SMITHS Auctions in Newent have had to quickly empty their saleroom after their June auction in order to accommodate the contents of a very large local estate.

The property includes a huge range of fine antiques ranging from furniture, ceramics, paintings, silver, jewellery and an interesting selection of decorative antiques. In fact the whole consignment is so large that it has had to be divided between the August and September sales. For the sale on the 8th & 9th of August there are a number of larger furniture items such as two Georgian chests on stand, a wide choice of attractive 19th century chests of drawers, three 18th century carved oak coffers and a lovely George III oak low dresser base. This represents an excellent opportunity for local buyers to pick and choose from a great selection of antiques at prices far below those charged on the high street. 

The sale also includes some exciting jewellery items such as a very fine quality sapphire and diamond ring estimated at £4,000/£6,000. The central Ceylon sapphire is a stunning blue in colour and weighs in at just over 5cts whilst the two flanking diamonds are around 75 points each. A very attractive Art Deco style ring is set with six diamonds flanking a large emerald cut sea blue tourmaline. Estimated to make £800/£1200 it is sure to prove popular with private buyers often looking for something a little bit unusual. Other jewellery items include a good range of antique and modern rings, brooches, earrings, bracelets and necklaces estimated between £30 to £1,000.

The silver section includes a large collection of silver compacts as well as a selection of other silver collectables from a number of sources. Of particular interest is a range of Scandinavian silver and enamel items by the designer David Andersen. This includes a very desirable pair of owl form salt and pepper pots estimated at £200/£300 and a beautiful harlequin coloured set of ten silver and enamel teaspoons estimated at £150/£200. 

The sale also features an exceptionally large range of both modern and antique paintings with a variety of oils, watercolours and prints. Many of these are yet to arrive at the saleroom but an early bird selection includes a skillful oil painting ‘The Gardener’ by the artist William Fitz (1180-1915). It sensitively depicts an old man in a straw hat carefully tending to his potted geranium – estimated at £200/£400 it may strike a chord with some like minded purchasers. 

The sale is not short on eye catching antiques which will surely attract those who enjoy putting together an arty interior. A beautiful 19th century carved and painted Folk Art sculpture of a snipe is bound to soar away on sale day from it’s £100/£150 estimate. Other attractive rustic items include an antique carved and gilt large cherub head wall bracket and an 18th century double sided carved gingerbread mould  depicting a soldier to one side and a young woman to the other – both estimated at £80/£120. 

The sale is now completely full for furniture and paintings, however good quality entries of ceramics, toys, glass, silver, jewellery and collectables are invited before the final deadline on the 22nd of July. Please telephone 01531 821776 to book an appointment or visit www.smithsnewentauctions.co.uk for further information.