Works of Art Auction Preview

Auctioneer Martin McIlroy previews the Works of Art on offer as part of the three day Fine Art Sale on 29th/30th/31st January 2013 at our salerooms in Exeter, Devon. The sale, which will have Internet Live Bidding support from both our English and Chinese language partners, has already attracted strong interest from prospective bidders in the Far East, particularly China.

A Boxwood and Ebony Staunton Pattern Competition Chess Set produced by The British Chess Company, which is being offered in the Works of Art section of the January 2013 Fine Art Sale. Estimate: £400-£600. (FS17/651).

Amongst the Works of Art in the upcoming Fine Art Sale (spread over three days on 29th/30th/31st January 2013) are two chess sets, both of Staunton design, one by the well known makers Jaques and contained in their cartonpierre box, the other set is by the British Chess Company.

An Early Jaques Boxwood and Ebony Staunton Pattern Chess Set, estimated at between £1,200 and £1,500. (FS17/652).

The British Chess Company of Stroud started to produce chess sets in 1890 and, whilst they only lasted about fifteen years, their sets were of high quality. The set is a competition size set with all pieces having weighted bases. They come in their original box with printed paper label and numbered No 15, together with a chess board also made by The British Chess Company. The set is expected to exceed the estimate of £300-£500. The Jaques chess set is expected to realise between £1,200-£1,500.

An Art Deco period ivory figure of a nude,
21cm high. Estimate: £400-£600. (FS17/721).

The next lot of interest is an elegant Art Deco ivory figure modelled as a nude female holding a drape over her shoulder and fruit in her other hand, raised on a polished onyx base; the piece is initialled ER and stands 21.5cm high. She is expected to realise in the region of £400-£600.

A 17th century Continental carved giltwood figure, probably Spanish, 65cm high. Estimate: £800-£1,200. (FS17/729).

Another figure which has attracted a great deal of interest is the 17th century continental carved gilt wood model of woman dressed in classical robes whilst holding a torch, possibly representing 'Victory'. She stands 65cm high and is expected to realise over £1,000.

A group of three Chinese polished bronze tripod censers. Estimate: £400-£600. (FS17/683). One of several lots of Chinese censers within the Works of Art section of the sale attracting strong interest from prospective bidders in the Far East.

Within the Oriental Works of Art, there are several examples of Chinese bronze censers. The collection, including different assorted sizes and designs, has invited numerous enquiries from the Far East and especially China. Either sold individually or in groups of two or three, there are high expectations for the collection to do well with estimates ranging from £200-£600.

A 17th century needlework casket. Estimate: £2,500-£3,500. (FS17/658).

There are two wonderful lots showing examples of the skill and dexterity of 17th Century stumpwork. The first is a casket decorated with biblical scenes using stumpwork, raised work, chenille's and coloured silks. The second is a similar item, except that the needlework panels have been removed from the casket, then mounted and framed. The panels are decorated with mythical scenes, such as the Judgement of Paris and Pyramus and Thisbe. Both are expected to realise in the region of £5,000.