News from the Rostrum

GREAT RETURN FOR £15 ROLEX INVESTMENT

DISCOVER THE RARE PROJECT 19 PAINTING BY ROBERT LENKIEWICZ

Many of us are familiar with the work of Robert Lenkiewicz (1941-2002) and have seen his impressive portrait paintings many depicting local people covering a wide range of projects involving vagrancy, relationships and education. However it is not commonly known that Robert also produced a small number of landscape paintings. Following his heart surgery in 1995, Robert convalesced at the quiet Mudbank Lake Cottage on an estuary in south Devon, near Kitley Estate. There he produced fewer than forty pictures on the theme of Landscape – The Painter as...

Read More

GREAT RETURN FOR £15 ROLEX INVESTMENT

In 1969 a Plymouth gentleman purchased a second hand Rolex wristwatch for just £15. He recently decided to sell it and brought it along to one of our valuation days. Identified as a rare 1964 GMT watch it was valued at £5000 to £7000. It came up for auction on 27th March 2019 and attracted tremendous interest from online collectors and local enthusiasts, after prolonged bidding it finally sold for an impressive £18,000 (including auction premium) proving to be great investment.

Read More

AFFORDABLE CONTEMPORARY ART

“Contemporary art at affordable prices” is how auctioneer Paul Keen describes the upcoming art auction at Plymouth Auction Rooms. Collectors will have the choice to bid for several works by popular Westcountry artists. Four notable works include a charming painting consigned by Plymouth artist Arth Lawr, titled 'Bank Holiday, Barbican 2019' painted in acrylics measuring 34.50cm x 34.50cm.  Arthur Lawr is a Member of the British Society of Naïve Artists and this painting offers a perfect investment opportunity with a tempting estimate of just £100 to £200. There are...

Read More

MARCH REVIEW 2019 - LOCAL COLLECTORS COMPETE AGAINST ONLINE BIDDERS

Press Release.March has been a busy month a Plymouth Auctions with two major sales including art, jewellery, watches and silver. There have been many highlights but what has  stood out for the auctioneers is that despite high numbers of online UK and international bidders there were several top lots selling to or underbid by local collectors. The art sale saw Seth Garlands beautiful painting titled ‘Inertia Shines’ selling at £5,800 to a South Devon buyer bidding against Plymouth collectors in the packed saleroom. The same sale Robert Lenkiewicz’ study of Lisa...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

PLYMOUTH ART LEADS THE WAY

Paintings and prints by popular local artists were in high demand at an art auction this week in Plymouth.With so many British artist’s to invest in or collect the works produced by the likes of Robert Lenkiewicz, Beryl Cook and Brian Pollard of Plymouth, still command as much interest as all the others. Auctioneer Paul Keen of the Plymouth Auction Rooms says ‘the great results achieved at this sale prove that local art is...

Read More

ASIAN, US AND EUROPEAN BIDDERS COMPETE AT THE MARCH 2018 SALE.

Auctioneer Paul Keen may have been shattered coming of the rostrum at 9.30pm last week but the exhaustion was well worth it after conducting one of his highest grossing jewellery, silver and watch auctions for two years. At a time when many auction rooms are sparse of bidders with many choosing to bid online, the Plymouth Auctin Rooms are finding their attendance going up considerably with standing room only at the sale last week. Demands were high and bidding fierce for fine diamond...

Read More

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...

Read More

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 More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

RARE BARRAUD'S POCKET WATCH DISCOVERY

Paul Barraud, was born in London 1752, into a family of fine watch and clockmakers. He produced many important chronometers and timepieces and died in 1820. His work can be found in the British Museum and Science Museum. Fast forward over 200 years to our valuation day this month. A Plymouth family inherited a strong box which their father always claimed to have valuables inside. Amongst the items they discovered a heavy gold pocket watch and albert chain which they brought along to our...

Read More

PRESS RELEASE - NOVEMBER JEWELLERY

A wonderful array of diamonds and valuable watches will greet bidders at Plymouth Auction Rooms on Wednesday. The final evening sale of the year offers probably one of the best collections of jewellery and watches seen in Plymouth for quite some time. Over 200 lots are on offer with estimates to suit all tastes and budgets. A Christmas gift, an engagement or collector of antique jewellery, all are catered for with guide prices from just £100. Auctioneer Paul...

Read More

2017 CHRISTMAS AUCTION

Bidders will be greeted with mince pies and a festive atmosphere at Plymouth Auction Rooms final sale of the year on 13th December. The eclectic 300 lots auction features a most diverse range of collectables and antiques. From pocket watches, to porcelain, medals, furniture and lots of curious there is something for everyone with guide prices from as little as £20. There are many lots which have been in local families for...

Read More

LOCAL BIDDERS TAKE STAR LOTS AT BUOYANT AUCTION - NOVEMBER 2017

At a time when many of the higher value lots are being taken up but national and overseas buyers, it was refreshing for auctioneer Paul Keen to see several of the ‘star’ lots at his recent sale being purchased by local buyers attending the sale and outbidding determined internet bidders. The November jewellery and watch sale generated a brace of valuable entries many consigned following an extremely busy valuation day earlier in the month. A large diamond solitaire...

Read More

NEW YEAR SALES 2018

Press Release 1st January.January is often a lean time in auction rooms with few goods around to service the high demands from collectors eager to get the year under way. Plymouth Auction Rooms are again bucking the trend by hosting a sale of lovely jewellery, rare and vintage watches and collectable silver. The evening sale on 10th January features several interesting silver collectables including a novelty pair of Edwardian silver and enamelled sugar nips in the...

