Auction Reports

The hugely versatile Christopher Dresser sold 37 different designs to the Sheffield firm of Dixon and Sons from 1879-82.

A stand-out lot of Bellmans’ (25% buyer’s premium) biannual Fine Clocks auction on December 5 was a chronometer made for the 1874 British expedition to observe the transit of Venus.

Pin cushions, including an early 19th century example made from a silk dress believed to be worn by Caroline of Brunswick (1768-1821), were a major feature of a recent auction at Warwick-based Bleasdales’ (20% buyer’s premium).

The recipient of this George III period shamshir was once described by military historian Sir John Fortescue as “the bravest man to ever wear a red coat”.

An Irish presentation ormolu-mounted and enamelled sabre came for sale at a recent auction at Bonhams Knightsbridge (28/27/21/14.5% buyer’s premium).

A George III Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund silver presentation two-handled covered cup was offered as part of the Fine Decorative Arts sale at Bonhams (28/27/21/14.5% buyer’s premium) in London.

The Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund was formed at a meeting of merchants and underwriters at the Lloyd’s Coffee House in London in July 1803, to reward those who had displayed significant valour in the defence of Britain. The funds came via public subscription.

Punchy prices result as demand for relics linked to the British naval hero remains evidently high

A pair of pistols that were presented by Napoleon just six weeks after his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo hammered at £30,000 in Thomas Del Mar’s sale of Fine Antique Arms, Armour & Militaria held at Olympia Auctions (25% buyer’s premium).

The autumn staging of Lyon & Turnbull’s (26/25/20% buyer’s premium) Modern Made sale at the Mall Galleries in London included one of the best-known designs by Gerald Summers (1899-1967): his armchair c.1933-34.

Royal Doulton design was produced on response to popular demand for eastern-style ceramics

This 20in (51cm) pottery figure of a rhinoceros is dated to the Tang (618-907AD) period.

It is said Louis Vuitton spent 17 years mastering the art of trunk making before establishing his eponymous company in 1854.

Generating a huge amount of international media coverage both before and after Reeman Dansie’s (25% buyer’s premium) November 5 sale titled Royalty, Antiques & Fine Art was a piece of fruitcake from the wedding of Princess Elizabeth to Lieutenant Prince Philip of Greece on November 20, 1947.

The production of carved and painted pine toys in Erzgebirge, Bavaria, became a thriving cottage industry.

Sale including pieces produced by French designer in cire perdue technique attracts international interest

A remarkably well-preserved blue sprang sash, dated c.1620, was the stand-out lot in a sale of textiles and antiques at Cirencester auction house Dominic Winter (20% buyer’s premium).

A “once-in-a-generation” collection of treen containing all manner of small turned objects, from a toasting dog to a decorated busk stay, was the major feature in a timed online sale of vernacular furniture, folk art and textiles at Bonhams Knightsbridge (28/27% buyer’s premium).

Pre-17th century English oak carving tends to generate a certain amount of market excitement on the basis that much less of it survives.

The residual contents of Yorkshire country house Copgrove Hall were sold by Duggleby Stephenson (25% buyer’s premium) in York.