Western Morning News (Saturday)
Top-class marketing pays off
CLARKS put in another powerpacked performance that saw another sensational sale. Auctioneer Paul Clark said: “With our top-drawer marketing and our positive use of world-leading internet platform the-saleroom.com, all items in our sales gain maximum exposure.”
That very same marketing was used to good effect when the Heathlands Road-based saleroom achieved remarkable prices on enamel signs being sold to raise funds for Sound Waves South West, a charity which offers music therapy for people with autism.
Mr Clark said: “The guide price of just £60-80 each was merely to let bidders know they were there to go – they were always going to do well, but even I was surprised they did so well.”
The first sign secured interest at an eye-watering £4,200, before the other two rowed in at an excellent £2,300 each.
Two early Irish bank notes, offered up by a local Liskeard charity shop, secured a wonderful price when making £2,600 at the hammer. “I did think about giving up my day job at this point,” Mr Clark said. “I had looked into these and, whilst we thought they may make £100 or so, I hadn’t expected them to achieve so much, proving when you get devoted collectors locked in battle together, prices can reach extraordinary levels and proving, once again, our specific marketing techniques work.”
The furnishings at the sale also saw some great prices. An elm refectory table (£940), a mahogany dressing table a/f (£250), a carved oak settle (£390), a single 16thC. oak coffer wall hanging panel (£290), eight wheelback elm chairs (£400), two 18th century dressers (£540 and £400 respectively), a mahogany long-case clock (£540) and a rosewood specimen cabinet (£660) all proved the right lots make the right money.
Also sold were Six Waterford crystal champagne glasses (£160), a Bunnykins candleholder (£190) despite a little crazing, an agate snuff box (£520), a small Royal Crown Derby paperweight (£80).
Gold sovereigns saw some serious prices bought by room bidders. Prices secured included £420 for a 1911 King George V full gold sovereign and for a Victorian old head, as well as £400 for a boxed 2018 QEII.
As usual, jewellery saw good interest, with £3300 bid for an 18ct gold diamond and ruby bracelet, while an 18ct gold charm bracelet (£3,000) makes its way to Italy. A 19th century 1.5ct old cut diamond solitaire secured a bid of £2,200 and an amber necklace bucked the current trend at £1,400.
Entries are now sought for future sales. Visit www.clarksauctionrooms. com or call 01579 349960 or 07756 070198.