Smiths Auction Rooms suffered a minor set back last week when the valuer took a tumble and fractured her shoulder. Luckily the injury has not proved too debilitating, and she has continued to carry out all the valuations and cataloguing – albeit with assistance from other staff.
The injury is healing well and other than not being able to drive or wave her arm about quite so much when auctioneering, most normal tasks around the saleroom are getting more manageable. Smiths next antiques and collectables sale is on the 22nd and 23rd of June and the catalogue will go online on the 16th of June with viewing on the 20th and 21st of June 10am-5pm.
Luckily the injury was not found to be a problem when a local vendor brought in a good selection of beautiful antique jewellery for sale. The first item out of the box was a huge rectangular aquamarine ring which was rather a ‘statement piece’ estimated at £300/£500.
In contrast a stunning Victorian opal and diamond necklace featured ten graduated oval cut opals interspersed with old cut diamonds and was estimated at £3,500 to £4,500.
It would be perfect for an antique jewellery enthusiast especially as it still has its original fitted case.
A very elaborate Renaissance style Victorian 15ct gold emerald and diamond set pendant also came with it’s original box and would also really only appeal to a specialist collector.
Estimated at £2,000 to £3,000 it will probably be bought by the London trade online rather than a local buyer.
However more wearable antique jewellery items in the sale include a very attractive banded agate and old cut diamond bar brooch estimated at £120/£180, a fine Victorian five stone diamond ring with unusual square settings estimated at £400/£600 and a very attractive turquoise and seed pearl necklace estimated at £150/£200.
Other areas of the sale include a good selection of collectables such as a selection of Dinky cars including some valuable examples in their original boxes and a variety of other collectable toys. These include a collection of antique Britains lead figures and animals as well as an even larger set of the later Britains plastic animals. Apparently, the owner of the figures bought a huge selection of the figures from a toy shop when it was closing down – they look rather impressive standing neatly arranged row upon row.
A group of boxed vintage Barbie doll sets in excellent condition include her ‘Barbecue Set, Dallas House, VW Golf and Hat & Handbag Counter’!
Other collectable items include a good range of small silver items such as folding fruit knives, caddy spoons, stone set swivel fobs, scent bottles and some very pretty propelling pencils. Larger collectables include fishing rods, antique golf clubs, a huge Orion telescope and even a Victorian garden roller!
The watch section includes a vintage Omega lady’s 18ct gold cocktail watch with diamond set bezel, a Tudor Rolex ladies 9ct gold watch and a gentlemen’s vintage Bulova Snorkel Automatic wristwatch which should easily surpass it’s £200/£300 estimate. Gentlemen’s watches have become one of the most sought after collectables in recent years and usually far outstrip the prices made by similar ladies watches.
A large selection of furniture in the sale means that the saleroom is now full and entries for furniture are now closed. Items include a good selection of antique dining tables and chairs, a range of attractive armchairs, occasional tables, side cabinets and display cabinets.
The coins section is also full now and cataloguing has closed, however final entries of good quality jewellery, gold, silver, ceramics, glass and small collectable items are still invited.
Please telephone 01531 821776 or visit www.smithsnewentauctions.co.uk