Fine Art Auction Preview

The first Fine Sale since the lockdown looks to be a spectacular affair. The sale is good, varied and well-stocked. It has a great deal to offer with each of the usual sections teeming with interesting and delightful items. Importantly, this sale is being sold BOTH online and in the salerooms with all the safety precautions the 'new normality' demands.

A pair of Softwood and Polychrome Decorated Decoy Mallard Ducks (FS46/662) offered in our Two Day Fine Art Sale starting on 21st July 2020 at our salerooms in Exeter, Devon. The sale is being offered both online aand in the salerooms. We have taken special health & safety precautions, which we ask visitors to observe throughout their visit.

The forthcoming Fine Sale does seem to contain something of a menagerie which includes a group of 'folk art' decoy ducks comprising a pair of Mallard (FS46/662), a Gadwall (FS46/663), a Teal (FS46/664) and a Pintail (FS46/665) and elsewhere you can take your choice of any number of silver novelties, among them a Victorian vesta case (FS46/78) in the form of a horse's head, a pig vesta case (FS46/80) and a Sampson Mordan & Co owl shaped pin cushion (FS46/81).

A 19th Century Carved Wood and Polychrome Decorated Gadwall Decoy Duck (FS46/663).

Carved Wood and Polychrome Decorated Decoy Duck (FS46/664).

A Carved Wood and Polychrome Decorated Decoy Pintail Duck (FS46/665).

A Victorian Silver Novelty Vesta Case, Maker HBs, Birmingham, 1884 (FS46/78).

An Elizabeth II Silver Novelty Vesta Case, Maker David A Bowles, London, 1998 (FS46/80).

An Edward VII Silver Owl Pin Cushion, Maker Sampson Mordan & Co Ltd, Chester, 1907 (FS46/81).

However, you will need to spend a little more if you want to bag yourself the pair of Chester silver pheasants (FS46/117), bearing import marks for Berthold Muller they are estimated at £1,000-£1,200.

A pair of Continental Silver Pheasants, bearing the import marks For Berthold Muller, Chester, 1909 (FS46/117).

A German Pewter Mounted Stoneware 'Hunting' Stein (FS46/562).

Also from Germany is a pewter mounted stoneware hunting stein (FS46/562) moulded with huntsmen, figures, dogs, bears and stags, in great order for something made in the 17th century.

With lockdown easing. perhaps we can all look forward to a holiday though perhaps it is a little early to be gazing at the Ducal Palace and Grand Canal in Venice as depicted in the oil catalogued as Circle of William Clarkson Stanfield (FS46/468), but with hopes of £3,000-£5,000. Perhaps a staycation in Scotland as reflected by Robert Houston with his renderings of Iona (FS46/477) and Mull (FS46/476)?

Circle of William Clarkson Stanfield (1793-1867): The Ducal Palace, Grand Canal, Venice, (FS46/468).

Robert Houston (1891-1940): The Village, Iona (FS46/477).

Robert Houston (1891-1940): Mull Shores (FS46/476).

Who knows, you might even consider Brighton, where Martha Gunn (FS46/566) plied her trade as a Bathing Woman who immersed individuals for the health benefits in the salty English Channel. She included amongst her patrons the Prince of Wales, often depicted drinking ale and especially gin, but you have to forgive her that particular habit. After all, if you spent all day in the sea, you might want something to warm the cockles.

However, if you prefer a more refined lady and cocktails are your favourite tipple then why not splash out £2,000-£3,000 on a sapphire and diamond cocktail cluster ring (FS46/293)? Somewhat indulgent to wear jewellery specifically for drinking, but hey why not?

A late 18th Century Prattware 'Martha Gunn' Toby Jug and Cover (FS46/566).

A Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Cluster Ring (FS46/293).

As ever, the sale concludes with a robust furniture section headed up by an Italian tortoiseshell, ebony and coromandel architectural cabinet (FS46/979), though more affordable is a pair of Georgian mahogany and leather club armchairs (FS46/953). There is something rather inviting about shiny worn leather that reflects two and a half centuries of comfort. Absolutely fit for purpose, good to go and sensibly estimated.