Brave Pigeon flies to great heights

16th February 2018

The latest monthly sale of Antiques & Collectables staged by Killens at the Mendip Auction Rooms attracted the largest crowd ever seen for such a sale and came only four days after a sale of Victorian & Later Effects that also saw a huge crowd of potential buyers in attendance with fierce bidding seen at both.

At the Antiques sale, there was a good entry of quality pictures with an oil on canvas by Fred Morgan of children playing with kittens generating strong interest eventually selling for £1800. Most interest was seen however for a portrait of the war pigeon, William of Orange which was awarded the Dickin Medal for bravery for delivering a message from the Arnhem Airborne Mission in World War 2. Keen bidding eventually saw the portrait sell for £1,300.

Interest from oriental buyers was strong and a Chinese white jade carving of a dog measuring only 4cm wide sold well above estimate for £850. A good entry of jewellery was on offer with strong prices achieved for those items on offer. An 18ct white gold solitaire ring set made £1000, a 9ct gold curb bracelet £870 and a 9ct gold ingot pendant £380. Silver was also in demand.

On 3rd April, Killens will be staging a grand sale combining the Antiques & Collectables and Victorian & Later Effects sales scheduled for the first week in April. Viewing will take place on 29th March, 30th March (Good Friday) and 2nd April (Easter Monday). Filming will also take place for the Antiques Road Trip and entries are invited.

The next sale at the auction rooms will be of Victorian and Later Effects on 20th February and the team will be staging a valuation morning on Wednesday 7th March between 10am and 1pm at the offices of Killens in Sadler Street, Wells so do go along and take advantage of their expertise. Otherwise, valuers are on hand every weekday morning to accept entries or are happy to undertake free home visits. Also ensure that you follow the auction rooms on facebook to see the latest news or register with them to receive the catalogues.