PAUL KEEN
The Plymouth Auction Rooms
Faraday Mill Trade Park
Cattedown, Plymouth
Devon, PL4 0SE
01752 254 740
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Forthcoming Auctions
EVENING ART AUCTION
Wednesday 1st November 2017 @ 6.00pm
Viewing 30th, 31st Oct 2pm to 5pm, sale day 2pm to 6pm.
FINE JEWELLERY, SILVERWARES & WATCHES
Wednesday 22nd November 2017 @ 6.00pm
Viewing 20th, 21st November 2pm to 5pm. 2pm to 5.45pm on sale day.
Christmas Collective Auction
Wednesday 13th December 2017 @ 10.30am
Viewing 11th, 12th December 2pm to 5pm and from 9am on sale day.
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News from the Rostrum
SEXTANT WITH FASCINATING HISTORY
Press Release September 2015.
Plymouth Auction Rooms will be auctioning an interesting Naval sextant on the 11th November with a fascinating history.
The sextant was made by J.Coombes of Devonport in 1907, a standard piece of Naval equipment used to plot the position of a ship before GPS came in and still used today as a back-up for when communication systems fail. It is an Edwardian 6 ½” radius Vernier Sextant, with oxidised brass three circle pattern frame, the brass arc signed and numbered 7243, inscribed A.L.P. Mark-Wardlaw R.N., cased with its original observatory certificate.
J.Coombes were listed in the “Post Office Directory of Plymouth, Devonport and Stonehouse of 1906-1907” as optical and scientific instrument makers at the Observatory, Fore Street, Devonport, est. 1806, and manufactured sextants for the Royal Navy. A similar example can be found in the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich.
Where this example is different to the others is the inscription, “A.L.P. Mark-Wardlaw R.N.”, research by the staff at Plymouth Auction Rooms has uncovered that Alexander Livingstone Penrose Mark-Wardlaw was born on the 9th March 1891 into a Naval family; his grandfather having served as a purser to Admiral Lord Nelson and his brother, William Penrose (1887-1952) having a distinguished Naval career, retiring as a Rear Admiral.
He commenced training at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight before moving to Devonport, leaving with the rank of Lieutenant.
With the outbreak of the Great War he became involved in the new submarine warfare; the German fleet had 48 Unterseeboot or U-boats operational or under construction at the outbreak of war. Their main objective was to disrupt commerce and were deployed against merchant ships.
By 1915, Britain was in desperate need for a countermeasure against the U-boat. Sound detection gear and depth charges were still in their infancy, and the only means to sink a submarine was either by gunfire or by ramming. The problem was to lure the U-boat to stay on the surface rather than seeking safety in the deep of the sea. The solution to this problem was the creation of one of the closest guarded secrets of the war: the Q-Ship. This "U-Boot-Falle" (U-boat trap) was an old looking tramp steamer with hidden guns and torpedoes. Because of its load of wooden caskets, wood or cork, it very nearly was unsinkable. The idea was to lure the U-boat to attack the Q-Ship with its deck gun as at close range torpedoes would not sink the vessel.
The new weapon proved to be successful for the first time on 24th July 1915, when SM U 36 became the first U-boat to be sunk by a Q-Ship (HMS Prince Charles commanded by Lieutenant Mark-Wardlaw RN).
U-36 was a type 31 submarine, being commissioned on the 6th June 1914 under the command of Captain E. Graeff and by July 1915 had sunk 14 merchant ships and taken 3 more as prizes.
The HMS Prince Charles was a converted collier of 274 tonnes.
On the day she was sunk, U-36 intercepted and captured the American windjammer Pass of Balmaha, bearing a cargo of cotton intended for Russia. An ensign from U-36 was left aboard the windjammer to ensure her successful passage to Cuxhaven. The Pass was later refitted as a merchant raider and re-christened Seeadler, commanded by Count Felix von Luckner, soon to become famous for her naval exploits in the Atlantic and Pacific.
U-36 was sunk in the afternoon of 24 July 1915 in combat off the coast of North Rona in the Outer Hebrides with the British Q-ship Prince Charles, commanded by Lieutenant Mark Wardlaw, Royal Navy. The submarine had just stopped and boarded the Danish vessel SS Luise and a boarding party was in the process of dumping her cargo when a lookout sighted an approaching steamer. U 36 sailed towards the disguised Prince Charles and ordered her to stop while firing at her. The Q-ship complied, swinging out her boats. The unsuspecting submarine came within about 600 m of the ship when Prince Charles hoisted the British flag of war and commenced firing. Taken completely by surprise, U-36 took several direct hits and heavy damage, and sank.
Lieutenant Mark-Wardlaw received a Distinguished Service Order for the action, and two of his crew received Distinguished Service Medals. The merchant crew of the Q-ship was awarded a prize sum of £1,000, to be divided amongst themselves.
Between the wars Mark-Wardlaw rose through the ranks, becoming Assistant Naval Attaché in Washington, USA (1934-1937), in 1943 he became Aide de Camp to King George VI, between 1944-1946, he was Allied Naval Commander in Chief in Germany, becoming a Rear Admiral in 1946 and retiring in 1948.
He passed away in London in 1975.
One can only surmise that this sextant was used by Mark-Wardlaw to plot his course to the U-36, kick starting his illustrious career.
Remarkable story of how a Plymouth Masonic ring saved the Life of a brave soldier from the Great War.
Press ReleaseView BBC World War One at Home Link Plymouthian, Bertram Blight, was one of the first men to receive extensive and radical plastic surgery at the end of the First World War. However he would never had had the opportunity of surviving to 1952 if it wasn’t for the ring that he was wearing at the time he incurred his horrific injuries. Bored...
SOLD £20,900.
LOCAL SALEROOM - LONDON PRICES
A wonderful collection of antiques and works of art most of which had not been seen for most of the last century was sold at Plymouth Auction Rooms last week. Fine jewellery, rare clocks, precious hard stones and Chinese works of art attracted worldwide attention with a record amount of online bidders recorded at the sale. Paul Keen 'we we're overwhelmed with enquiries for the sale and were expecting some good results...
SOLD £32,400
DIAMOND RING SPARKLES IN PLYMOUTH
A stunning diamond ring has sold for a record sum at a Plymouth Auction Rooms this week, 29th April 2015. Bidders from as far as the middle east and the US competed for a remarkable 4 carat diamond ring that had been in the same Westcountry family for over fifty years. It was purchased in 1961 from Pellegrin Jewellers of Marseille, France. The family still had the original the receipt for showing that...
Lot 16. Lee Woods.
WESTCOUNTRY PAINTINGS AND PRINTS TO SUIT ALL TASTES AND BUDGETS.
Fine paintings and prints by some of Devon and Cornwall’s leading artist will come under the hammer in Plymouth next week. Artist such as Kurt Jackson, Beryl Cook, Robert Lenkiewicz, John Hopwood, Ralph Freeman, Joan Gillchrest, Simeon Stafford will be auctioned of alongside rare works by L.S.Lowry, Irish art, a St.Ives collection and much more. Some 180 lots will be auctioned by Paul keen on Wednesday evening (28th) at 6.00pm. ...
The blue and white porcelain Kangxi Vase was sold for £9,500.
SPECIAL SALE OF CHINESE PORCELAIN
On Wednesday, 14th September, Plymouth Auction Rooms are offering a rare opportunity for local buyers to invest in the growing market for Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. Paul Keen has recently been asked to sell two local collections and is holding a special 80 Lot sale starting at the unusual time of mid day. It may be surprising to learn that, thanks to our trading and naval history,...
SOLD £3,400 Auction 30th November Lot 52 Estimate £1,500 to £2,000.
PLAIN GOLD RING WAS A LOVERS GIFT
A lovers gift from the 16th or 17th century handed down through generations of a Cornish family is to be sold at our fine jewellery sale this month. Posy rings were popular from the late medieval period onwards and were primarily used to communicate secret messages of love between the giver and the recipient. The wearing of words against the skin was believed to increase their poignancy. The inner surface of the ring is often inscribed with quotations from contemporary courtship stories. Many of these rings have been discovered as treasure...
PICASSO VASE- 'THE OWL' AUCTION 25TH JANUARY.
PICASSO VASE DISCOVERY AUCTION 25th JANUARY 2017.
Paul Keen reports.On a recent visit to a remote Cornish cottage on the banks of the river Tamar I was asked to appraise a typical mixture of Cornish art, and sundry collectables. However as soon as I walked into the study one object stood out amongst the routine effects. An abstract painted pottery vase; it shouted Picasso (Pablo Picasso, Spanish, 1881-1973). On turning it over I could see an impressed marked ‘'Edition Picasso Madoura'. Later identified as Chouetton (owl), and part of the...
This collection of Tek Sing Cargo is to be auctioned on 25th January 2017.
CHIINESE SHIPWRECK CARGO -25th January 2017
In 1822 the Tek Sing (‘True Star’) set sail from China bound for Java. She was one of the last of the Grand Chinese junks – over 180 feet in length and 30 feet wide. On board were 1600 passengers and over 200 crew and a valuable cargo of Chinese porcelain bound for the trading markets of South East Asia. The Tek Sing was never to complete her journey. In...
Mr John Capon.
THE JOHN CAPON COLLECTION OF ZULU ARTIFACTS & BRITISH REGIMENTAL INSIGNIA
Born during the London Blitz, and with his soldier father killed during the war, John grew up with a strong interest in military history. He moved to South Africa at only twenty-one, when his company posted him to Cape Town. After some years he was transferred to Durban, where he lived for thirty years. Whilst living in Natal, he became interested in the Zulu War of 1879. He spent a great deal of his free time exploring the...
SOLD £9,100 1st March 2017
Lot 127, Lee Woods Sold £950.
WESTCOUNTRY ART SELLS BEST IN PLYMOUTH
Press Release-Western Morning News, 25th March 2017. "An extremely buoyant art auction held in Plymouth last week proved that demands for contemporary and naïve Westcountry artists has never been higher. Auctioneer Paul Keen reports an uplift in demand underpinned by new young investors and collectors recognising the value of bidding for affordable art at auction. Many bidders had an enjoyable evening at Plymouth Auction Rooms witnessing intensive bidding for artists such as Brian Pollard, Simeon Stafford, Lee...
Auction 15th March, Estimate £500.
CHANCE TO BID FOR AN ORIGINAL BERYL COOK TAPESTRY
Collectors with a keen eye may see familiar artistic styles in a simple cross stitch wool tapestry depicting a naive study of a steam ship, mermaids and dolphins. The biggest clue to its maker is the mermaids, which are slightly fuller than normal and one with a ‘cheeky’ face. Most home made woolwork tapestries carry little or no resale value however this one is special as it was completed by one of Britain’s most loved artists, Beryl Cook...
Lot 105 10th May- String of amber beads sold £2,280 (including 20% buyers premium)
AMBER IS MORE VALUABLE THAN GOLD !
The demand for original amber jewellery is so high today that it can now fetch a higher price than gold. Only this week at Plymouth Auction Rooms a very plain bead necklace weighing 76 grammes sold for an amazing £2,200. The same weight in 22 carat gold has a current value of just £1,900. Gram per gram it is more valuable than gold! The reason for this huge increase in price, is China. The Chinese have rediscovered amber,...
READ ALL ABOUT IT.....
Browse some of the great media stories about the fascinating items that have been sold at Plymouth Auction Rooms.
LOT 369 10th May 2017 SOLD £8,400.
MAY 2017 SALE REVIEW JEWELLERY, SILVER & WATCHES
The May sale of jewellery, watches and silver comprised some 300 lots collected which generated a sale total of over £100,000. The watch section yielded the highest prices with gents Rolex watches continuing to find buyers both local and international. Online sales continue to grow with most lots being very well contested by online collectors well over estimates. There were bidders listed from New York, France, Austria, Germany, China and many other countries. Rolex sales included...
The 'Ford' Station taget sign SOLD £650
MODEL RAILWAY AND RAILWAYANA SEPTEMBER 2017
Press Feature Western Morning News 18th August 2017. The late Mr Christopher Horsham of South East Cornwall was well known amongst fellow railway enthusiasts in Devon and Cornwall as a keen collector of Railwayana and Platform Tickets. Over many years he accumulated an extensive collection of some 2000 vintage platform tickets, meticulously displayed in an album and featuring redundant stations many of which were local and in the 1950’s and 1960’s. This album together with a...
SOLD £6,500 19th July 2017.
