Regal portrait turns heads

13th October 2019

Killens saw another healthy entry of almost 600 lots in their sale of Antiques and Collectables held on 5th October. It was a day when it was confirmed that quality attracts keen interest.

The Mendip Auction Room attract buyers seeking quality watches and clocks and there was strong bidding for those on offer with a mixed metal Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust watch with a gold dial selling for £2500 and a stainless steel Cartier Tank Francaise small model watch realising £1000. Jewellery selling to advantage included an 18ct gold bracelet with two charms that achieved £840 and a single strand of pearls that made £520.

Quality furniture saw stronger interest with a George II style walnut low boy making £1300 and a George III oak dresser base £1200. Whilst some interior decorators are getting more vocal in support of brown furniture – particularly furniture that makes a statement - It does seem as if it may take time for the younger generations to appreciate the virtues of furniture that is well built and which has lived when compared to white furniture from IKEA, but there are indications that the appreciation may come.

There was an excellent variety of paintings and pictures on offer, including contemporary art that would look great in any modern home. The star of the show, however, was a 17th century portrait miniature of Charles I painted on copper and which attracted keen interest from within the saleroom, over the internet and the phone. With an estimate of £400 – 600, two potential buyers clearly had their taste buds salivating and the gavel eventually fell for £2900. Some excellent ceramics were also on offer with a Moorcroft vase of baluster form and decorated in the Eventide pattern selling for £400, a large Chinese porcelain floor vase making £300 and a pair of Doulton stoneware vases decorated by Hannah Barlow realising £300.

During each month, the team at the Mendip Auction Rooms run a busy schedule of sales with two sales of Victorian and Later Effects, including household effects, and a sale of Antiques and Collectables. It is possible to drop items off at the auction rooms between 10am and 3pm each weekday with valuers being present. Alternatively, members of the team are content to visit you free of charge at home.

Our next sale of Antiques and Collectables will be staged on Saturday 2nd November starting at 10am.