Eager collectors ignore tiny chip on bird’s beak

Bidders’ enthusiasm amazes auctioneer

A LITTLE glass bird that flew in to join the lots for Cannon’s art, antiques and collectables sale in Hilton caused a stir that shook even an auction house that’s been in business for 75 years.

The little orange chick eventually ended up being sold by John Cannon for a staggering R21 000 – its anticipated selling price was barely R1 000.

Cannon’s received the quirky little Pulcino (Italian for “chick”) for auction from an elderly client who is downscaling. The little bird had soulful murrine eyes (murrine is glass mosaic cane made by fusing layers of coloured glass). Cannon’s experience helped identify the quirky little bird: it was a rare 1960s Venetian creation, designed by Alessandro Pianon, and made by the company Vistosi, using magnificent Murano glass.

“We knew collectors of Murano glass would be interested in mid20th century birds but the problem was that the Pulcino consigned to us had a small chip on its beak. We therefore gave it a pre-sale estimate of only R900 to R1 000,” Cannon said. “We had no idea what was to come.”

Fierce bidding from two collectors at the sale – augmented by telephonic bidding from Gauteng, the Western Cape and the Free State, as well as strong online bidding – soon made Cannon realise that his initial R250 increments were not high enough, and as the price soared past R15 000, he increased his ratio by R500 at a time. The bidding finally stopped with a Joburg glassware dealer’s R21 000 offer.

“We were, frankly, utterly shocked,” says Cannon, 27, a fourth generation Cannon to wield the auction hammer.

“That chip on the beak had absolutely no effect on the desire and enthusiasm of the buyers. You can imagine how ecstatic the lady who had consigned the bird was.”

Other notable prices achieved at the Cannon’s auction included:

R25 000 for a pair of Chinese cherrywood armchairs.

R18 000 for a matching coffee table.

R25 000 for a bronze sculpture by Adrian Gaudez.

R17 000 for a Maurice van Essche watercolour.

R16 000 for a ruby and diamond pendant.

Consignments are now being received for Cannon’s next art, antiques and collectables auction in Hilton at 9am on July 31.

Viewing days to diarise are from July 26 to July 30.

For more details, call 033 343 3364, email cannons@futurenet.co.za or see www.cannons. co.za