Our Summer Fine Art & Antiques Auction produced strong results across all departments, signalling a strong appetite for fine works from sought-after artists and designers.

In our Pictures section, Scotland’s women artists were keenly sought after. A late work of a Catterline landscape by Joan Eardley was fought over by multiple bidders online, finally selling for £11,592* An impressive depiction of the infant St. Mungo by Margaret De Courcy Lewthwaite raced past it’s estimate, selling for £4,508*.  A moonlit scene by Lil Neilson achieved £1,545*.

Sold: £11,592*                                                                      Sold; £4,508*                                              Sold: £1,545*

Stand-out pieces from the turn of the century attracted attention in our Jewellery department. Substantial diamonds continue to take make top prices, such as an emerald cut ring which sold for £3,220* and an impressive three stone achieved £5,409*. A stunning Russian Art Nouveau pendant by Julius Rappoport sold for £1,545*, while a Belle Epoche style diamond & pearl necklace achieved an impressive £2,576*.

             Sold: £5,409*                                                          Sold: £3,220*                                                                Sold: £2,576*

Rolex timepieces in myriad varieties produced top prices. A highly collectable Jaeger Le Coultre Military Issue claimed the highest price of the day, selling for £4,894*, over 10 times the low estimate. A Ladies Oyster Date Just achieved £3,220*, an Oyster Perpetual Date bettered that with a price of £3,606*, and finally an Air-King sold for £4,121*.

               Sold: £4,894*                                                    Sold: £3606*                                                  Sold: £4,121*

Orkney chairs achieved solid prices within our furniture department, with two 19^th century examples selling for £837* and £1,159*, underlining their eternal appeal. Striking designs like a Kaidan Tansu step chest saw spirited bidding, selling for £837*, while an aesthetic movement cabinet achieved £1,223*. A range of Paul Hodgkiss pieces sold well within our 20^th century design department.  A pair of chests achieved £515*, a table £579*, and a wardrobe £772*. Beloved Glasgow Boy Adrian Wiszniewski’s abstract rug doubled its high estimate, selling for £837*.

                 Sold: £1,159*                                                 Collectively Sold: £1,866*                                    Sold: £837*

There was an appetite for quality Chinese bronzes in our Asian Arts department, with a fine example featuring chilong achieving £2,318*. Cloisonne from Japan performed well too, as a butterfly-decorated baluster vase soared to £2,318*. Sosaku-hanga prints are achieving strong market prices. A private collection featuring artists such as Kyoshi Saito and Kaoru Kawano sold for £927*. Chinese silver made for the export market continues its strong upward trend, with a tea set selling for £901*. An exquisite presentation tankard with an interesting history was the top selling lot, tripling its high estimate and selling for £2,447*.

                      Sold: £2,318*                                    Sold: £2,318                                                      Sold: £2,447

Rare pieces from various makers from across the world were hotly contested in our Silver department. Irish provincial pieces such as a celtic point spoon from Limerick sold for £644*, and a cream jug for £540*. Famous designers such as Christopher Dresser solidified their staying power with a quirky three piece tea set selling for £1,803*, while a christening mug and teapot by Paul Storr sold for £1,030* and £1,932* respectively.  French silver also saw spirited bidding, with a footed dish by esteemed firm Cardeilhac achieving £1,352*. A rare and impressive Georgian silver jug by Igor Blomberg made its way back to its country of origin, selling for £1,545*.

                  Sold: £644*                                                     Sold: £1,352 *                                                         Sold: £1,545*

Fanciful dessert services, vases and bowls – all with a botanical theme – were some of the top selling lots in our Ceramics department. A dandelion pattern glass service by Lalique sold for £901*, with two beautifully decorated porcelain dessert services fiercely fought over, selling for £772* and £1,159*. Rare patterns from Clarice Cliff and Moorcroft were also popular, with an Applique Idyll vase selling for £644, while a flambe fish vase sold for £1,545*.

                Sold: £1,159*                                                       Sold: £901*                                                     Sold: £1,545*

Badges, medals and uniforms took centre stage in our Militaria department. A rare Napoleonic Prussian cap badge sold for over 14 times its bottom estimate at £1,416*, while a WWI distinguished medal group of four sold for £1,545*. A complete WW1 Gordon Highlanders Uniform and personal effects was hotly sought after, selling for £2,833*.

                    Sold: £1,416*                                                  Sold: £1,545*                                                          Sold: £2,833*

There were many top results in our rich and varied books department. An extensive archive relating to the development of Scottish coal mining and land use sparked a bidding frenzy, selling for £1,932*. Harry Potter continues to create magic, with a first edition first printing signed copy achieving £4,121*. One of the most exciting and unique lots in the sale came in the form of a previously unrecorded, original manuscript by the Scottish poet and playwright, Alan Ramsay. With strong interest from museums and institutions as well as private bidders, after an intense phone bidding battle, the letter achieved £3,864*.

 
                 Sold: £1,932*                                             Sold: £4,121*                                                          Sold: £3,864*

Full results from our Summer Fine Sale can be viewed here.

 We are now accepting consignments for our Autumn Fine Art & Antiques Auction on 12^th-13^th September.  To book a valuation appointment, click here.

To receive an online valuation, fill out our form here.