RARE MARINE CHRONOMETER BY PAUL BARRAUD
An 8 day marine chronometer, the dial inscribed Barrauds’ LONDON, is expected to attract significant interest. The gimbaled movement, numbered 932, is housed in a brass-bound mahogany case, in untouched condition. The dial shows a rare state-of-wind aperture and the interior of the case bears a label indicating that it was once maintained, in Southampton, for the steamship the ‘Sardonyx’. A similar piece, model number 992, is in the London Science Museum. Paul Philip Barraud (1750 – 1820) had workshops in...
PRESS RELEASE - 21st September 2017
'A most pretty clock’ is how auctioneer Paul Keen describes lot 15 at his sale next week. The antique French miniature silver and guilloche enamelled carriage clock may only be 40mmm tall but is very desirable. In excellent condition, made by Argent in the ealry 1900’s. It has been in the same family for many years and should have no problem in acheiving its estimate range of £300 to £500. Small silver objects are always popular at auction...
Auction 5th November A fine English Table Clock by J.Lowndes
THE FASCINATING ANTIQUE CONTENTS OF A LOCAL RESIDENCE.
Every now and then auctioneers have the pleasure of discovering wonderful works of art when they visit people’s homes. Paul Keen had one such visit seven years ago when he discovered an important collection of gold coins in a Plymouth property resulting in the sale of one of most important coin collections outside London in the last fifty years. Last year he undertook a probate valuation...
SOLD £3,100.
WHAT PRICE FOR A 'BANKERS' CHINESE VASE?
A large Chinese vase recently brought along to one of our valuations mornings once belonged to a bank inspector who worked for the Shanghai bank in the 19th century. It has been kept in the family ever since it was brought back from China around 1900 and is now being sold by his grandson. The 19th century blue and white porcelain vase, 42cm high, is in excellent condition and we believe is from the Guangxu period (1871-1908). The underside of...
RARE WESTCOUNTRY SILVER SPOON DICOVERED ON VALUATION DAY
A rare Westcountry silver spoon has been discovered on a Plymouth Auction Rooms valuation day. Whilst sorting through some Georgian silver cutlery valuer Paul Keen spotted a worn silver spoon which was quickly identified as a rare trefid spoon and on closer inspection to one dating from the Queen Anne period, 1703 with an Exeter hallmark. The trefid spoon was introduced in England around 1660 and is typified by a flat handle having a stem that widens at the top and has two notches that form it into a three lobed...
SOLD £2,000
PLYMOUTH ARTISTS WILL STAR IN QUARTERLY ART AUCTION
Three of Plymouth’s leading artists will dominate the latest Quarterly Art Sale being staged by Plymouth Auction Rooms. The sale, at 6pm on Wednesday March 19, will feature work from Robert Lenkiewicz, Beryl Cook and Brian Pollard. Among the paintings from Lenkiewicz, who died in 2002 aged 60, is Lot 98 a portrait of the artist surgeon Mr John Brodribb painted...
SOLD £6,800
GREAT RESULT FOR FRED YATES PAINTING AT OUR AUGUST ART AUCTION
A fine Fred Yates (1922-2008) painting proved to be one of the top sellers at our August 20th art auction. The painting had been in the same family since it was painted in the 1970’s, depicting a group of children running around a farmhouse in Botallack, Near St Just, Cornwall The good size painting, 88cm x 88cm, with a frame made by Fred himself attracted tremendous pre sale interest. Estimated at £3,000...
SCOUTING AND BADEN POWELL COLLECTION DECAMP TO AUCTION
AUCTION SATURDAY 28TH MARCH AT 10.30AM The Graham Brooks Collection of Baden Powell and Scouting Memorabilia. Graham Brooks is a retired Silver Wolf.
PART OF THE TEK SING CARGO COLLECTION FOR SALE IN NOVEMBER.
CHINESE TREASURE CARGO FOR AUCTION
A collection of Chinese porcelain recovered from an early 19th century wreck is to be in Plymouth this month. Some 300 Chinese blue and white porcelain bowls that were part of a huge consignment recovered from the Tek Sing Chinese Junk in 1999 are expected to sell for over £3,000. The Tek Sing was a large three-masted
SOLD £20,000
PRESS RELEASE DECEMBER 2015
The demand for Self Portrait paintings by Robert Lenkiewicz remains strong, reports auctioneer and valuer Paul Keen. With the sale of six self-portraits this year under his belt Paul is optimistic with the Lenkiewicz market going forward into 2015. Only last week a stunning painting titled ‘Self Portrait in Blue and Pink Scarves’ measuring 60cm x 60cm received great praise from many collectors. The estimate of £20,000 to £25,000 proved to be accurate with...
Chinese silver export service £2,300.
JANUARY 2015 AUCTION REVIEW
The first sale of the year continued very much along the same lines as our December sale with buoyant bidding, surprise results and multi estimate sales. The second collection of Royal Mint proof silver and gold coins collected by a Plymouth gentleman over 20 years achieved double our estimate with a hammer total of over £13,000 bringing the total sale of coins to over £25,000 in two sales. We now have a good client base for...
COLLECTORS AUCTION IS 'A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE'
Auctioneer Paul Keen expects his next auction will be a ‘trip down memory lane’ for many bidders next week. A most eclectic sale of some 500 lots of collectors’ items, most of which are being sold on behalf of families in Devon and Cornwall is expected to attract national and international attention. The diverse lots include collections of Dinky and Corgi models, stamp collections, old coin collections, famous sporting autographs,...
DID WILLIAM BLACKADDER MURDER WILLIAM DARNLEY 1N 1567?
The murder of Henry Darnley in 1567 attracted a number of conspiracy theories. A soldier by the name of William Blackadder was the principle suspect and a guilty verdict led to him being hanged, drawn and quartered before each of his limbs was nailed to the gates of a different Scottish town. At the time of his murdered Henry Darnley was married but estranged to Mary Queen of Scots and he was found dead with...
GILL WATKISS Lot 336
ART AUCTION IS BEST IN THE WEST!
Press Release.Western Morning News Saturday 11th April. For just one region, the Westcountry has always benefited from an abundance of gifted artists – both those native to the area and those who have migrated here for the scenery or creative lifestyle. The team at Plymouth Auction Rooms has seen many exceptional pieces of local artwork pass through its doors.
Rolex Submariner £2,900
APRIL AUCTION REVIEW
The demand for fine jewellery, watches and paintings is high at Plymouth Auction Rooms. The sale this week, April 15th, yielded some great results with bidding from as far as the Middle East, the US and many parts of Devon and Cornwall. The popular three section auction kicked of with a thirty lot mixed furniture section. However it was an old suitcase that took the best bid. Discovered in the...
LOT 100 AUCTION WEDNESDAY 3RD FEBRUARY 2016
FROM A POCKET WATCH TO A SUFFRAGETTE
A pocket watch with links to the Suffragette Movement has been discovered by a local inquisitive Plymouth pocket watch collector. On a visit to an antique fair he purchased a large goliath size pocket watch which was housed in a silver case for his collection. The clock came with an old tin trunk and some papers. Once he had cleaned up the clock he had a closer look at the paperwork and name on the...
SEXTANT WITH FASCINATING HISTORY
Press Release September 2015. Plymouth Auction Rooms will be auctioning an interesting Naval sextant on the 11th November with a fascinating history. The sextant was made by J.Coombes of Devonport in 1907, a standard piece of Naval equipment used to plot the position of a ship before GPS came in and still used today as a back-up for when communication systems fail. It is an Edwardian 6 ½” radius Vernier Sextant, with oxidised brass three circle pattern frame, the...
Lot 416
ROBIN GOODWIN ORIGINAL FOR NOVEMBER AUCTION
Most people instantly recognise the work of British wildlife artist and conservationist David Shepherd, but many may not be aware that he was trained by an artist with close connections to Plymouth; in fact the inspiration for his first elephant came during his time with artist Robin Goodwin (1908-1997). A fine artist in his own right, Goodwin produced fine marine and traditional works. Collectors now have the rare opportunity of buying two paintings by the artist.
A rare ARCHIBALD KNOX designed carriage clock coming up for auction on 3rd February.
FIRST DISCOVERY OF 2016
It didn’t take long this year for Plymouth Auction Rooms to have their first discovery. A small carriage clock of simple design housed in pewter cased was brought along to one of their first valuation mornings in Plymouth this year. The clock had been in the family for three generations. The base of the clock was stamped Tudric and on inspection was quickly identified as an extremely rare Art Nouveau...
BRAVE SOLDIER AWARDED THE MILITARY MEDAL FOR HEROIC ACTIONS.
A Military Medal group of 7 medals awarded to Lance Bombardier Victor Arthur Blake, 823539, 124 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery comprising military medal (George V) for bravery in field stamped 823539 L.BMBR.V.BLAKE.R.A. also the 1939 45 star, the Africa’s star with 8th army bar, the Italy Star, the France and Germany star, 3945 war medal and territorial medal for efficient service. Victor Arthur Blake Royal Artillery died aged 29 on 2nd October 1944 bravery...
Lot 254 Rolex, a fine Gents Explorer II, stainless steel wrist watch, Model 1655, serial number 7432001, circa 1983, with service guarantee dated 2006, with original box and outer box. SOLD £9,000.
FINE WATCHES ATTRACT FINE PRICES MAY 2016.
The rising demand for luxury and collectable wrist watches was clearly apparent at the specialist sale of watches at Plymouth Auction Rooms this week. Local, national and even international collectors bidding through the internet generated a most exciting evening local auction yielding some remarkable sales. Auctioneer Paul Keen enthuses ‘it is great time to sell fine watches, particularly Rolex, but also Omega, Jaegers Le Coultre, Cartier...
Lot 229 Auction 5th July 2016 Sold for £4,680.
WORN CONDITION OF WATCH DOES NOT DETER ENTHUSIASTS
The tired and worn condition of this Gents Omega wrist watch did not distract watch enthusiasts from bidding nearly ten times its pre sale estimate at our sale this month (5th July). The huge increase in demand for classic and rare Gents watches was clear at this specialist watch auction with many lots selling over estimate. However amongst the valuable other Rolex and Omega watches this unassuming Omega was the stand out result. Against expectations of...
Rev. W. Houghton Two Volumes British Fresh Water Fishes. Auction 14th December 2016.
BEAUTIFUL VICTORIAN BOOKS ON BRITISH FISH
Anglers and fishing enthusiasts may be excited to hear about two rare antique books that are coming up for sale. Reverend W.Houghton, was a Shropshire clergyman and author. In the 1870’s he produced this book titled ‘British Fresh Water Fishes’ aimed at the fisherman rather than the naturalist, with the text offering in depth information about recognition, feeding and breeding habits, habitat and bait. The book is over two volumes and is beautifully illustrated with...
Lot 137 SOLD £6,000 Auction 7th December 2016.
JOAN GILLCHREST SELF PORTRAIT
Mousehole based Joan Gillchrest (1918 – 2008) established herself as one of the foremost naïve artists of her time. Just as L. S. Lowry’s work depicts the life and times of the working class people of Northern England Joan’s distinctive paintings depicted the fisher folk of Cornwall’s Penwith Peninsula. Works by Gillchrest have risen in value over the last ten years as collectors have been keen to acquire original paintings by artists of the St. Ives School art from...
Baccarrat paperweight, dated 1848, auction 25th January.
RARE PAPERWEIGHT DISCOVERY.
We are often asked to value paperweights and most that we see are not rare and worth just a few pounds. However we were delighted that a gentleman from St.Judes in Plymouth brought along to our recent valuation day a very rare and high quality 19th century paperweight produced by Baccarrat. The millefiori paperweight...
TETLEY TEA 'CHINESE' TEAPOT
It is understandable why Sarah Grizeal Garden Tetley-Jones (1916-2011) salvaged a Chinese teapot when she left Shanghai in a hurry at the outbreak of The Battle of Shanghai, in 1937, when armies of the National Revolutionary Army and the Imperial Japanese Army began the first of many battles. She and her family were part of Americas leading Trade Names ‘Tetley Tea’. Sarah brother was named Tetley Ironside Tetley-jones, and their...
MUSEUM CABINETS NEED A NEW HOME
Western Morning News, Arts & Antiques Press Release.In 2020 there will be a ground-breaking new visitor attraction in Plymouth; the History Centre. The City Museum and Art Gallery will reopen as the flagship building for the Mayflower 400 commemorations following a major refit. Collections form the museum have gone into store but two items have become redundant and will now be sold be auction. Some may recall climbing the staircase at the museum and being greeted...
