Hundreds of historical treasures – including Cromwellian helmets – will go under the hammer when the entire contents of a Welsh Castle go to auction in October.
The unique sale brings together a multitude of items from a fortress packed to the rafters with works of art and fascinating finds, according to Hansons Auctioneers. And with guide prices ranging from £50 to £50,000, there is something for everyone.
Charles Hanson, owner of the auction firm, said: “We discovered Cromwellian period lobster-tail helmets in the attic. Whose heads might they have protected 250 years ago? They could be yours for £500-£800 or £600-£1,000 respectively.
“The diversity of works of art, objects and furniture is exceptional. There’s an early 18th century shotgun, fine paintings, a massive 16-gallon copper Victorian wash tub, Georgian mahogany inlaid cutlery boxes and a centuries-old table worth £50,000.”
Together, some 460 castle lots said to ‘capture the golden age of antiques’ will be offered by Hansons on October 28 and they could sell for a combined total of £100,000.
The table destined to top the auction lots thanks to its quality is a 19th century tulipwood bureau-plat – a writing desk in an ornate French style, estimate £30,000-£50,000 (lot 105). Its design is in the manner of J L Cosson, circa 1850. Jacques-Laurent Cosson (1737-1812) was a renowned cabinetmaker in the second half of the 18th century.
Charles said: “It is a star lot within a jewel of a castle 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 Italian Grand Tour, mainly enjoyed by aristocrats for educational and other life experiences, is a source of two visually exciting lots. In the library, up high and away from bright sunlight, are a fresh-looking pair of superb water colours 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 highrespectively,they carry hopes of £1,800-£2,500.”
Other finds include a late 18th century Italian walnut and marquetry inlaid commode, £2,000-£3,000, and a cellar-found pine box for fishing rods made for Hardy Bros Pall Mall, circa 1890,£50. A modest £50-80 could also 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.
Also set for auction are items of clothing and military attire relating to former High Sheriff of Staffordshire Lt Col William Bealey Harrison (1838-1912) and Major WB Harrison. Their family home was Norton Hall in Staffordshire and the Harrison dynasty were coal industrialists. William was also a first-class cricketer and both men served in the forces.
Lot 329, estimate £400-£600, brings together items relating to them including a General Service cap with George V Royal Engineers cap badge; a Hawkes & Co Ltd Savile Row W silver braid peak cap; Peal & Co 487 Oxford Street London leather spurs case and spurs; a Bicorn silk hat, with feather plume, in toleware case, with ‘Capt W B Harrison’ inscribed on the lid; leather pistol holster; leather sword case containing a scabbard; a damaged Japanese wakizashi sword; Barr & Stroud binoculars and a ceremonial parade scarlet tunic.
The Contents Of An Important Welsh Castle will be offered by Hansons Auctioneers on October 28. Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonsauctioneers.co.uk.
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