Western Morning News (Saturday)
Dazzling items took top bids
THE run of highly successful auctions at Chudleigh continued for Michael Bowman with another top five event having taken place on July 30.
Although jewellery took many of the top slots, some unusual collectors’ items also aroused interest. A 3” high Ancient Egyptian bronze study of the head of a cat, was appreciated by a London internet bidder to the tune of £1,700, whilst a Bristol collector on the telephone secured a larger, antique marble female bust, for £4,500.
The Victorian silver and cut glass barrel tantalus, was another rare item on offer and despite some damage to one of the glass barrels, a London collector was willing to pay £5,700 bidding on the internet. This was found in a London pub some 60 years ago and was hallmarked in London, so in a sense, is returning home!
Another London bidder on the telephone, secured the multi-function French silver travel clock by Hermes, for a double-estimate £1,900.
A Hatton Garden dealer paid an above estimate £4,000 for an Australian black opal and diamond pendant, the same bidder going on to secure the handsome Victorian emerald and diamond pendant for £7,200.
A collector from Cambridge paid an upper estimate £3,000 for a certified natural saltwater pearl necklace with diamond clasp. Top honours went to the diamond set 18ct white gold necklace with matching bracelet, sporting an impressive total diamond weight of 50 carats. This sold to a telephone bidder from Wiltshire above estimate for £20,000.
The same Wiltshire collector also bought the most expensive watch on offer, taking the lady’s 18ct gold Patek Philippe Calatrava for another above estimate price of £4,100.
Michael Bowman is now accepting suitable entries for the next auction at Chudleigh on September 24 and is available to give free appraisals by appointment each Monday at the Town Hall (excluding Bank Holidays). Telephone on 01626 324071 or visit www.michaeljbowman.co.uk.