Western Morning News (Saturday)
Shining jewellery is sure to attract worldwide buyers
MICHAEL Bowman’s first online auction of the New Year will be held at 2pm on Saturday afternoon, January 30 and will feature a 5.28 carat SriLankan sapphire and diamond cluster ring, estimated at £3,000-5,000. The rectangular cushion cut sapphire comes with a lab report verifying that the stone is of a natural colour and has not undergone heat treatment. A Victorian bar brooch includes a certified Burmese ruby weighing 1.18 carats and is estimated at £800-1,200.
An unusual travel poster, estimated at £400-600, advertises tours from Sidmouth and is painted in oils on board. ‘Through Dorset & Devon Countryside...Grand Circular Tour to Sidmouth. Leaving West Bay at 1:45pm. Due back 7:30pm’.
The cost of this tour would appear to have been two shillings and sixpence, although it is likely that the painted numerals have been altered to allow for inflation in the days when the sign was in use.
Wording in the lower right hand corner tells us that this artwork was supplied by Signs Services of Bridport, possibly during the 1950’s.
A pair of Edwardian silver Corinthian column candlesticks bear Sheffield hallmarks for 1902 and are fitted with detachable sconces. The 10” high sticks have survived in very good condition and have hopes of bidding in the region of £500-750.
Star of the sale is likely to be the 6” sperm whale tooth bearing a silver plaque telling us that it was presented by Cakobau, King of Fiji, in 1853.
The identity of the recipient is presently unknown, but a speculative estimate of £400-600 has helped to generate worldwide interest!
Due to prevailing health concerns, public viewing is not possible, but all lots are fully illustrated online. Catalogues are also available. All enquiries to 01626 324071 or visit michaeljbowman.co.uk.