Everything from jewellery to centuries ancient British almanacs excelled in the June 2023 sale at Hanson Holloway’s Ross in Banbury, Oxfordshire.
Here auctioneer Jasper Marsh reveals the lots that sparked strong bidding.
Lot 127 | Amber beads triple estimate
Amber beads often surprise at auction and that was true of lot 127. A selection of amber/amber type and Bakelite necklaces comprising two egg yolk amber bead necklaces, plus a strand of cherry amber effect Bakelite beads, soared to £900 from an estimate of £200 – £300
Lot 258 | Almanacs excel
A wonderful collection of Rider’s British Merlin almanacs, one of the earliest almanacs to be published, issued from 1656 until at least 1830, achieved £4000.
They included Rider’s British Merlin, 1699, 16vo, printed in black and red, the end papers with many hand written annotations, plus 16 other British Merlin almanacs from 1700, 1701, 1703, 1704, 1705, 1707, 1711, 1714, 1715, 1719, 1720, 1725, 1727, 1728, 1731 and 1733.
This collection of Rider’s British Merlin was formally the property of Francis Drewe Esq. of The Grange, Broadhembury, Devon, and thence by descent to the vendor.
Rider British Merlin almanacs contained the calendar, weather, and astronomical and astrological information. The pages for each month of the year were accompanied by advice on what, and what not to eat and drink, and otherwise how to keep in good health. There were horticultural notes with abundant attention paid to herbs, fruit and vegetables.vThe lengthiest sections listed annual fairs in England and Wales.
It is generally held that Cardanus Rider is a pseudonym, and near-anagram: the letters rearrange as Ric_ard Saunder_. Richard was an English physician and astrologer, born in 1613, and who died (sources differ) either in 1675, 1687, or 1692.
Lot 327 | Wine time
A 19th century brass bound mahogany wine cooler, with lead lined interior and twin wreath cast drop ring handles doubled its £100 – £150 estimate to achieve £230
Lot 347 | Chinese surprise
Perhaps the biggest surprise in terms of smashed estimates was this 20th century Chinese gilt bronze Kylin, modelled with head turned and juvenile clinging to back. It sold for £600 from a £30-£50 guide, underlining the incredible demand for Chinese and oriental works of art.
Lot 1 | Edwardian beauty
This Edwardian 18ct gold, guilloche enamel and seed pearl set lady’s fob watch with Arabic dial, the reverse of the case decorated with a courting couple, swept to £560.
Auction entries invited
Hanson Holloway’s Ross welcomes consignments for its monthly sales. Click here to learn more.