SOLD £4,600 (L) £3,000 (R)
DEVON CLOCK COLLECTION TO BE SOLD
Many people visiting the National Trust property Buckland Abbey may recall a fine longcase clock inscribed ‘Bennett Plymouth’ on the dial. This regulator clock has been on loan to The Abbey, from an important clock collection of a Westcountry family. Enthusiasts and collectors will now have the opportunity to view and to bid for...
LOT 447 Auction Wednesday 22nd January
SIGNED MANCHESTER UNITED BOOK FOR JANUARY AUCTION
A Plymouth musician is hoping to score a spectacular success at auction with a football book he bought at a school fete. Barnaby Ray was a youngster when he splashed out 20p on the Manchester United volume from a stall at his school in Illogan in Cornwall. But it was not until he got it home that he realised it contained the signatures of some of the greatest names in the Old Trafford club's glittering history, including legendary manager Matt Busby and footballing icons George Best and Bobby Charlton. The book is...
This fine Lenkiewicz painting is expected to sell for £15,000-£20,000 on 18th September
TWO FINE LENKIEWICZ PAINTINGS FROM 2002
Two of the last paintings worked on by iconic Plymouth painter Robert Lenkiewicz are set to be auctioned in Plymouth in September. The works by the artist, who died aged 60 in August 2002 from heart problems, are expected to realise more than £40,000 when they go under the hammer at the Plymouth Auction rooms quarterly art sale on September 18. The first, an oil on...
FROM FRED YATES TO BOB DYLAN AND DAMIEN HIRST PLENTY ON OFFER AT THE SEPTEBMER ART SALE.
Work from two world-famous artists – legends in their respective fields – will feature in an auction in Plymouth next month. Pictures by American music giant Bob Dylan and British artist Damien Hirst are among the star lots at the Plymouth Auction Rooms Quarterly Art Sale on September 18, starting at 6pm. The sale, which represents a rare opportunity to...
This stunning Self Portrait is expected to sell from £22,000 to £28,000 on 18th September.
GREAT SELECTION OF ART AT THE SEPTEMBER AUCTION
Press Release - 9th September 2013 An important evening sale takes place in Plymouth next week, giving collectors a fantastic opportunity to acquire fine art by some of the city's leading artists. Heading the list is Robert Lenkiewicz, with more than 80 works by the painter due to go under the hammer at the Plymouth Auction Rooms Quarterly Art Sale on Wednesday, September 18, starting at 6pm.
FRED YATES COLLECTION RAISES £10,000
A man who splashed his £100 teenage savings on two works by an artist friend of his family has seen his investment pay off in style. Adam Hedley had intended to use the money to buy a guitar, but instead on a whim spent it artworks by Fred Yates, who had stayed at the family home near Liskeard, in South East Cornwall.
This pair of cloissone vases sold for £2,700
POST SALE REPORT NOVEMBER AUCTION
Frantic bidding and a large saleroom turnout saw a host of items exceed their estimates at a buoyant Plymouth Auction Rooms sale. The star lot was an impressive pair of Japanese cloisonné vases which went for £2,700 - more than five times the estimate. Dating from the Japanese Meiji period, the 44cm high vases were decorated with panels of exotic...
SOLD £2,500
DECEMBER 'FINDS' SELL WELL AT FINAL AUCTION OF THE YEAR
Several fine works of art and jewellery sold well at the final auction of the year at Plymouth Auction Rooms.The sale featured jewellery, watches, gold coins and pictures. Notables sale included a rare Beryl Cook original oil painting that was acquired directly from the artist selling for £8,000. Several lots of jewellery and silver that had been languishing in...
This pair of Blackamoors sold for £3,800 to a Devon buyer against tremendous UK competition.
BLACKAMOORS SMASH THROUGH ESTIMATE AT THE JANUARY SALE
A rare pair of carved wood and gilt Blackamoor figures were the stars of the show at the latest Plymouth Auction Rooms sale, when they sold for £3,800. The much sought-after figures, each standing on a plinth and holding a serving tray, had been estimated at £1,000-£2,000. But a packed saleroom at the sale last Wednesday (January 22) watched in awe as a determined telephone bidder from South Devon fought off rivals to eventually land the Blackamoors for well above the estimate. The figures, which had been in a South...
Lot 6, Auction 20th August-Thomas William Holgate, oil Estimate £2,000 to £3,000
TWO CONTRASTING PAINTINGS OF CORNISH INTEREST FOR JULY ART AUCTION
Two very contrasting paintings by artists with a Cornish background are to feature at the Summer art auction in Plymouth. Thomas William Holgate (1870—1953) was born in Lancashire and as well as a fine painter was talented singer and a...
SOLD £5,300 FRED YATES 'Boat on the River Fowey'
FRED YATES SELLS FOR TEN TIMES THE ESTIMATE
A real bid battle commenced this week at Plymouth Auction Rooms evening art sale. From a small collection of works by Fred Yates; serious collectors spotted the charming small study of a boat of the River Fowey. Auctioneer Paul Keen received quite a number of enquiries before the sale and felt that it may improve on its guide but he and many others were...
One of William Taits Trains fired up in Central Park , Plymouth in the 1970's
INTEREST IN 'TRAIN MAN'S' MODEL LOCO BUILDS A HEAD OF STEAM
Interest in ‘train man’s’ model loco builds a head of steam A working model steam train, lovingly built from scratch by a man fondly remembered by thousands of Plymouth youngsters, is set to be auctioned in the city. The wide gauge engine, along with tender, tools, coal and other equipment, was constructed as a labour of love by William Tait at his home in Plymstock. He...
SOLD £10,500.
LENKIEWICZ PROFILE SELF PORTRAIT FOR SALE
Collectors of Lenkiewicz art will have the opportunity of bidding on a rare self portrait painting at Plymouth Auctions Rooms this month. Titled ‘Profile, Self Portrait’ the well kept oil on board painting measures 25cm x 19cm and is housed in a heavy black frame. It is signed and title and carries a guide price of £10,000 to £12,000. Auctioneer Paul Keen has sold several self portraits with one making £13,500 at his last sale. The auction includes a collection...
The Chinese Vase that sold for £3,100
CHINESE VASE SELLS FOR SIX TIMES ITS ESTIMATE
The main attraction of the June sale was the 19th century Chinese blue and white vase. It attracted tremendous pre sale interest with several Chinese collectors bidding from China the internet alongside competition from three telephone bidders. It finally sold for over six times its estimate to a Chinese specialist bidding from London for a respectable £3,100. The 600 lots auction featured an eclectic range of items from a small job lot of Fountain Pens...
Plymouth Porcelain Sauce Boat SOLD £2,800
THE BATTLE FOR PLYMOUTH PORCELAIN IS WON BY LOCAL COLLECTOR
The battle for a rare piece of Plymouth porcelain was won by a local collector bidding in the room. Tremendous national interest was generated by the discovery of the small 18th century Plymouth porcelain sauce boat. However a local collector of Plymouth items was determined not to be out bid and ignored our estimate of £200 to £400 and secured the piece for £2,800 against bidders online and telephone bidders. William Cookworthy (a Quaker pharmacist) of Kingsbridge discovered China clay in Cornwall in...
A pair of original paintings by Sarah Louise Kilpack-Auction 25th February
CHANNEL ISLANDS ART TO BE SOLD IN PLYMOUTH
Sarah Louise Kilpack was born in Covent Garden, London on 15th December 1839. She was the youngest child of Georgina and Thomas Kilpack, a tobacconist, whose family lived above the shop. She drew and played the piano from an early age, and showed great aptitude for both. Her musical ability was such that the fees she earned from playing concerts enabled her to travel to the country to sketch. She moved to the Channel Islands in the middle 1860s,...
ROLLING STONES MEMORABILIA SOLD FOR £500.
ROLLING STONES MEMORABILIA FOR AUCTION
A collection of Rolling Stones Memorabilia will be on offer at our November auction. The collection was acquired by a local enthusiast from 1964 to 1967 and includes a rare set of autographs on paper including Mick Jagger, Bill Wyman, Brian Jones, Charlie Watts and Keith Richards. Brian Jones autograph may need verification as Bill Wyman often signed for Brian Jones also the Charlie Watts signature is indistinct. Original tour brochures and...
COLLECTION SELLS FOR £1,500
GONE FISHING!!
Enthusiasts and collectors of fishing are expected to be out in force for a group of three original taxidermy fish. Each was produced by one of the leading Victorian taxidermists; John Cooper. They are housed in original glass cabinets and have the makers label set within their naturalistic settings. They have been in the same Devon family for many years who have now decided to sell all apart from one from the collection. Auctioneer Paul...
BEN MAILE OIL
PRESS RELEASE FOR THE FEBRUARY 25 AUCTION
When auctioneer Paul Keen was asked to select four notable lots from his sale next week he took no time in going to the watch section first. Picking up a Gents Rolex wrist watch he explained how the market for watches has developed in recent years with many new worldwide investing in watches. Demand is highest for Rolex and Omega. The Submariner with black dial was purchased by the Devon seller new in 1981 and was recently serviced by Rolex at...
BERYL COOK'S 'KISSING TIME' SETS SAIL TO CANADA FOR £19,200
BIDDING BON VOYAGE TO BERYL
Press Release 3rd March 2015 A unique and exceptionally rare Beryl Cook oil painting has sold at Plymouth Auction Rooms and now sets sail for Canada. The original piece of art sold for a staggering £19,200 to an overseas collector, who narrowly outbid a local Plymouth auction-goer. The painting – titled 'Kissing Time' – is in the much-loved local artist’s distinctively vibrant and fun style. As a Plymouth resident for...
Lot 227- 14th September Sold £4,400. Rolex, a Gents stainless steel GMT Master II, Chronometer, Oyster Date wristwatch, with 'Pepsi' bezel.
THREE SALES IN SEPTEMBER- VIEW SOME GREAT RESULTS
Top Drawer feature in the Western Morning News Saturday 1st October 2016. Over the last two weeks Plymouth Auction Rooms have held three auctions generating some exceptional results. If you are considering selling fine works of art, jewellery or watches then these popular Westcountry auctioneers have the ability to achieve the best price for your items. The energy and enthusiasm in which Auctioneer Paul Keen take his sales is well known and...
John Cabello of Parade Antiques, Plymouth along with his son Dominic show of their new acquisition; the Baden-Powell mangle.
BADEN-POWELL HAT SELL FOR £1,300
A hat made for and owned by the founder of the Scouting Moment has sold at auction for a remarkable £1,300. The hat was part of the collection of Plymouth enthusiast Mr Graham Brooks, a Scouting Silver Wolf, who had decided to sell his entire collection of some 400 items at Plymouth Auction Rooms last weekend. The wide brimmed felt 'Scout Hat' dating from 1890 was manufactured for, owned...
Nicholas Condy (1793-1857) St.Andrews Chruch Plymouth Lot 350
HISTORICAL PLYMOUTH ART
Read the fascinating feature written by Plymouth Historian Chris Robinson.
POIGNANT POPPY ON REMEMBERANCE DAY
A poppy last worn with a set of medals on remembrance day in 1947 is to be auctioned on remembrance day this year. The set of medals from the great war are being sold by the daughter of brave soldier F. Hemmings who was awarded the Military Medal for ‘Bravery in the Field’. Mrs Paton of Plymouth tells the story of her father being gassed in the war and also shot through a metal purse, which is belief...
lot 261 Auction 25th November.
RARE WATCH DISCOVER AT SOUTH HAMS VALUATION DAY
Last month Plymouth Auction Rooms held their inaugural free auction valuation day in association with Luscombe Maye at their office in Totnes. It was a very busy day for both teams with an interesting selection of objects brought in for appraisal. One of the highlights was a gentleman who came in with a small selection of jewellery that he had inherited from his family. During his conversation with the specialist, Andrew Spicer, he said that he...
LOT 351 AUCTION 2ND MARCH 2016 SOLD £2,700
TITANIC REPLICA PAINTING TO BE SOLD AT PLYMOUTH AUCTION ROOMS
A replica of a painting with fascinating history is to be auction in Plymouth. Read all about it…. After the senate inquiry into the sinking of of the Titanic in 1912, one of the survivors, a Swedish businessman and rumoured military attaché called Mauritz Hokan Bjornstrom-Steffansson, filed a claim for $100,000 ($2.4 million equivalent today) against the White Star Line for the loss of a large neoclassical oil painting called...
