The auction included a good wide selection of interesting collectables, classic works of art, stylish furniture, and all manner of decorative and unique objects to suit all tastes and budgets. It was good to see lots of people attending Baffins Hall on the viewing days, from some big names in the antiques world looking for stock for their businesses, to collectors looking to add treasures to their collections, and private buyers looking for unique pieces to furnish their homes.
Sale day saw a busy saleroom full of eager bidders competing with the online bidding platforms of live bidders from all around the UK and internationally too. Some of the highlights being the George Owen vase (£9000), a pair of bronze Marley horses (£2400), a set of table and stools by Alvar Aalto (£1600), and an Irish Grandfather clock (£1150).
First up we have Tom's highlights:
The early 1970s were an amazing period for retro-futurist design. Particularly with its spherical form, this fantastic radio and cassette unit would pair nicely with a JVC Videosphere Television of the same era. These would not feel out of place on the set of A Clockwork Orange. Analogue hardware of this look and age will only get rarer over the years, and the style is sure to have a real resurgence.
As a relatively new auctioneer, a lot of things will test and surprise you on the rostrum. With bids in the room, online and several telephone bidders, this was one of a few lots that did exactly that. A fine example of an Irish longcase clock with some real age, there was spirited bidding for it, which led to a fantastic result of £1150 on the hammer against an estimate of £300-500.
Next up, Nick's favourite sold lots...
The sheer complexity of the skill and patience required to create this is incredible, they are rare things and highly sought after when they turn up. I first spotted it while carrying out a probate valuation report on the contents of a house, and couldn't quite believe what I was seeing when I spotted it amongst a modern cabinet full of relatively minor ornaments. It just shows that the most amazing objects can turn up in the least likely of places and as a valuer I have to keep my eyes peeled at all times! The price achieved was very pleasing too, for the client and for us.
A fine quality George III striking eight day longcase clock by Thomas Mudge of London - another object of great quality and skill from both the clock maker and the cabinet maker combined, a timeless classic, a stylish object crafted from quality materials that would give any home a real sense of elegance.
And here are Lucy's...
I love this example of classic modern design. The set demonstrates nicely how exciting it is when 20th-century design sits alongside traditional antiques in a sale. The £1,600 result was a really satisfying reflection of that, and my client was very happy!
I enjoy the contrast these offer to the Alvar Aalto furniture. They have a nicely faded theatrical presence, and a slightly eccentric decorative character to them that appeals to me. The fact that they are a pair increases their market appeal.
Our next auction is on October 29th & 30th, to include Jewellery & Silver, some good collections of Art, and of course lots of Antiques & Collectables. If you have anything you would like to consign for this auction, please
request a valuation.
