Tennants Auctioneers’ Live Online Auction of Jewellery, Watches & Silver on 9th January saw impressive results despite the current restrictions. Buyers joined in the sale from across the world with the array of period and modern silver particularly in demand. Indeed, the Silver and Objects of Vertu Section achieved an impressive 100% sold rate, and competitive bidding throughout resulted in over 55% of the lots selling at or above their high estimates. Highlights of the section included an Edward VII Silver Trophy-Cup by William Aitken of Birmingham, 1905, which sold for £9,000 (plus buyers premium) against an estimate of £4,000-6,000. The trophy was presented to the winner of the Memorial Plate of the late William Watt Esq. at Beverly Races in 1906. The race was won by M.D. Peacock’s 3-year-old Tallantire and ridden by A. Flanagan.
Further highlights of silver in the sale included two pairs of Arts and Crafts style silver candlesticks by James Dixson and Sons, Sheffield. The first pair, made in 1906 sold for £2,700, and the second, made in 1947 sold for £2,000. Also of interest were a set of Italian Glass Scent-Bottles by Fonderia di S. Maria Novella, Florence from the early 19th century. Modelled as a book, the bottles, according to the labels, contained nutmeg, camphor, cedar, lavender and bergamot and the lot sold for £2,200.
Excellent prices were seen for the Jewellery on offer in the sale, with buyers particularly seeking out unusual and interesting pieces. Examples include an Edwardian Suffragette Amethyst, Pearl and Enamel Pendant on a Chain, which sold for £750 against an estimate of £300-500. The Suffragette colours, purple, white and green which signify loyalty/dignity, purity and hope respectively are represented by the purple amethysts, white enamel and pearls and green enamel leaf. Also of note was a group lot of enamel Flag jewellery made by the notable Isle of Wight jewellers Benzie of Cowes. Comprising a 9 Carat Gold Enamel Maritime Signal Flag Bracelet, two Enamel Flag Brooches, and two Enamel Flag Stickpins, the sold for the top estimate at £700.
Earrings were extremely popular, too, with many attractive designs to choose from. Top lots included a Pair of 18 Carat Gold Sapphire and Diamond Drop Earrings that sold for £1,200, two pairs of Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Earrings that sold for £950 and £850, and a pair of 18ct White Gold and Diamond Solitaire Earrings that sold for £2,600. Good lots of period jewellery sold well, such as an Eight Strand Freshwater Seed Pearl Necklace with the Victorian gold, diamond, emerald and pearl-set clasp modelled as a gloved hand that sold for £600. An attractive Edwardian Diamond Cluster Brooch of star design sold for £1,900. However, the top hammer prices of the section were achieved by single stone diamonds rings over a 1ct, for example a Diamond Solitaire Ring with old-cut diamond, which sold for £3,200.
Antique, vintage and collectable pocket and wristwatches achieved high selling rates and strong prices too. Highlights of the section included an Oris ‘Big Crown’ reference 7696-40, a clean modern watch in military style that came with original box and guarantee and sold for £500. Nice clean examples of the classic collectable watches sold well too, such as the desirable Omega Seamaster Cosmic reference 166026 from 1975 that sold for £420 against an estimate of £150-250. Pocket watches with unusual features caught the eye of bidders, with a Silver Pair Cased Verge ‘Doctors Dial’ Centre Seconds Pocket Watch signed E Josephs & Co, Liverpool, 1792 that sold for £480.
The sale achieved a total hammer price of £190,495 with an 87% sold rate.
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