles office starting on June 23, 11am-3pm.
