Selling to all over the world

IT is a busy time at Plymouth Auction Rooms, as just last week auctioneer Paul Keen sold over 750 lots of antiques and collectables at a special two-day auction.

The first day saw one man’s collection of gold and die-cast models raise almost £50,000, with buyers online from as far as the United States, Russia and Australia. The next day, a Venetian painting hit the high notes when it attracted four telephones lines and numerous pre-sale bids.

The painting was discovered in fine property in Cornwall and was painted in the manner of Jacopo Marieschi, showing the Giudecca Canal, Venice. Its estimate was left behind when a determined Italian gentleman beat off all the competition with a winning bid of £10,000.

The buoyant auction yielded many great results, including a collection of German bronzes raising over £2,000. A local lady was thrilled that she put her nondescript Troika bronze glazed square vase in the auction. Online collectors recognised the scarcity of the vessel and took the price to £600.

Another seller was equally delighted when their George II gold half-guinea sold for almost four times its guide price. Dated 1759 and in average condition, collectors were keen to buy the coin and bidding went to £900 to a buyer in the North of England.

Spotted in amongst various general effects was a charming rare Victorian sailors shell work, often know as a sailor valentine. A Devon collector was keen to acquire this and their winning bid of £1,100 pleased them and also the seller.

The next auction at Plymouth Auction Rooms will be fine jewellery and watches on October 28.

For further details, call 01752 254740 or visit plymouthauctions.co.uk

> George II gold half-guinea, sold at £900

Victorian sailors’ shell work, sold at £1,100

> Venetian painting sold at £10,000

Roy Curtis An artist sketching the view of Mylor Marina across to the Roseland Peninsula, Mylor, Cornwall