Glimpse into history with elegant items

MICHAEL Bowman’s 2pm auction next Saturday, March 26 will feature a high quality copy of the Rokeby Venus painted in the late 1960’s by the artist, Florence Crauford (Craxford).

Measuring almost four feet across, the canvas bears National Gallery ‘Student’s Copy’ stamps on the back. The original 17th century work entitled ‘The Toilet of Venus’ by Velazquez, disappeared into obscurity until after the Napoleonic Wars, when it was discovered hanging on the walls of Rokeby Park in Yorkshire.

Its fate might have been assumed to be secure when it later entered the national Gallery Collection, however it was badly slashed with a knife by a Sufragette extremist. Bids of £800-1,200 are anticipated.

A collection of wrist watches includes two examples of the Rolex Submariner in stainless steel with black dials, having estimates between £5,000 and £8,000. A

GMT Master looks for £5,000-7,000, whilst an Explorer II anticipates £4,000-6,000.

The ladies are catered for by the 18ct gold Cartier tank model at £1,500-2,000 and another in stainless steel with hopes of £700-1,000.

Two very different natural Ceylon sapphire and diamond rings each carry an estimate of £2,000-3,000. A colour change 9.8 carat cluster ring in platinum is one. The other being an Edwardian threestone ring in gold, the central sapphire weighing approximately 5 carats.

A Regency 18ct gold snuff box bearing a royal cypher in diamonds on blue enamel, is likely to be a highlight of the sale, estimated at £6,000-9,000. It bears hallmarks for London, 1810.

Viewing is next Friday evening March 25 between 4pm and 7:30pm and from 10.30am on sale day.

For catalogues and enquiries please telephone 01626 324071 or visit www.michaeljbowman.co.uk.

Ceylon sapphire and diamond cluster ring

High quality copy of the Rokeby Venus

Regency 18ct gold snuff box

Susan Callow Burrator Reservoir Dam, Dartmoor, overflowing after the heavy rain