As always with Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood’s Sporting and Collectors Auction, there is a glorious mix of items included in the auction that makes it a feast of delights for all collectors.
The first day starts with a good selection of traditional equestrian related items, including a Victorian silver equestrian menu holder (SC37/32), maker probably Samuel Jacob, London 1897, in the form of a huntswoman clearing a wall with hound following, estimated £80-£100*. There is also a wonderful pair of hunting horn table lighters (SC37/30) and a Victorian silver dog's head parasol handle in the form of a Boxer, London 1890 (SC37/34) that should entice a few bids on the day.
Among the Arms and Armour, there are several highlights including a 19th century 40-bore six-shot percussion cap transitional revolver by Parker Field & Son Holborn (SC30/137) (Estimate £3,200-£3,500*); also a pair of late 18th/early19th century percussion cap converted travelling pistols by J Blanch, London (SC37/145) (Estimate £600-£700*) and a beautifully decorated late 19th century Indo-Persian flintlock musket (SC37/140) that should attract bids above its pre-sale estimate of £700-£1,000*.
The Medals and Militaria section continues to provide some interesting and unique historical items that very few people ever get a chance to see. How many of you would have thought that the rare WWII Special Operation Executive SOE Agents 'Striptease Suit' Jumpsuit (SC37/417) would be sought after by collectors so much that it has a £3,000-£5,000 estimate*?
Medal groups, such as those of Group Captain Charles Herbert Tighe OBE DFC (SC37/261) and the WWI Military Cross group of four to 2nd Lieut AN Gould (SC37/252) will bring collectors to the room and online for the sale. There is also a rare Elcho Britis1 1871 Volunteer Pattern saw-back bayonet by Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie, (SC37/200), estimated at £1,200-£1,500*, that will draw even more International bidders in the form of collectors and museums to the Exeter salerooms.
Even the single owner collections of woodworking tools, fishing rods and reels will keep many interested at the end of the first day's sale.
Day Two begins with the traditional selection of stamps, coins and postcards. Among them is an excellent collection of Queen Victorian to Edward VII British stamps (SC37/672), which is reflected by its £4,000-£5,000 estimate. Even the 22ct gold Victorian 1897 Jubilee medallion, 24.3mm, 12.8g (SC37/691), estimated at £400-£600, may well surpass its pre-sale estimate on the day.
The second day also has a good single owner collection of original Dinky and Corgi toys (lots 853-963) that will spark the imagination of many collectors, as surly as the large scale (70mm) live steam 2-6-2 locomotive and tender (SC37/1029) (Estimate £600-£800*) will bring back many childhood memories.
Perhaps the thespian in you would like an historic piece of London’s Theatre land with the City of Westminster enamel sign 'Theatreland'. Charing Cross Road WC2 (SC37/1047) (Estimate £700-£900) or perhaps you may even want to take a sip of one of seven bottles of Taylor Fladgate Vintage port, 1970, Berry Bros & Rudd Ltd (SC37/1227) (Estimate £600-£700*).
Whatever your fancy there is sure to be something to grab your attention or make a statement in any interior. For more information, please contact Brian Goodison-Blanks.
* Buyer's premium 30% (including VAT)