SOLD £890.
THE HISTORY OF THE LIEFDE
The recovery of an amazing haul of gold coins from the 18th century Dutch ship The Liefde has been recorded in a book written by Plymouth Ian Jim Gill and also Alan Bax. A commissioned painting of the ship by Tim Thompson will now feature at the next art auction at Plymouth Auction Rooms on Wednesday 2nd March. Any one wanting to learn more about the recovery is welcome to call in at the saleroom to take a look at the book and...
THE CAMDEN TOWN GROUP AUCTION 23/3/16
A small painting purchased at a jumble sale in 1963 and later discovered to be the work of influential British artist Walter Sickert is to be sold by auction. Walter Sicker (born Munich 1860-1942) was a member of The Camden Town Group of English post-impressionist artists who were active around 1911 -1913. Named after the area of north London where they lived and worked, the group aimed to reflect the realities of modern urban life. They produced works covering...
Lot 250, Auction 14th September, estimate £4,000 to £5,000Rolex, a fine gents steel and gold GMT Master II wristwatch with original box, papers warranty dated 2002, serial No P923700 in very good condition.
BUSY AUTUMN SEASON AHEAD
We have a busy calendar of sales ahead for the Autumn 2016 season.Starting with an interesting sale of antique Chinese porcelain on 14th September at 12noon. Two private collections from Devon have generated 80 lots and allowed us to put togather a special focused auction. The star lot is a Kangxi Period vase that is expected to sell for £1,500 to £2,000. However there are plenty of lots with guides around £50 that may appeal to new collectors in this area.No sooner have we held the sale then at 6.00pm on the same day we hold our popular auction of...
SOLD £7,700 7th December 2016.
2016 ENDS ON A HIGH WITH A £54,000 DIAMOND RING.
PRESS RELEASE. 2016 has ended on a high note at Plymouth Auction Rooms. Two major auctions in one week produced some outstanding results for paintings, jewellery and watches. Auctioneer Paul Keen timed his sales perfectly on 30th November and 7th December just before the festive distraction was in place. The 460 lots yielded the highest sales total for over five years with very few lots unsold. National and international collectors competed for many of the fine lots on offer. ...
LOT 452 Auction 22nd January
1960'S LEGENDRY SINGERS SIGNED SHIRT FOR PLYMOUTH FAN
A fan's encounter with a legendary singer in Plymouth could hit the right note at auction next week. Stan Ozanne was a huge admirer of Frankie Laine, who had a string of hits on both sides of the Atlantic in the 1950s and 60s. So when the singer appeared at the city's former bowling alley in Mayflower Street in the late 1960s, Stan was determined to see him. Stan, 78, said: "Frankie was such a powerful singer - he didn't need a microphone. "After his show I managed to have...
lot 425 SOLD £ 1,600 1887 Victoria £5 Gold, N.E.F. (a few edge nicks)
COIN COLLECTION ATTRACTS NATIONAL MEDIA INTEREST
Auction 3rd April 2013. Our recent auction of a collection of gold and silver coins attracted tremendous pre sale attention from UK and International collectors. Our initial estimate was doubled with the collection grossing over £30,000. The local Plymouth owner was ‘absolutely delighted’ with the result. The following day a major feature appeared in the local press which was followed up by national...
READ ALL ABOUT IT.............
Take a look at some of the interesting news stories about some of the fascinating items that have been sold at Plymouth Auction Rooms.View Some News Stories
DANISH RESISTANCE FIGHTER'S CARVINGS FOR SALE
Inuit carvings collected by a World War Two resistance fighter after his release from a Nazi concentration camp go on sale in Plymouth next month. The collection of seven rare marine ivory pieces, featuring a sleigh, polar bears and elephant, were acquired by Dane John Christian Olsen, who was captured in 1944. He was sent to the Bochum labour camp...
EMILY KEEN MODELS THE NORMAN HARTNELL DRESS
ROYAL DESIGNERS DRESS GOES UP FOR SALE IN PLYMOUTH
Royal designer’s dress goes up for sale in PlymouthView media feature Fashionistas and lovers of classic clothing will be flocking to an auction house in Plymouth when a 1920s dress and bolero jacket produced by one of the most famous names in British design is sold.
This early Beryl Cook painting is expected to sell for £8,000 to £10,000 on 4th December.
FIRST TIME ON THE MARKET FOR BERYL COOK PAINTING
Press Release. An early work by Beryl Cook, which had languished in a cupboard before being bought by a keen follower of her work, is expected to sell for up to £10,000 at auction in Plymouth. The untitled painting, never before seen on the open market, is particularly interesting as it also features an unfinished drawing on the reverse.
Lot 408 Auction 26 February 2014
PLYMOUTH'S GREAT EXPLORER
Two lots honouring one of Plymouth’s most famous explorers are set to break new ground when they go under the hammer at an auction in the city this month. The scrolls pay tribute to the legendary Scott of the Antarctic, otherwise known as Captain Robert Falcon Scott, who was born in Plymouth in 1868. He died in a doomed...
Lot 41 Auction 26 February
GEORG JENSEN LEADS THE SILVER SECTION
A Georg Jensen silver cigar box will light up the next sale at Plymouth Auction Rooms later this month. The box, decorated with panels of stylised flowers, heads a list of eclectic lots at the sale at the firm’s Cattedown saleroom in Plymouth on Wednesday, February 26. It features impress marks 'Georg Jensen, 830' and 'JR' (possibly referring Georg Jensen designer Johan Rohde) and stands on bracket feet. Measuring 18cm by 14cm, it weighs 43.25oz and has...
GEORGE BEST AUTOGRAPH AMONGST OTHER MAN UNITED STARS IN RARE PROGRAMME
A rare signed football programme is expected to excite football fans at the Plymouth Auction Rooms next month. In the 1970’s Charlie Cooper was the coach driver on the team bus for Manchester United Football Club. On an away match to the Arsenal Stadium he asked the players if they could sign the match programme for his daughter, Christina, who was unable to attend the match as she was on holiday in Devon at the time....
MIKIMOTO
MIKIMOTO PEARLS TO BE AUCTIONED
A set of Mikimoto pearls that were purchased in Hong Kong around 1950 are coming up for auction on 28th January. The cultured pearls have been well kept in their original silk purse and box. They were owned by a local lady and now the family are selling them along with a pair of pretty Mikimoto earrings and gold brooch. The collection...
SOLD £3,700
HIGH DEMAND FOR ROLEX WATCHES
This year we have achieved some great prices for Rolex and other luxury wrist watches. Our online sales have brought a wide audience of national and international collectors to our sales. There are many new collectors for quality watches with their obvious appeal and potential increase in value they represent a good investment opportunity. Our July auction saw two Rolex Submariners sell over estimate at £3,700 each. A rare Rolex True Beat stainless steel wrist watch go for £2,400...
Fred Yates in action around 1970
'FOWEY BOATS' BY FRED YATES AT THE OCTOBER SALE
Plymouth Auction Rooms are establishing themselves as principle saleroom to sell paintings by Fred Yates (1922-2008). With several great results for his works at their art sales including two originals for over £6,000; the auctioneers now regularly receive national and international enquiries from collectors and sellers alike. Expecting to attract interest at the October art auction is a pair of paintings titled ‘Boat on The Fowey I and II’ painted on the banks of the...
Maggie Allen with her painting that she has donated to raise monies for the Poppy Appeal
THE BRITISH LEGION POPPY APPEAL.
Maggie Allen has kindly asked us to auction this charming picture of 'Poppies' painted by Maggie Jewell in 1977. The proceeds from the sale are going direct to The Royal British Legion 'Poppy Appeal'. Plymouth Auction Rooms will also be donating all commissions from the sale to the appeal. So please 'dig deep' on 10th December.
Lot 74, Auction 9th December, Estimate £15,000 to £20,000.
ROBERT LENKIEIWCZ PROJECT 12 PAINTING FROM THE 2008 LONDON EXHIBITION TO SOLD
A rare Self Portrait by Robert Lenkiewicz (1941-2002) from the suicide Project 12 is to be auction in Plymouth next month. The oil painting from 1979 is titled ‘Self-Portrait at 37 thinking of myself at 65 with a stroke, recollecting myself at 37’. It was acquired directly from the artist at the time and has remained in a major Plymouth collection since. Valuer Paul Keen ‘there is always a good demand for Self...
ROYAL MINT GOLD COINS SELL FOR OVER £25,000
Press Release-29th January 2015 Plymouth Auction Rooms are serving the high demand for commemorative gold coins. Auctioneer Paul Keen reports ‘having sold two major collections recently we have seen a wealth of new online bidders competing for investment opportunities’ Collectors are currently searching for fine proof coins produced by the Royal Mint or the Westminster mint. With coin sales of over £26,000 in recent weeks, Paul is now inviting further collections for his...
ROYAL BIRTH'S OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY
Many Royalists are still celebrating the birth last weekend of Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana but we doubt the event will be commemorated in the same way as the Victorians. In the 19th century Royal and Political events were commemorated with pictures, carvings and photographs on...
CONTEMPORARY SILVER COLLECTION UNDER THE HAMMER
Fashions have changed! And a collection of 1970’s silver illustrates just how much’ Says Auctioneer Paul Keen. Ten years ago a Victorian silver teaset would attract a great deal of interest but today the ornate styles and rich embellishments of the high Victorian style does not fit with peoples tastes. However move forward to the 1970s and a collection of angular and plain silver is expected to attract a lot of interest. ...
VALUATION OFFICE IN THE SOUTH HAMS
Luscombe Maye and Plymouth Auction Rooms are pleased to announce a new joint collaboration. On the second Thursday every month, Andrew Spicer of Plymouth Auction Rooms will be in attendance at the Totnes office of Luscombe Maye for FREE specialised auction advice on jewellery, watches and silver. A member of the Luscombe Maye team will be available for free advice on the property market. No appointment necessary between the hours...
An extensive vinyl collection that sold for over £5,000 at the sale attracting worlwide bidders.
PLYMOUTH HERALD REPORTS ON OUR COLLECTORS AUCTION OCTOBER 20156.
Our fascinating Collectors Auction on 12th October was spotted by reporters at the Plymouth Herald. The sale featured some fascinating items and some of the results were impressive. Read all about it here…..The Herald
A MENAGERIE OF ROYAL CROWN DERBY TO BE SOLD FOR CHARITY
READ THE NEWS FEATUREA Plymouth charity is in line for a £1,000 boost thanks to a kind-hearted donor – and a porcelain menagerie of animals and birds.The collection of Royal Crown Derby paperweight figurines was handed in to the YMCA charity shop in Cornwall Street, Plymouth, bundled in a plastic bag.But the 45 brightly-coloured items, which include a panda, penguin, chipmunk and bears, are highly collectable and are expected to be sold for a four-figure sum when they go under the hammer...
DECADES OLD MYSTERY SOLVED
A decades old mystery involving one of Plymouth’s favourite artists and a weapon used by Pacific natives has finally been solved. The wooden object had been the subject of discussions and debate for years involving the family of the late Beryl Cook and visitors to their city home on the Hoe. Beryl’s son, John, said: “It had been in our house for years – certainly since we moved in during the late...
SOLD £980 - 31st July 2013
RARE PAIR WWII GERMAN U BOAT BINOCULARS
An original pair of German U Boat binoculars, probably made by Zeiss, with canvas bag together with a German iron cross, were liberated by Chief Engine Room Artificer W.G.Wright at the end of the second world war.They were brought along to our valuation day this week by the family and will be sold at our auction on 31st July.W.Wright was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. Auctioneer Paul Keen ''U Boat binoculars a popular amongst collectors and we expect these to sell for £300-£500" View Catalogue
WORLD WAR TWO NAVIGATOR AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS
A medal awarded to a World War Two navigator for his bravery on combat missions in the Far East is being sold at auction in Plymouth. Flight Sergeant David Arthur Jones was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1946 after completing a host of sorties against enemy forces. He survived a crash over India in March 1943 when his aircraft was struck by another and plummeted to the ground four miles south of Dacca. An account of the incident, along with other details of his war service, are contained in a log book...
This fine diamond ring sold for £1,200.
