Marine items are proving popular

MARINE items are the flavour of the month at Eldreds December Art and Antiques sale on Tuesday, December 15 with a large ship’s binnacle by Henry Brown & Sons. Standing 4ft 6inches tall, its gimbalmounted compass in working condition and complete with its port and starboard weights, this should make between £400 and £600.

A modern but well-made model of HMS Victory, complete with its rigging and an extraordinary level of deck detail was made by a local man and measures 94cm wide and 82cm high. Bids are expected around £300-400.

Coming in from separate local vendors are two fearsome whale baleen “Persuaders,” (coshes) mainly used by naval press gangs in the 19th century to “encourage” landlubbers to join the draft. These generally realise in the region of £60-80. A large picture section includes a 19th century watercolour view of Newton Ferrers, with estimate £60-80 and a watercolour by William Widgery cattle on Dartmoor, looking towards Sheepstor which asks £80-120.

A huge George III dining table is supported on eight turned legs, it would extend to 14ft long and seat up to 16 people and without leaves would be perfect for six. It expects £1,000-1,500.

Also featured in this sale is an import collection of 18th and 19th century silhouettes amassed by the late Bill Fox Smith, well known Plymouth map and print seller on Plymouths barbican for many years.

For valuation or selling enquiries, please contact Anthony Eldred on 01752 721199 or visit www.eldreds.net.