Smiths Auctions’ September sale produced a number of rather surprising results including an unexpected bid of £1,700 for a Georgian policeman’s truncheon from ‘Yatton West’ in Bristol.

The unusual brass-clad mahogany example with engraved Georgian crown and the word ‘Constable’ was of a rare type, possibly exclusive to the Bristol docks area.

Bidding started at the lower end of the £200/£300 estimate but quickly progressed between a commission bidder and what appeared to be a single online buyer.

Top price of the sale was again rather surprising when an Omega Speedmaster Professional wristwatch sold for £4,900 against a £1,000 to £1,500 estimate.

The owner of the watch had bought it from new in 1969 and had sent several rather stunning pictures of him wearing it in the Antarctic where he had been working for from 1970 to 1972.

A Smith’s spokesperson said: “Whether the macho bearded image of him grasping the under carriage of an aeroplane in the bleak snowy landscape had helped the watch sell better we shall never know!”

Another less unexpected surprise was the £1,050 paid for a 1940’s Olympic badge which had been estimated for auction at £600/£800.

The badge was a rare example from the planned 1940 Tokyo games which were cancelled due to the Second World War.

Research prior to the sale had shown it to be a very collectable item. The owner had been amazed to find that it might be of interest and told the valuer that she had nearly thrown it away.

Other interesting results in the collectables section included a box of vintage Hong Kong maps which made £600 and a charming Victorian pencil sketch book diary of a young child from 1840, which made £440.

In the jewellery section a fine diamond ring sold for £2,600 whilst a gold charm bracelet made £1,050.

The silver section saw a selection of Glasgow hallmarked silver selling well to collectors including a Victorian elaborately embossed tea kettle which made £860.

Other silver items and collectables sold very successfully including a 17th century spoon which made £270 and a fine William IV tea set from the 1830s which made £780.

Smiths Auctions are inviting entries for the November sale from Monday (October 2) by appointment.

The sale will include a special section of silver, jewellery and gold as well as good quality antiques, furniture, paintings and collectables. Telephone 01531 821776 or visit www.smithsnewentauctions.co.uk for further information.