GLOBAL INTEREST IN THE JULY AUCTION
A packed saleroom and bidders from 17 countries saw Plymouth Auction Rooms’ latest jewellery, silver and collectables sale reach new heights. The auction on Wednesday, July 31, saw much interest in the star lots which all sold on or above valuation. Stand-out item was the gold boxing belt won by Welsh boxer Johnny Chislett, a regular star performer at pre-war bouts in Plymouth at the city’s famous Cosmopolitan Gym. It was bought for £7,500, achieving its estimate. Another lot which attracted global interest via the internet was a pair of German World War...
MODEL CAR COLLECTION IS LICENSED TO THRILL
A collection of model cars which featured in the James Bond blockbusters has been licensed to thrill bidders at a Plymouth auction next month. The 112 vehicles, each in their own plastic cases, are among the highlights of the October 9 sale being held at Plymouth Auction Rooms. The diecast collection is made up...
ECLECTIC JANUARY AUCTION 2014
A fan's encounter with a legendary singer in Plymouth could hit the right note at auction next week. Stan Ozanne was a huge admirer of Frankie Laine, who had a string of hits on both sides of the Atlantic in the 1950s and 60s. So when the singer appeared at the city's former bowling alley in Mayflower Street in the late 1960s, Stan was determined to see him. Stan, 78, said: "Frankie was such a powerful singer - he didn't need a microphone. "After his show I managed to have...
PLYMOUTH AUCTION ROOMS AIDS SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS FUNDRAISER
Plymouth Auction Rooms is to play a key role in a campaign to honour one of the city’s most famous artists, who became a painter to a king and an inspiration to generations. A special auction is to be held at the firm’s Cattedown saleroom on March 19 in aid of a £10,000 appeal to buy two works by Sir Joshua Reynolds, the renowned 18th century portrait painter who was born in Plympton St Maurice. ...
PART OF THE BRUCE CHATTERTON TRAIN COLLECTION THAT SOLD FOR OVER 9,000
TRAIN COLLECTION SELLS FOR OVER £9,000
An extensive model railway collection, silver cigar box, a diamond Rolex watch and a host of other eclectic items helped Plymouth Auction Rooms to its most buoyant sale for two years. A crowded saleroom and a host of internet buyers and telephone bidders combined to create an electric atmosphere at the firm’s Cattedown saleroom on Wednesday, February 26, for the latest monthly auction.
FINE JEWELLERY FOR THE NOVEMBER AUCTION
If your considering buying jewellery as a gift for Christmas then look no further than the next auction at Plymouth Auction Rooms. Fine diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, aqua marine and other precious stones are set into a good selection of rings, bracelets and other jewellery. By far the most valuable lot on offer is a stunning large single stone diamond solitaire ring that has been in the same Plymouth family for many years. The stone is between...
SOLD £1,100
SURPRISES & HIGH PRICES AT SEPTEMBER SALE.
A wealth of Chinese collectors had registered for online bidding at Plymouth Auction Rooms last week. Several oriental lots were on offer which included mixed lot of 8 pieces of Chinese porcelain. In amongst the collection was a simple 19th porcelain teapot. Entered to auction by a local family with a guide of only £50. The lot attracted a frantic amount of live internet bidding with it finally selling to a specialist in London for a remarkable £900. From the same home came a carved Chinese ivory figure of...
PAIR OF GERMAN VASES THAT SURVIVED THE GERMAN BOMBS TO BE SOLD THIS MONTH
A pair antique vases that survived the bombs of Wolrd War II are expected to sell for over a £1,000 this month at auction. The vases had been kept in a cupboard at a Plymouth property for many years which protected them from the German bombs which destroyed part of the property. They have remained in the same family since and have now been consigned to auction.
This charming rocking horse sold for £1,050.
HUGE DEMAND FOR COLLECTORS ITEMS
There was standing room only at last Saturday’s collector’s sale. Almost 500 lots were on offer comprising an eclectic mix of collectors’ items being sold on behalf of families across Devon and Cornwall. Demands are high in the market place with a huge amount of bids received for diecast models, medals, militaria, autographs, toys of yesteryear, rare coins and curious. With many...
Lot 10 Auction 30th September.
COLLECTION CREATED AFTER FALLING FOR THE ALLURE OF ASIAN ART
Asian art will be auctioned later this month – with items acquired from West Africa to Indonesia. Nicky Haenel and her late husband Martin Developed a fascination for these ornate, engaging and often elaborate representations of diverse cultures during their years abroad. From 1970 to...
BLUE BIRD MODEL AND AUTOGRAPH - AUCTION SEPTEMBER 2017.
British racing motorist Malcolm Campbell (1885-1948) gained the world speed record on land and on water at various times during the 1920s and 1930s using vehicles called Blue Bird. A diecast model of a Blue Bird by Britain’s is to be sold along with an original autograph of Malcolm Campbell, they were discovered together in an old family toy chest by the grandson of close friends of the Campbell’s. Condition poor but a real collectors lot!
Mementos of life on the ice before the days of Torville and Dean are set to go under the hammer at Plymouth Auction Rooms
The skating memorabilia is being sold by Marion Clayden of Saltash, and belonged to her parents Ron and Doris Clayden.In the late 1940s and early 1950s, the couple were among the country’s leading skaters. They competed in the Junior British Championships and represented Great Britain several times. Marion...
The two coco de mer bowls brought home from the Seychelles
RARE COCO DE MER BOWLS FROM THE SEYCHELLES
Two unusual examples of ethnic art are to be sold in Plymouth this month. The rare Coco de Mer bowls are expected to sell for £250-£300 each, and are highly collectable. They belong to a Plympton man who was in the Merchant Navy for 32 years, and who was given them in 1961 by his steward during a visit to the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean. He said: “That was my best trip. The items are unusual because they are made from the double nut, and for a while when I got home...
James Thomas and John Chislett with the boxing belt.
BOXING BELT SELLS TO ONE OF PLYMOUTH'S FAMOUS BOXING FAMILIES
One of Plymouth’s most famous boxing families has scored a knockout – after clinching the sale of a precious piece of fighting memorabilia at auction in the city. Glynn Thomas, whose father James was a former boxer who used to run Devonport Boxing Club, successfully bid £7,500 to land the gold belt won by Welsh boxing legend Johnny Chislett.
GOLD POCKET WATCH REVEALS HISTORY OF A NORTHERN WRESTLER
A gold watch presented to a 19th century wrestler to mark his defeat of a previous champion is set to go under the hammer in Plymouth. The watch, is inscribed with a message to RTW Powley, otherwise known as Ralph, who was a major competitor in the North of England sport of Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling.
SOLD £310.
COULD CARVING HAVE LINKS TO 'MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY'
It is possible that a simple carved wood model of flying fish could have links to the famous mutiny on the Bounty. The carving was purchased by a gentleman on his return to the UK from New Zealand in 1957, when his boat stopped of a Pitcairn Islands. The hand carved model is inscribed 'Best Wishes from Pitcairn Island', together with the maker’s name of ‘Oliver Clark’.
Detail of a pair of tall King House psot from Papa New Guinea that Sold to an internet bidder for £2,100
LIVE INTERNET BIDDING YIELDS RECORD BREAKING MAY COLLECTORS AUCTION
With some 213 bidders registered to bid live on the internet and a further 150 bidders registered directly with our saleroom we anticipated that the May Collectors auction would be busy.However in almost twenty years we have rarely seen such a huge amount of bidding throughout an auction with almost 40% of sold lots going to online buyers.As auctioneers we have recognised the need to invest in the facility of...
Fine early Victorian London Silver Service SOLD £3,300 10th August
SILVER TEA SERVICE SELLS FOR £3,300 on 10th August
As demands for silver continue rise we have seen some remarkable results at our salerooms for fine lots. The August sale featured the first part of a collection of silver, selectively collected by a Plymouth gentleman over the last fifty years. Hammer prices for collection exceeded our expectations with the expected star attracting the most interest. A fine early Victorian four piece silver service by Joseph Angell & Sons dating to 1845. The service was in excellent condition and...
A fine Self Portrait by Robert Lenkiewicz is expected to sell for £15,000- £20,000 on 21st March
TRADITIONAL AND MODERN ART AT THE MARCH AUCTION
The March art auction features a wide range of paintings and prints to suite all tastes.In the traditional section there is a collection of Westcountry watercolours including a fine pair of large paintings by F.J.Widgery alongside works by John Sumpton, Rubens Southey and G.H. Jenkins.A 19th century Dutch painting by William Dommerson depicting Flushing, Holland contrasts with the 2005 oil by Peter Stanaway titled 'Saturday Night', both are collectable with the later expected to sell from £1,000 -£1,500.There is Irish art by J. Rooney, modern works by Lee Woods, L. Isherwood, Beryl Cook and John Hall...
Some of the Moorcroft Pottery at the January Sale
9,080 VISITORS TO OUR WEBSITE IN JANUARY 2012
Our online sales are attracting a huge amount of interest with an ever increasing number of bidders registering to bid live at our sales. This month so far we have seen over 9,000 visitors to our website with 5,627 unique visits and 48.25% new visitors.View all the ResultsThe internet promotion of our sales has generated many more enquiries directly from collectors for all manner of items but in particular silver, jewellery, pocket and wrist watches, clocks, models and toys.Only last week we saw a Moorcroft collection go for over £6,500 and a Wade collection for over £2,700. There were many notable prices at...
Lot 272 William Moorcroft Pomegranate Vase SOLD £2,000
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This diamond solitaire ring sold for £1,500
THE ATMOS CLOCK BY JAEGER LE COULTRE ESTIMATED AT £800-£1,000 on 18th JULY
THE CLOCK THAT RUNS ON AIR!
The Atmos is a unique clock.It needs no batteries and no electricity. It draws its energy from the temperature changes which constantly occur. A variation of only 2 degree Fahrenheit provides it with sufficient energy for 48 hours of timekeeping.The perpetual clock will keep tie as long as days are hot or cold. It has been calculated that after 300 years the Atmos would show no more wear than a watch in one year. Jaeger Le...
SOLD £24,500 19th September 2012
FINE LENKIEWICZ SELF PORTRAIT SELLS FOR £24,500.
Lot 50 attracted tremendous pre sale interest at the art auction on 19th September. A stunning self portrait painting by Robert Lenkiewicz from his private studio. Our pre sale valuation of £17,000-£20,000 was comfortably surpassed when an East Devon collector standing in the saleroom out bid three telephone bidders and a strong commission bid to win the lot for a respectable £24,500 (£29,400 including premium).Other sales including another smaller self portrait £8,800, two painter with Karen Ciambriello paintings at £3,000 and £4,500 and Study of Esther with Candles at...
OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER VALUATION DAYS
We are currently inviting consignments for our forthcoming auctions and are holding the following Valuation Days. If you are consider selling items please bring them along and one of our valuers will be pleased to offer free auction pre sale valuations. If you have larger collections you are welcome to email images. Clocks, Pictures, Silver,...
Lot 58 this print 'Blue Tractor' by Edward Bawden SOLD for £2,700
BOUYANT MARCH ART AUCTION
VIEW RESULTS Our recent evening auction of contemporary and traditional art attracted alot of UK and International interest; in the main for the large section of works by Robert Lenkiewicz but also for a collection of prints by Edward Bawden (1903-1989) and certain traditional paintings. However it was Plymouth artist Robert Lenkiewicz (1941-200) that attracted the highest bidding with a high number of prints on offer nearly all finding buyers. We have noticed a renewed interest in collectors of Lenkiewicz prints...
12th June Lot 21 JAMES STARK ( 1794-1859) oil
EAST ANGLIA ART COMES TO PLYMOUTH
Works by two of East Anglia’s most collectable artists are set to go under the hammer at an auction in June.Coming up for sale at The Plymouth Auction Rooms is an oil on panel painting by English landscape artist James Stark (1794 – 1859) a key member of the Norwich School, the first provincial art movement in Britain whose members were inspired by the Norfolk landscape.The painting, in an original gilt frame bearing the artist’s name, is unusual because many of the Norwich School works were acquired by the Colman’s mustard dynasty and rarely come to market....
BEN HARTLEY (1933-1996) 'Hartley's Raspberry Jam' Estimate £3,000-£4,000 Auction June 12th.
RARE BEN HARTLEY PAINTING AT THE JUNE ART SALE.
Press Release 14th May A rare opportunity to buy a work by one of the South West’s most coveted contemporary abstract artists comes up in Plymouth next month. ‘Hartley’s Raspberry Jam’ by Ben Hartley will go under the hammer at the Plymouth Auction Rooms sale of selected paintings and prints on June 12, with a an estimate of £3,000-£4,000. The work – full title ‘Hartley’s Raspberry Jam (Man With Pipe)’ –...
