Victorian, Edwardian and vintage silver and jewellery proved irresistible to bidders in Hansons’ February sales.
Bidders were attracted to the beauty, rarity and quality of items made long ago and many objects significantly exceeded their estimates.
Head of Jewellery Helen Smith said: “We had some amazing results in the February Antiques & Collectors Auction. It seems love really was in the air with people buying belated Valentine’s gifts, such as lot 220, a charming sapphire heart-shaped Victorian pendant, below.
“Bidders also adored a beautiful Victorian diamond-set entwined heart brooch, below. Victorian jewellery is sought after and consistently achieves strong prices. Items like lot 213, a Victorian garnet buckle bracelet, and lot 178, a19th century garnet knot brooch, are hard to find as many have been smelted or lost over time. So when items like this arrive at the saleroom I am delighted. They really are treasures.
“A favourite of mine in the sale was lot 251, below, a mourning stick pin. This was a first for me as I have never seen a stick pin with a glazed compartment to the verse. It was possibly unique, certainly rare.
“I also loved an enamel dragonfly brooch, which did way over estimate due to it being a Marius Hammer offering. It was unusual in that it depicted a dragonfly and not a butterfly. It made £210 and I would have dearly liked it for my collection. An Art Deco aquamarine brooch also attracted attention, such a lovely stone.
“Jewellery is in strong demand with bidders worldwide so, if you are considering selling, don’t hesitate to contact me for a free assessment.”
E: [email protected] or call 01283 733988
Jewellery in demand
Lot 211 | 19th century paste set foil-backed gold brooch/pendant, comprising a floral arrangement of oval mixed cut aquamarine and topaz foil backed stones, with small diamond accents and gold decoration | Sold £900 (£300-400)
Lot 213 | Victorian garnet buckle bracelet, the front an engraved buckle clasp and engraved panels, one panel with different | Sold £1,000 (£300-500)
Lot 251 | Victorian mourning stick pin, comprising oval bulls eye agate within a rope border, the reverse with glazed hair compartment, inscribed ‘J.W Obit June 21 1862’. Sold £75 (estimate £40-50)
Lot 112 | Marius Hammer Norwegian silver and enamel dragonfly brooch, with turquoise guilloche enamel wings and blue enamel body | Sold £210 (£30-40)
Lot 220 | Victorian diamond and sapphire set heart pendant, comprising an oval mixed cut sapphire, weighing approx 0.65ct | Sold £980 (£300-400)
Lot 180 | Early 20th century aquamarine and 15ct white gold bar brooch, comprising an octagonal step cut aquamarine, weighing approx 7.5carats | Sold £400 (£200-300)
Lot 181 | Victorian diamond set double heart brooch, comprising a double heart with bow top set with rose cut diamonds | Sold £420 (£150-200)
Lot 178 | A mid-19th century garnet and yellow metal knot brooch, comprising a decorative knot set with oval mixed cut garnets, chain swag drop suspending an oval locket set with a garnet, glazed reverso inset with hair | Sold £340 (£150-200)
Shining silver lots
In the silver section, valuer Daniel Armstrong’s personal favourite was a century-old Edwardian silver novelty pin cushion in the shape of a bull dog with a stick in his mouth, below. Hallmarked by Adie & Lovekin Ltd, Birmingham, circa 1905, bids flew to £320 from a modest estimate of £50-£70.
Another top lot – and a lovely item according to Daniel, below- was a Victorian silver jug of classical Greek Askos form, hallmarked London, 1839, maker’s mark rubbed. It had a plain body engraved with a crest above a banner motto and the initial ‘W’.
The handle was cast with trailing vine leaves and bunches of grapes, the cover with grape and vine leaf finial. It achieved £720.
Auction entries invited
To book a free silver or jewellery valuation email [email protected] or call 01283 733988.
