Smiths of Newent’s forthcoming two day auction is on June 22-23 and includes a good range of interesting antiques and collectables as well as a specialist section for coins, notes and medallions.

The fully illustrated catalogue will go online on the 16th of June with viewing on the 20th and 21st of June 10am-5pm and on the morning of the sales 9am-10am.

The coin section of the sale includes a number of exceptional highlights, undoubtably led by a James II 1685 gold guinea estimated at £4,000/£6,000. This is obviously a very rare coin as James II was only on the throne from 1685 to 1688 when he was deposed in ‘The Glorious Revolution’. There are also a number of early silver coins on offer such as a Queen Anne Crown 1708 estimated at £1,000/£1,500 and a selection of early hammered silver coinage dating from the 13th century onwards.

Obviously condition is very important, since many of these coins have not survived without considerable wear or damage. Of particular note is an Edward VI hammered silver shilling (third period 1550 – 1553) in very fine condition estimated at £500/£700. The coin section also features a substantial selection of more modern gold coins including two gold sovereign bracelets estimated between £2,000/£4,000 each, whilst a Jersey 1972 gold and silver Royal Wedding Coin Set is expected to make £2,000/£3,000. The 18th and 19th centuries are also well represented with a rare 1847 Queen Victoria Gothic silver crown in extra fine condition estimated to make a similar figure.

Unexpectedly the jewellery section of the sale has seen a significant level of entries with a local vendor offering a fantastic consignment of beautiful antique jewellery for sale.

One very unusual rarity, which is definitely not an item that would appeal to everyone, is a Victorian gold necklace set with twenty six metallic green scarab beetles. Scarab beetles (which are more commonly called dung beetles) have been used in jewellery since the Egyptian period with several revivals–notably during the Victorian and Art Deco periods.

The beetles were viewed as powerful symbols of the cycle of life and death and consequently worn as a form of protection from evil spirits.

The Victorians were of course not frightened of getting enthusiastic about dead animals and developed a rather gruesome obsession for taxidermy in many different forms as well as using bird feathers and butterfly wings to decorate a wide range of items. Insects were surprisingly popular motifs in jewellery with spider, bee and fly design brooches and pendants in strong demand.

This may all seem rather counter intuitive to us, but this actually reflects a genuine interest and curiosity in the natural sciences and a love of nature.

The scarab beetle necklace comes with a pair of matching pendant earrings (each hung with a single beetle) and is estimated to make £300/£500–although it is hoped it will do far better on the day due to its excellent condition and the large number of beetles involved!

Further consignments of fine jewellery continued to flood into the saleroom right up until the sale deadline with a large quantity of high quality and attractive modern jewellery coming from a lady having ‘a bit of a clear out’.

This includes a number of very wearable pieces such as a designer Italian stone set necklace, gold collar necklace, carved coral earrings and a Tiffany silver and gold mounted necklace. Yet another client de-clutting her jewellery box is selling a very attractive white gold diamond set asymmetrical scroll ring and a fine quality diamond set bar brooch, both expected to make £1000/£1500.

In fact the sale includes so much valuable jewellery the auctioneers have been forced to find additional cabinet space to fit it all in!

The silver section is also looking rather smart with a pair of Georgian candleticks estimated at £1000/£1500, but there are plenty of smaller collectable items such as spirit flasks, pepper grinders, caviar spoons, folding fruit knives, caddy spoons, scent bottles and some very pretty propelling pencils.

A large selection of antique furniture on offer means that the tiny saleroom is full to the brim with ‘brown furniture’ bargains including a Georgian walnut chest on chest estimated at just £500/£700,

Two Victorian chaise longue, three Victorian dining tables and a number of chairs of all shapes and sizes.

An unusual collection of antique rustic stools includes a pair of milking stools by the Robin Nance of St Ives working in the Arts & Crafts style. Estimated at just £60/£100 they are bound to be chased into the low hundreds of pounds by collectors.

A ‘trendy’ circular teak and glass G Plan coffee table will appeal to the younger fans of retro furniture and is estimated at £150/£200.

Smiths are now looking for good quality entries for their August sale which includes a full range of antiques and collectables as well as a specialist section for Advertising Items, Enamel Signs, Postcards and Antique Packaging. Please telephone 01531 821776 for an appointment or visit www.smithsnewentauctions.co.uk