Smiths Auction Rooms in Newent have been quick to build on the success of their record breaking January sale and have quickly re-filled the saleroom with another wide assortment of Antiques and Collectables for their forthcoming sale on the 15th & 16th of February. The sale contains a good selection of Ceramics, Glass, Silver, Jewellery, Books, Furniture, Pictures, Vintage Fashion, etc. The sale also features a specialist section for Medals and Militaria - almost anything in this sector is of interest to collectors including old scrap albums and logbooks, uniforms, badges, posters, swords etc.
A rare British Standard Issue Gurkha kukri knife MK IV made by Wilkinson Sword comes with a detailed provenance and history from the son of the original owner and is estimated at £1,000 to £1,500. Only fourteen hundred of these particular knives were made and it is not often that they come onto the open market. The kukri is in excellent condition complete with it’s two smaller knives (the Karda & Chakmak) and its leather scabbard. It was apparently given to the REME officer in Malaya where he served from 1948 to 1961, often in close contact with the Gurkha regiments. The military section also contains a variety of medals, badges & uniforms including an impressive 19th century naval uniform complete with bi-corn hat, dress coat and cape estimated at £300/£500.
Another interesting item is a WWII wooden airplane propeller blade (complete with bullet hole) which is expected to make £500/£700. The vendor insists that his father was shot down in France just before the end of the war and somehow managed to make it home shortly after, with the propeller blade as a souvenir!
In the ceramics section a beautiful collection of Royal Worcester porcelain has come in from a variety of sources and includes a fine pair of large floral painted vases and covers which feature some rather lively entwined gilt serpents to the shoulders and are estimated at £400/£600.
In addition a pair of small but rather handsome pot pourri vases are painted with scenes of the Malvern Hills and Worcester City, these local scenes are usually very popular and could well prove to be the highlight of the collection. Elsewhere in the ceramics cabinets three pieces of early 20th century Moorcroft are decorated with the pomegranate pattern and expected to make between £150 to £250 each.
One of the most exciting items in the sale is a contemporary oil on canvas self-portrait by George Rowlett entitled to the reverse ‘Self Portrait with Cropped Hair ’74’. He is clearly very pleased with his new ‘trendy’ haircut and the vivid colours and highly textured paint applied with a palette knife are typical of his work. It is being sold by a local client who has been a friend of the artist since they were young men living in London and George was studying at Campden School of Art. The painting is estimated at £1,200 to £1,800 and Smiths are hopeful it will enthrall fans of his art, especially since he recently painted a series of self-portraits to celebrate his eightieth birthday exhibition. By contrast an oil on board portrait of Captain Macheath (the swashbuckling highwayman from The Beggars Opera) shows him enjoying a glass of wine despite being shackled in his cell. The painting is by Henry Liverseege – the son of a carpenter in Manchester whose poor health meant that he pursued a career in art instead of joining the family business. The subject looks out at the viewer with a confident and seductive air and is estimated at £700/£900.
In the jewellery section a fine quality five stone diamond ring is estimated at £1,500/£2,000 whilst a 22 ct gold gold nugget and chain is estimated at the same level. A selection of Victorian and Edwardian rings should attract private buyers with prices starting at just £50 and an attractive early Victorian garnet set pendant should attract specialist collectors of antique jewellery which is selling very well in the present market.A large consignment of textiles and fashion in the sale features a Victorian silk day dress with an impressive bustle whilst a large selection of vintage and later clothing includes a range of stylish designer outfits and handbags as well as several men’s suits from the film industry, such as the suit worn by Billy Connolly during the filming of Mrs Brown.
The furniture section includes a selection of early country furniture including various Windsor chairs signed by regional makers such as William Sewell of West Wickham.
Aficionados of ‘regional and provincial furniture’ will be keen to purchase these as well as a small early 18th century dresser and an unusual early elm chest on stand dated 1764. A selection of antique rustic dining tables are also in plentiful supply with a pretty late 17th century small elm refectory dining table on desirable spiral turned supports estimated at £500/£700.
An interesting vintage mahogany dining table by ‘Wilkinson’s BFD’ includes two large interleaves and has an attractive Arts & Crafts feel to the design. Other vintage items include a chrome and black leather Wassily style chair in the style of Marcel Breuer, a G Plan teak coffee table and a selection of enamel and metal signs including a lovely deep maroon enamel British Railways ‘Tickets’ sign estimated at £200/£300.
Other notable collectables include an Art Deco bronze dancing figure, a part set of very rare 18th century Italian playing cards and an exceptional 19th century decanter box by Sampson & Mordan estimated at £350/£450 – a perfect gift for a wine connoisseur.
The fully illustrated catalogue is online from the 9th of February and viewing is on the 13th & 14th of February 10am-5pm. Smiths are also inviting entries of good quality Antiques & Collectables for Future sales.
In particular Silver, Jewellery, Oriental and Coins. Please telephone 01531 821776 for an appointment of visit www.smithsnewentauctions.co.uk for further information.