A 19th century silver chest with Naval connections.
SILVER CHEST WITH FASCINATING HISTORY
Sir William Henry Dillon (1779-1857) was a British Naval Officer with a fascinating career rising from Midshipman to Admiral. He entered the Navy in 1790 aged only 11 years and served under Captain Gambier on Defence. As a young man he was involved in the French Revolutionary Battles of 1794 serving at the ‘Glorious First of June’ battle.He was engaged in several military battles and participated in the capture of the Spanish corvette Galgo. In 1803 he was captured and held as a prisoner in...
The rare large German Navigator's Watch, auction 4th September.
GERMAN AIRCREW NAVIGATOR'S WATCH TO BE SOLD IN SEPTEMBER
A German aircrew navigator’s watch acquired by a British despatch rider who saw action in Europe and North Africa during World War Two is set to attract bids from around the world when it is auctioned in Plymouth. The large black faced timepiece was issued to Luftwaffe airmen ahead of missions, and would have been worn over their flying suits as they carried out bombing raids and attacks on targets.
The SS Newbiggin of Newcastle by William Pearn unloading coal on Plymouth's Barbican in 1890. Auction 28th May.
PLYMOUTH BARBICAN VIEWS FROM THE 19th & 20th CENTURIES.
Two fine paintings depicting views of Sutton Harbour on Plymouth's Barbican are to be auctioned in May at Plymouth Auction Rooms. A fine 19th century oil painting by Westcountry artist William Pearn depicts the SS Newbiggin of Newcastle unloading coal alongside the east quay which is now home to the Sutton Harbour Marina. The historic painting is dated 1890 and depicts coal wagons on the quay running on the original tram rails which can still be...
Lot 108 An Irish guards gold laced Drum Majors Scarlet Tunic, named to 'Drum Major P. Brennan`
COLLECTION OF MILITARIA FOR SALE AS OWNER DOWN SIZES
A fascinating collection of militaria and collectors’ items are to be sold in Plymouth next month as a result of as South Devon man downsizing. The gentleman has passionately collected all manner of military uniform, hats, memorabilia, models and even weapons over many years but the time has come for him to thin out the collection. Notable items include a QEII Irish Guards Corps of Fifes and Drums scarlet drummers...
SOLD £10,700 MEDALS TO FLIGHT LIEUTENANT BOB POULTON DFC
BATTLE OF BRITAIN GROUP OF MEDALS SELL FOR £10,700 IN BOUYANT NOVEMBER AUCTION
VIEW RESULTSWe held a very successful auction this week, attracting high numbers of UK and International Bidders, our website recorded some 10,513 visitors with 6,148 unique visitors.Demands this years have been consistingly high for silver, watches, clocks, medals, collectors items and this sale produced many high results well over our estimates.Some notable sales includedThe Medal SectionThe Battle of Britain DFC Group -£10,700
LENKIEWICZ SALES IN DECEMBER 2010
LENKIEWICZ SALES IN DECEMBER 2010
The December Art Sale featured 56 lots of works by Robert Lenkiewicz (1941-2002) including posters, prints, watercolours and oil paintings. The sale rate was 71% with a high uptake for prints particularly from online buyers. There was an element of selectivity for the higher priced lots with the main Self Portrait failing to go at £15,000 although there was initial interest at £12,000. Some sale results included...Painter with Karen print £780, Barbican Fishermen print £420, 'Anna' study watercolour...
Fidel Castro Sold £6,900.
FIDEL CASTRO SELLS FOR £6,900.
A staggering price for a rare Doulton Character Jug was achieved at Plymouth Auction Rooms this week.Numerous collectors from Australia, Italy, London and America registered to bid on the 30 rare Royal Doulton character jugs collected by a Plymouth gentleman who had decided to sell his collection. The highlight of the sale was...
LOT 548 RIFLEMAN REGINALD LEWIS-KILLED IN THE BATTLE OF THE SOMME 1917, TO BE SOLD ON 20TH FEBRUARY
GERMAN AND BRITISH MILITARIA HEADLINES THE FEBRUARY AUCTION
The February auction will feature a fascinating array of German and British military collectables. The sale will include a private collection of German daggers, swords and badges which were collected over several years by the late father of a Plymouth Gentleman. The collection is expected to raise £2,000-£3,000.Our recent medal valuation day proved successful when a number of British medals were appraised and entered for sale. Many of which have come direct from family descendants and being offered with...
PROMOTION PROMOTION PROMOTION
View of 25 local media stories about interesting lots sold at Plymouth Auction Rooms.
Lot 83 attracted tremendous pre sale attention and finally sold for £1,450.
JUNE COLLECTORS SALE REVIEW
A frantic intercontinental internet bidding battle saw Plymouth Auction Rooms host its second highly successful sale in a fortnight. The Jewellery, Silver and Collectables auction on Wednesday came hot on the heels of the Summer Art Sale, and saw fierce competition for almost 600 hand-picked lots. Registered bidders both hemispheres, in countries including Saudi Arabia, Israel, Kuwait, China, Russia, Holland and France, in conjunction with a packed saleroom, fuelled fierce competition for a wide range of items. Among the stars of the sale was a 19th century Fijian war club, owned by Plymouth...
SOLD £2,700.
EXCITING EARLY ARRAY OF LOTS FOR THE NOVEMBER AUCTION
It has been an incredibly busy week since Plymouth Auction Rooms’ last sale, with a host of eclectic and unusual items coming through the doors ahead of the November 20 auction. Chief among them is a rare early 20th century mahogany W F Stanley and Company Fuller logarithmic calculator, which incorporates cylinders and pointers to carry out mathematical tasks. Another standout lot is a George IV rosewood Canterbury. These items, originally used to hold sheet music, remain extremely popular among collectors and should attract plenty of worldwide interest via the internet. ...
BUMPER BIDS FOR JEWELLERY
Plymouth Auction Rooms played host to a lively specialist auction last month, which made close to £100,000 in sales across artwork, fine jewellery, watches and antiques. The South West proved itself to be a treasure trove of outstanding antiques and collectables, with highlights including an antique opal and diamond salamander brooch, which attracted fierce competition from Devon and London bidders and sold for £2,800. A large single stone diamond ring went to a lucky bidder for £5,500....
VICTORIAN SILVER SALVER FETCHES £2,000, GOLD POCKET WATCH MAKES £830.
VICTORIAN SILVER SALVER FETCHES £2,000, GOLD POCKET WATCH MAKES £830.
A fine silver salver sold at the top end of its estimate on 1st December. Dating from 1852 the large 135 ounce salver was made by one of the leading silversmiths of the nineteenth century, Richard Garrard of London. Estimated at £1,000-£2,000 it was an Exeter based specialist buyer who secured it at £2,000.The sale also included a fine Swiss single cylinder music box selling for £1,400 to a private buyer who also went on to buy a good Victorian silver tea set for...
Lot 286 A fine oval cut diamond solitaire SOLD £3,000
JAPANESE SAMURAI SWORD SELLS FOR £700 AT THE JUNE AUCTION
VIEW RESULTS An interesting collection of militaria, postcards, guns and some swords from a Plymouth property sold over our expectations on Wednesday 13th June. Two Japanese Samurai swords attracted numerous pre sale enquiries from UK and European collectors. One sold for £390 whilst the other went at £700. The collectors section was busy with several good results including a box of aircraft model kits at £300, a pair of large deck...
MOORCROFT COLLECTION SELLS FOR £3,700
The Jim Clatworthy Collection of Pot Lids Sells for over £5,000 at the April Auction
VIEW RESULTSThe April auction featured a wide range of antiques and collectables which were well received by a packed saleroom of bidders and some 250 online registered bidders from across the world.There were numerous high sale results including a fine collection of 19th century Pratt Ware pot lids collected by the late Jim Clatworthy of Callington.
Crying Man, Black Mac Sells for £14,000
Lot 129 The Royal Sovereign Collection comprising twenty one full Sovereigns from 1957 - 2003 SOLD £5,400.00 11th December
COLLECTION OF ROYAL MINT PROOF COINS FETCH OVER £27,000 AS PART OF A TWO DAY SELECTED AUCTION
Auctioneer Paul Keen was greeted with a packed saleroom for both December evening auctions which featured fine collections of jewellery, watches and paintings. Bidding was extremely buoyant from the outset of each auction with high numbers of UK and International internet bidders competing with the room bidders to acquire the fine lots on offer. The jewellery section saw a very pretty vintage diamond necklace,...
This fine diamond solitaire ring sold for £12,400 on 8th May
SALE REVIEW 8TH MAY 2013
Press Release 9th May 2013 View Results A diamond ring, German panzer jacket and a menagerie of paperweights were among the highlights of the latest highly successful sale at Plymouth Auction Rooms this week. Auctioneer Paul Keen was greeted with a packed saleroom when he took to the rostrum on Wednesday for the much-anticipated event, which featured a fine...
SOLD £20,000 A FINE SELF PORTRAIT BY ROBERT LENKIEWICZ.
SALE REPORT SEPTEMBER ART AUCTION
A bidding frenzy at a packed Plymouth auction house saw scores of Robert Lenkiewicz paintings, prints, sketches and other works sell for more than £100,000. The sale of ‘Fred The Dog’, one of the last works completed by the mercurial painter before his death in 2002, was the highlight of the Wednesday (Sept 18) night sale at Plymouth Auction Rooms in Cattedown. A fine self portrait was sold after the sale just under the estimate to a collector for £20,000. But there was also huge interest in a collection of five Fred Yates...
LORD ROTHSCHILD'S BUTTERFLY CABINET
A large mahogany double sided collector’s cabinet may appear quite nondescript; however its history adds a real premium to its saleability. The cabinet although now empty of butterflies and drawers, originally housed part of the Rothschild, Cockayne & Kettlewell Butterfly Collection ex London Natural History Museum. Lionel Walter Rothschild - Butterfly Collector (1868-1937) Lord Rothschild built a private museum at...
LOCAL MODEL FOR SALE
The Shamrock is the only fully restored Tamar sailing barge in the world. She was built in Plymouth in 1899 to carry cargo on the river. She is moored on Cotehele Quay. You now have the opportunity of bidding for a fine scale model replica on 23rd March. read more The original...
ROBERT LENKIEWICZ 'Study of Jane Short' SOLD £9,100
LENKIEWICZ PAINTING SELLS OVER ESTIMATE
The June art and jewellery auction featured three oil paintings by Robert Lenkiewicz. Estimated at £7,000-£8,000 was a Non Project Piece titled 'Study of Jane Short'. In good condition it attracted good presale interest. Commission bids were left behind as two determined bidders competed with to a final hammer price of £9,100.Two further oils by Lenkiewicz included 'French Girl' at £5,700 and also 'Study of Blonde' at £4,000. A collection of small pencil sketch mainly of 'Mouse' sold over expectations at £1,150, a charming watercolour study...
SOLD £4,000 14th September
FINE WATCHES AND JEWELLERY IN DEMAND AT SEPTEMBER SALE
A Gents Rolex Submariner wrist watch attracted the most attention at the art, jewellery and watch sale in September.Estimated at £2,500-£3,000 the watch was in good condition apart from a small dent in one gold link. This did not deter bidders as three phone lines were in operation alongside several bidders bidding live online. A Plymouth collector finally out bid all the competition to take the watch at a hammer price £4,000. The highest prcie of the sale was left for a fine and large...
PLYMOUTH COLLECTORS BUYS 'COSMO' BOXING POSTCARDS FOR £680.
The collection of 80 photographic postcards that were collected by Plymouth Boxer Archie Le Santo attracted considerable interest at the 3rd September sale. The collection featured many photographs of boxers from the early 1900’s who boxed at the Cosmo Boxing Club, Devonport, Plymouth. The owner was the late Archie Le Santo’s wife who is now 104 years old! The pre-sale estimate of £200-£300 was easily surpassed as a Plymouths collector out bid numerous commission and internet bids to secure the collection for an impressive £680. The same sale...
SOLD £3,400 Lot 331 A Ladies 18ct gold Rolex Watch with diamond dot dial.
Ladies Rolex Watch Sells for £3,400 at the October Auction
VIEW RESULTSOur estimate of £2,000 proved over cautious for a fine Ladies gold Rolex wrist watch at the October auction. Several bidders in the room contested for the watch until it finally sold for £3,400. There were many surprise results at the buoyant auction. A Chinese white jade and white metal hand mirror eclipsed its pre sale estimate following a long internet battle and it finally selling for £1,450. Longcase clocks have become quite affordable in recent...
FURNITURE WITH TENUOS LINKS TO SHACKLETON
A consignment of Victorian furniture from a South Dartmoor property is quite routine however it is being sold by a descendant John Quiller Rowett (1874-1924). He was a friend and the financial backer of Ernest Shackleton's last voyage to Antarctic. The furniture originally came from his home in Scotland. This may add some value to the two good quality wardrobes and a Georgian chest of drawers
THIS ZANZIBAR CHEST SOLD FOR £750.
OVER 600 REGISTERED BIDDERS FOR THE APRIL AUCTION
Worldwide demands for collectors’ items, works of art, silver, watches, jewellery and coins continue to rise. Sale on sale we have experienced an ever growing amount of bidders registering to bid at Plymouth Auction Rooms along with a huge amount of pre sale bids.Our recent sale on 3rd April was typical of the current interest with many lots selling for well over the estimates, mainly due to renewed interest in collectables but also for the huge amount of people viewing our catalogues...
Lot 65 This rare Beryl Cook print 'Fur Coat' generated a great deal of interest and sold for £2,200
SUMMER ART SALE REVIEW JUNE 2013
Press Release Western Morning News 15th June.A tense bidding battle for a collection of work by Devon artist Piran Bishop dominated the latest successful summer art sale staged by Plymouth Auction Rooms. A packed saleroom watched as online and in-room bidders fought for 30 minutes for a range of oils by Exeter-based Bishop, a former student of Robert Lenkiewicz, which made £4,000.But it was works by Plymouth painters Lenkiewicz and Beryl Cook which dominated Wednesday night’s buoyant sale.
Earliest self-portrait of Robert Lenkiewicz to go up for sale.
A sketch believed to be the earliest self-portrait of iconic Plymouth painter Robert Lenkiewicz is set to go up for sale in the city. The drawing of the artist is in a sketchbook of early work by Lenkiewicz, believed to have been done when he was aged around 12 or 13 and living with his family in London. Francis Mallett, chairman of the Plymouth-based Lenkiewicz Foundation, said the work is an interesting find and would be...
This Moorcroft Tray Sold for £2,000 on 29th February
Worlwide Bidders for the Bouyant February Auction
Over 500 bidders were registered for February auction. With some 650 eclectic lots we anticipated a lot of interest but were still amazed with a huge amount of press sale enquires and so many national and international bidders bidding live online, pushing many lots way over pre sale estimates.View ResultsThere were many good sales, here a just a few…A collection of Edward, Prince of Wales memorabilia -£3,500A Moorcroft Claremont Tray...
20th February 2013 Estimate £5,000-£8,000 SOLD £6,300.
WESTERN MORNING NEWS PRESS RELEASE SATURDAY 23RD FEBRUARY
View Results"With a packed saleroom and several hundred registered bidders auctioneer Paul Keen was expecting a busy auction this week. The buoyant sale generated a huge number of internet bids throughout out the sale resulting in some very good prices particularly in the collectors section. Some 500 interesting lots were on offer many of which were being sold on behalf of executors or from collections in Devon and Cornwall. The first ten minutes of the...
JULY AUCTION REPORT
Internet Bidders buy 50% of the Auction but Plymouth Collectors Take the Prize Lots
SOLD £20,000
ROBERT LENKIEWICZ SELLS FOR £20,000 AT THE MARCH SALE.
VIEW RESULTSThe March auction produced good results for modern British art with the highest prices achieved for good Robert Lenkiewicz paintings. The expected star lot was the 'Self Portait at the House' which attracthed numerous pre sale enquiries and was finally sold to a collector from Devon bidding on the phone.Other Lenkiewicz works included Anna on the Settle at £7,000, Karen Painting at £5,600, Anna at the House £2,500, Eliza in Red at £3,100 and Study of Sue for £1,900.The surpise of the sale was for a collection of small London scenes in watercolour painted by Grace...
Lot 373 SOLD £3,700.00
VIOLIN BOW ATTRACTS INTERNATIONAL INTEREST AT THE OCTOBER SALE AND SELLS FOR £1,900
VIEW RESULTSThe October auction attracted a record breaking amount of bidders and buyers at our saleroom. Auctioneer Paul Keen spent over six hours on the rostrum receiving multiple bids from the packed saleroom and from live worldwide internet bidders for most lots in the sale. There were many exceptional prices in the sale with a high amount of overseas buyers including China, Germany, U.S., Australia, Italy, Spain and France.Notable results included.Large Victorian Dining Table -£3,400.Victorian Bookcase £840. Violin Bow...
Football Caps & Medal from West Ham Legend Goalkeeper to be auctioned
Two England caps and two medals awarded to West Ham legend goalkeeper Ted Hufton are to be sold by auction. Edward (Ted) Hufton (1892-1967) began his playing career at Sheffield but was sold to West Ham United after the war in 1919 for £350, he was known as the penalty king; in his first season he saved 11 out of 18 penalty...
Part of the collection of antique English coins that sold for £1,500
WORLDWIDE BIDDING GENERATES RECORD PRICES AT THE AUGUST AUCTION
August is often considered to be a slow month in the arts and antiques trade. However national and international collectors, dealers and enthusiasts were not distracted by the Summer and created what was one of the busiest August auctions we have had for some time.Once our catalogue went online we received an exceptional amount of enquiries for the many watches, clocks, medals, jewellery and collectors items that were on offer.There were over 700 registered bidders from across the country and a record amount of overseas bidders from Russia, Australia, Italy, France, the U.S, China, Taiwan and Germany.VIEW FULL RESULTSThe...
Lot 509 Vickers Heavy Machine Gun SOLD £650.
WWII DEACTIVATED MACHINE GUNS TO BE SOLD OCTOBER 2012
Three rare World War two machine guns are to be sold in the October auction. They are part of a Plymouth gentleman’s collection and we expecting bids from UK and International collectors.The guns have all been deactivated and are in very good condition.They include a Vickers British heavy machine gun, with a .303 calibre which comes complete with its original tripod and ammo box. This is expected to sell for £600-£800.A German MG light machine gun is also in very good condition with a 24" barrel, original ammo belts and oil can, this should sell in the region of £500-£600.There...
16th January 2013 LOT 141 SOLD £1,500 Rene Lalique a large scent bottle 'Dans La Nuit' for Worth, Paris with label, 25cm high
BOUYANT START TO 2013
VIEW RESULTS We are pleased to report a buoyant first auction of 2013. Although the sale was smaller than average it still generated as much interest from local, national and international bidders with some 350 registered bidders. We saw a continued rise in demand for collectable Gents watches including chronographs, Rolex and military. Also interesting collectors’ items, silver and militaria.Many lots...
INTEREST TAKES OFF IN FIRST WORLD WAR PLANE CRASH RELIC
PRESS RELEASE 30TH April 2013 A propeller blade from a First World War pilot’s crashed plane looks set to trigger a bidding dogfight at a Plymouth auction house’s next sale.It belongs to a seller from South East Cornwall, whose grandfather’s brother was among the pioneering aviators who fought in the Great War, and will feature in the Plymouth Auction Rooms sale on May 8 starting at 10.30am.What makes the item particularly intriguing is that the family has a first-hand account of the crash, and other memories of the war, written by the pilot in...
LENKIEWICZ ROCK' N' ROLL PAINTING COULD SELL FOR £20,000
VIEW FULL SALE RESULTS A significant portrait of rock’n’roll fans by Plymouth artist Robert Lenkiewicz is expected to sell for more than £20,000 when it comes up for auction next month. The oil on canvas, measuring 212cm x 146.5cm and entitled The Rockers, is from a private collector and is expected to attract global attention when it...
LOT 100 5th December SARAH LOUISA KILPACK (1839-1909) oil 'Mont Orgueil Castle, Jersey', 11cm x 13cm Estimate £120 to £150.
JERSEY ARTISTS ON SHOW IN PLYMOUTH
Artwork from two of Jersey's most iconic artists is heading for Plymouth and will go under the hammer at auction in December. The paintings by Sarah Louisa Kilpack and Edmund Blampied will feature in the fine paintings and prints sale at Plymouth Auction Rooms on Thursday December 5. Kilpack, who died in 1909 aged...
SOLD £4,200 A FINE DIAMOND SOLITAIRE RING 6TH APRIL 2011
6th APRIL ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES AUCTION REPORT
Demands at auction continue to rise for works of art, jewellery, watches, collectable ceramics and decorative items. The result of more and more world wide collectors search provincial catalogues is more competition and higher prices.The April sale yielded several notable prices including a collection of Victorian tortoise shell objects including card cases and snuff boxes, selling for a collective £3,300.Many considered the £500-£700 estimate high for the carved Middle Eastern camel table...
This Jacques Staunton chess set sold to an online bidder for £780
IMPRESSIVE LIVE ONLINE BIDDING AT THE JULY COLLECTABLES AUCTION
Our regular sales of collector’s items, silver and jewellery are extremely popular for live internet bidders. We had over 250 registered to bid on line on 16th July including bidders form India, Russia, Canada, Australia and the States. High demand continues for art pottery, fine silver, pocket watches, jewellery and collectable toys and models.There were many notable prices and numerous instances where there were multiple bids online after the saleroom bids had finished.The bidding was often intense for much of the...
PUNCH AND JUDY SOLD £2,400 (including premium) on 1st June.
PUNCH AND JUDY SHOW IS STAR OF THE SALE
A rare early Victorian original Punch and Judy show was the surprise star of the 1st June auction. The portable theatre compRised of original painted front boards and a collection of contemporary puppets and objects. An of esimtate of £1,500-£2,000 proved quite accurate when it sold for £2,000 to a Plymouth collectables specialist.A 19th century Chinese carved ivory concentric puzzle ball attacted bids from as far as Hong Kong. The finely carved 4 1/2 inch ball came with a stand of the same period. Sadly the damage to the inteior of the ball surpressed bidding. However the guide of £600...
Lot 30 SOLD £6,100.00 11th December
DIAMOND SOLITAIRE RING SELLS FOR £6,100 AT BOUYANT CHRISTMAS JEWELLERY & WATCH AUCTION
VIEW RESULTS
HEAVYWEIGHT IMAGE WILL THRILL FIGHT FANS IN SEPTEMBER
A rare signed photograph of boxing’s first black heavyweight champion, given by him to a former Plymouth dancer and her husband who became personal friends, is set to be sold in the city. The inscribed portrait of ring legend Jack Johnson, estimated to fetch £1,000 - £2,000, is being sold by Christopher Nickols, whose grandfather’s sister was present at many of his fights.
NOVEMBER JEWELLERY & SWAROVKSI AUCTION REPORT
NOVEMBER JEWELLERY & SWAROVKSI AUCTION REPORT
Part two on the November Evening Sale was a near sell out apart from three lots. Our second specialist auction of Swarovski crystal glass yielded two private collections. There were multiple bidders throughout the sale producing a gross total just under £9,500.00. We are now cataloguing for our next event to be held in February with further collection to hand.Our inaugural jewellery sale attracted a good audience of bidders with many commission bids from across the country. Demands were high for Gents watches and selected jewellery....
Auction 16th January Lot 140 Lalique Mistletoe Vase
FINE FRENCH GLASS FOR JANUARY 2013
Rene Lalique (1860-1945) began his career designing Art Nouveau jewellery in the 1880’s, often making fine pieces for the famous. He soon began to experiment with glass and opened his first shop in Paris in 1905 making perfume bottles. By 1911 he had ceased making jewellery and established three further glass factories. Using a moulded glass technique he was able to produce a range of frosted and opalescent stylish glass....
The insides of the rare pair of Georgian knife boxes that attracted five telephone biddres and Sold for £2,600 to a bidder in the room.
GONE....RARE GEORGIAN KNIFE BOXES SELL FOR £2,600.00
The September auction attracted bids from as far as China, Spain and U.S.A. The sale featured a wide range of antique furniture, clocks, pottery, porcelain, jewellery and silver. Some 200 bidders were registered for the sale with many lots bid far beyond the pre sale estimates. The saleroom was packed with many established buyers alongside new private bidders furnishing homes or extending their collections. Notable prices included....Pair Geo III mahogany knife boxes £2,600.
Lot 200 SOLD £2,800.00
GONE...FINE LONDON BRACKET CLOCK £2,800.00
HENRY BORRELL (1795-1840) is listed in Britten's Book of Clockmakers as a musical clock and watchmaker of Alders gate, London. A Georgian bracket clock has its brass movement inscribed Hny Borrell. The clock was sold at our September 1st auction. It had a twin fussee movement, striking on a rack of bells. Still working after some two hundred years the clock had a wonderful tone when the group of bells are played. The movement also has a dead beat escapement.
LOT 499 THE ROYAL ARTILLERY SWORD WITH FINE ENGRAVED BLADE
THE SWORD OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL MARSHAL CLARKE K.C.M.G. ZULU LAND
Lt Col Sir Marshal Clarke K.C.M.G. (known as one-arm Clarke: he lost an arm to a tiger in India).As part of a distinguished colonial career he was appointed commissioner of Zululandsoon after the main Zulu wars.Clarke had many dealings with the Zulu chiefs and was instrumental in bringing outof detention Dinuzulu the...
GEORGE MEDAL GROUP SELLS FOR £4,000.00 AT THE BOUYANT OCTOBER AUCTION
GEORGE MEDAL GROUP SELLS FOR £4,000.00 AT THE BOUYANT OCTOBER AUCTION
The October Collectors auction featured an electric range of Toys, Models and Collectors Items. Demands are currently high for Model Railway, Postcards, Marine and Naval Collectables and also original Diecast Modes, Plastic Figures and Medals.Notables results included Collection of World Stamps £420.Naval Officers bicorn hat, sword and belt £320Collections of Postcards £600, £320 and £310.Model 'clinker built; Rowing Boat £430.Collection of Military Cap Badges £410.Bronze Ships Bell 'Tagalie' 1912 £330.German Luftwaffe Dagger £250.Edwardian Drew & Son Picnic Set £200.Indian Model of a Temple by Nagarathinam £320.19th century Bronze Cannon £2,200.The George Medal Group £4,000.Trophy Miniature Collection £820Siebe Gorman Divers Knife...
SOLD £2,000 Nicholas Condy (1793-1897) 'Interior Scene' oil on panel
PLYMOUTH & CONTINENTAL ART SOLD IN DECEMBER
The December Art Sale featured a good selection of paintings and prints by Plymouth artists but also quality works by British and Continental Artists. A fine painting by Cherubino Kirchmayr (1848-1920) attracted overseas telephone bidders and with a winning bid by a Western European buyer at double its estimate at £2,500. An unsigned Continental painting depicting The Italian Comedy sold to another Continental buyer for £840.A fine painting by Plymouth...
SOLD £15,000 at the December Art Auction Robert Lenkiewicz 'Old Snowy'
DECEMBER ART AUCTION RESULTS
The December Art Auction concluded a successful run of three major auctions in seven weeks selling a premium inclusive of just under £270,000 of art, antiques and collectables. View Art Sale ResultsDemands for original works by Robert Lenkiewicz were high with the top price achieved for the oil titled 'Old Snowy' selling to a local collector for £15,000.
A fine late Victorian silver tea service SOLD £1,650.00
SOLD 16th March A Gentleman's 18ct gold Rolex Wrist Watch £8,040.00 (including premium)
LIVE ON LINE SALES ATTRACTS WORLDWIDE BIDDERS
March has been a busy month at Plymouth Auction Rooms with premium inclusive sales of over £130,000. Three auctions of some 600 lots have attracted interest from as far as the United States, Australia and the Middle East.We have seen a steady rise in the demand for fine jewellery, Gents watches, good pocket watches, modern British Art, silver and collectable ceramics.Two evening sales for selected paintings and prints...
The pair Chinese Jars and Covers which sold for £1,300.00
GONE......COLLECTION OF MOORCROFT POTTERY MAKES £5,000.00 AT THE OCTOBER SALE
With a packed saleroom of bidders, several telephone lines booked and a near record amount of absentee bids from the internet it was no surprise to Auctioneer Paul Keen that the October sale was gong to generate some notable sales. · A private collection of Moorcroft Pottery attracted national interest with many lots improving on pre sale forecasts, collectively selling for £5,000 with just four lots...
CLARICE CLIFF 'TULIPS' JUG SOLD £1,000
BOUYANT FEBRUARY AUCTION 2011
Over the last month we have seen a record amount of visitors to our website, peaking at some 9,700 on 2nd February.This interest was primarly for the eclectic range of antiques and collectables on offer at the February auction. An incredible amount of national and international interest in the sale resulted in many of the estimates for the 500 lots being eclipsed with very few lots unsold.There were several notable prices, (view full sale results) particularly in the jewellery and collectables section.Highlights from the sale included Early Victorian rosewood Side Cabinet £1,950.Victorian pine Dresser £860Three Dame Lucie Rie Vessels £1,650Clarice...
Fred Yates 'Preston Park' oil on canvas Sold £6,600 at the February Sale
GONE......FEBRUARY ART AUCTION RESULTS 2010
The February art auction attracted national and international bidders, many of whom were new to the salerooms and also new to bidding at auction. The full sale results will be posted on line soon, here are some notable prices. Fred Yates 'Preston Park' £6,600Fred Yates 'Wonder of Steam' £2,700Fred Yates 'French Hotel' -£1,600Robert Lenkiewicz 'Self Portrait' £15,000
ROBERT LENKIEWICZ Painter with Jay oil on canvas Sold £8,400.00
GONE....BUOYANT SEPTEMBER ART AUCTION 2010
September has been a busy month at Plymouth Auction Rooms with two buoyant sales of antiques and art grossing just under £100,000.The art sale saw active bidding in both the traditional and contemporary art sections. With particular uptake of lots by modern British artists and a resurgence in demand for prints by Robert Lenkiewicz.The complete sale results will be posted online soon but some notable prices included· ...
A private collector bid £15,000 to secure this fine Robert Lenkiewicz Self Portrait painting on 17th February at Plymouth Auction Rooms
Exhibited Lenkiewicz Self Portait Sells at Auctioneers Valuation
An estimate of £15,000 -£20,000 proved spot on for the fine Self Portrait painting by Robert Lenkiewicz at the recent art auction in February. The painting signed and inscribed to verso 'Self Portrait, one of eighteen for the paintings designed to make money', also inscribed 'to Georgie a Gift' was exhibited at Ben Uri Exhibition 2008, it was also featured in the White Lane Press Publication 'Robert Lenkiewicz Self Portraits 2008' Press Page 32. It came from a local Plymouth private collection and was bought by a Private collector bidding in the saleroom.
Sold to an Internet Live Bidder this stunning painting by Robert Lenkiewicz fetched £11,600 at the February sale
Plymouth's first Live Online Auction is a Great Success!
Plymouth Auction Rooms have been the first local auction house and one of the few Westcountry salerooms to introduce live online bidding at their sales. The February art auction was the perfect platform for this service which attracted a wealth of registered bidders from as far as New York, Belgium and across the country. Auctioneer Paul Keen was able to receive bids from bidders in the room, telephone bidders and also multiple bidders on line as the auction took place....
Daum, Nancy a fine glass and silver jug, SOLD £1,700.00
BUOYANT BIDDING FOR JULY AUCTION 2010
The selected antique contents of two properties in Devon yielded the principle lots for the July auction. Many lots on offer attracted multiple national and international bids with particular interest in works of art, glassware, silver and porcelain. Two 19th century mechanical music boxes sold well over estimate with a walnut cased Polyphon going at £550 and...
From a collection of 48 rice paper paintings selling for £7,100 on May 19th
GONE CHINESE RICE PAPERS PAINTINGS SELL AT £7,100.00
The evening art auction featured four albums of 19th century Chinese rice paper paintings by Youqua, on May 19th. Live internet bidding and phone bidding was intense with the albums sailing past their £1000 estimate to sell to a specialist bidding by phone for £7,100.
This Chinese box attracted international interest at the May sale and sold for £7,200.00.
THE MAY AUCTION ATTRACTS INTERNATIONAL BIDDERS
In addition to national media interest, the May 5th antique sale attracted bidders from as far as Hong Kong, Dubai, Arizona, Japan and Germany. A fine Country property in West Cornwall yielded a number of the 'star' lots at the sale. Six telephone lines were booked for bidding on a rare early 19th century Chinese box decorated with 28 glass panels. The estimate proved futile as bidding took off at £500 with international phone bidding competing which soon rose to a staggering £7,200 with a...
Self Portrait at Easel by Robert Lenkiewicz sold for £7,000.00 on May 19th
MODERN and TRADITIONAL ART SELLS AT THE MAY ART AUCTION
Our recent evening art auction featured a wide range of modern and traditional paintings and prints. There were several notable prices achieved at the sale with some 191 lots on offer.The auction included over 20 limited edition prints by Robert Lekiewicz with a wide range of prices, with the top price at £720 for Anna Rear View. One collection of prints sold for £4,500. Four albums of Chinese rice paper paintings sold very well at £7,100 whilst originals by Robert Lenkiewicz included a...
A large pair 18th century Chinese glazed pottery Parrots SOLD £200,600.00
CHINESE BIRDS MAKE RECORD PRICE AT PLYMOUTH AUCTION ROOMS SOLD £200,600.00
This rare pair of 18th century Chinese Export pottery parrots attracted international bidders at our sale on the 4th of November 2009. Some eight telephone lines were in use with a frenzy of bids up to £100,000 but a determined private collector living on the Continent beat off a specialist London dealer to secure the birds for a record breaking £170,000 (plus Buyers Premium).
BID LIVE ON LINE AT PLYMOUTH AUCTION ROOMS
Live On Line Bidding
Bidders now have the opportunity to bid live online at Plymouth Auction Rooms for selected auctions. A link to saleroom.com will allow you to register Free of Charge and bid at the auction. Also you will be able to hear the auctioneer selling the lots live and have the opportunity to bid by simply 'clicking on your keyboard'. This is an exciting development for the salerooms and will allow an unlimited amount of internet bidders to bid at the same time. One will...
Valuation Day at The Plymouth Library SOLD OUT
On 15th October we held a valuation afternoon at The Plymouth Central Library. It was very popular ...read more.
the britis
Maggie Allen has kindly asked us to auction this charming picture of 'Poppies' painted by Maggie Jewell in 1977. The proceeds from the sale are going direct to The Royal British Legion 'Poppy Appeal'. Plymouth Auction Rooms will also be donating all commissions from the sale to the appeal. So please 'dig deep' on 10th December.
CHANCE TO BID FOR AN ORIGINAL BERYL COOK TAPESTRY
Collectors with a keen eye may see familiar artistic styles in a simple cross stitch wool tapestry depicting a naive study of a steam ship, mermaids and dolphins. The biggest clue to its maker is the mermaids, which are slightly fuller than normal and one with a ‘cheeky’ face. Most home made woolwork tapestries carry little or no resale value however this one is special as it was completed by one of...
2011 RARE STEIFF TEDDY BEAR FROM PLYMOUTH SELLS FOR £1,125.
2011 RARE STEIFF TEDDY BEAR FROM PLYMOUTH SELLS FOR £1,125.
A rare Steiff Teddy Bear that was bought in Plymouth in 1908 was sold for £1,125 at the January collector’s auction. Some 240 bidders were register for the sale including bidders from Vienna, Australia, Dubai, France and Ireland.With a packed saleroom, near on 200 commission bids and numerous phone lines booked it was no surprise that many of the presale estimates would be surpassed.A collection of German dolls house furniture exceed all expectations when four lines were in competion to take...
Elaine Armstrong in Starry Vest oil on canvas Sold £5,600.00 18th November 2009
November Art Sale 2009 Lenkiewicz Results
The November Art Auction featured a wide range of paintings, drawings and prints by Robert Lenkiewicz. There were several notable prices with many lots achieving on or above their auction estimates. Demand was high for the scarcer silkscreen prints but for more common prints demand was selective. The full results will be listed on Previous Auctions soon.Some Sale Results· Girl in Pink oil £4,000.
Fred Yates 'Figures on the Quay, Polperro' oil on board 30cm x 35cm Sold to a Devon collector for £4,100.00
British and Local Art Results November 2009
Our regular evening art sale features selective art by Plymouth, Westcountry and British Artist. The November auction yielded some notable prices including.Fred Yates - Polperro, £4,100.Brian Pollard - The Dolphin, £1,250.Ben Maile - Ludgate Hill, £1,800.Collection of Doug Hyde prints, £1,230.Lee Woods - Mosel Valley, £400.