Read More

RARE MAP TURNS UP ON VALUATION DAY - 2018

 A rare 17th century map was brought along to the saleroom this week (8th Jan). John Speed (1552-1629) is one of the best known names in the history of English cartography, producing his first map in 1601 and in 1627 "Prospect Of The Most Famous Parts Of The World" the first world atlas produced by an Englishman. Speed’s work can be identified by detailed, informative and highly decorated maps.  A Plymouth gentleman recently inherited two maps and bought them along to Paul Keen’s valuation day....

Read More

PRESS RELEASE PREVIEWING 7TH MARCH 2018 AUCTION

Western Morning News 24th February 2018.Later today thousands of rugby fans will be tuning in to watch England take on Scotland in the Six Nations. Tickets are scarce and expensive to watch any major rugby games and in particular at the ‘home of rugby’ Twickenham Stadium. Now enthusiasts have a chance to own outright their very own stadium seats! A pair of folding metal framed and wood slated seats that once graced the stadium around the 1930/40’s are to be sold by auction...

Read More

POCKET WATCHES GALORE MARCH 2018

 There is something exciting about opening up the case of antique pocket watch, enthuses auctioneer Paul Keen. Many Georgian pocket watches have a plain and non-descript exterior but this outer façade often hides a highly intricate and beautiful gilt mechanical movement. Many sellers that come along to valuation days at Plymouth Auction Rooms have never looked inside their inherited pocket watch and often amazed when they have site of the workings which often reveal a makers name, city and date.

Read More

TWO FINE SILVER CANTEENS OF CUTLERY MARCH 2018

 Solid silver cutlery would impress any one at a dinner party. Now there is an opportunity to bid for a choice of two extensive silver sets each over 150 pieces. For a twelve person gathering these sets are perfect and in excellent condition. They are both made by the American silversmith, the International Silver Company, from Meriden, Connecticut. One is in the stylish Royal Danish pattern, comprising 177 pieces and weighing some 2o0 ounces, the other by the same maker is in the ‘1810’ pattern and is 164 pieces They...

Read More

SPRING AUCTION OF JEWELLERY, WATCHES & SILVER 2018

The Plymouth Auction Rooms are hosting a fabulous sale of over 300 selected lots of jewellery, pocket watches, luxury wristwatches and collectable silver at the end of the month. Many of the lots have been consigned on behalf of executors for Devon and Cornwall and also from the many people that attended the recent popular valuation day hosted these auctioneers in Plymouth. The sale offers something for all tastes and budgets. Antique and modern diamond rings are estimated from just £100 to a...

Read More

SMALL LENKIEWICZ SELF PORTRAIT SELLS FOR £9,000

The small size of the self portrait oil painting by Robert Lenkiewicz (1941-2002) did not deter a local collector biddng an after sale £9,000 to acquire it at the February 2018 art auction.The sale rounded of some strong results for 20th century and contemporary art. Measuring just 20cm x 25cm the painting abtly titled 'Self Portrait' and signed twice attracted several pre sale bids around £8,000 and just after the sale two collectors were in the running to pay over £10,000 with the premium. A Plymouth gentleman...

Read More

CHINESE PORCELAIN AND SWAROVSKI SELL AT APRIL AUCTION 2018

 Asan works of art led the way once again at Plymouth Auction Rooms this week. Successful bidders from Hong Kong, Shanghai and Malta took some of the price porcelain lots on offer. Further entries from the Burgoyne collection attracted bids comfortably beyond their estimates including lot 66 a pair of Chinese porcelain jars decorated with text script selling for £1,400, followed by lot 67 a pair of Chinese heavy porcelain 'Foo Dogs' at £700 and a set of five tea bowls, even with some damage making...

Read More

EXTENSIVE COLLECTION OF AUTOGRAPHS AND SIGNED PHOTO'S - APRIL 2019

This collection of autographs and signed photographs fully represent British popular culture of the last 50 years.  Film stars, pop stars, jazz musicians, soap stars and stage actors.  They are all here from Rex Harrison to Christopher Biggins, Ernie Wise to Stephen Fry.  These albums represent many, many hours travelling the country and waiting to meet the celebrities of the day at theatres in the capital and provinces.  Someone stood outside stage doors and at red carpet barriers waiting patiently for the famous personalities of the day to put pen to...

Read More

ASTON VILLA MEDAL TURNS UP ON VALUATION DAY

A solid gold football medal was recently brought along to a valuation day held in Plymouth. Dated 1897 the medal was awarded by Aston Villa Football Club to a G.B. Ramsay in 1897. Finely cast in 18ct gold it depicts football trophies on one side and the Aston Villa Lion on the other, it has the team banner at the top and is inscribed on one side  'Presented to G.B.Ramsay Esq, By the members in grateful recognition of valued services', and in the other 'League Champions and English Cup Winners ...

Read More

A POSTHUMOUS PROJECT 22 - The Paintings Lenkiewicz Never Painted!

In later life, Robert Lenkiewicz painted from a number of 'secret studios' mainly on and around The Barbican. Here he created paintings specifically aimed to sell in order to finance his ever-growing collection of antiquarian books. These he either designated to 'Project 18: The Painter with Women' as a later addition (the project had been exhibited in 1995) or as 'NPP' - Non-project Pieces which indicated they belonged to none of the artist's 21 themed projects on social and philosophical subjects but were one-off 'studies'. A system of coloured triangles showed where they had been...

Read More

ASIAN WORKS OF ART DISCOVERED IN CHINA CABINET

Press Release , August 2018 Auctioneers never quite know what’s going to turn up from one day to the next. At Plymouth Auction Rooms people arrive daily with boxes and boxes of chinaware all manner of objects, the valuers often see tea sets and numerous ornaments however last week a local family sorting through the contents of their father’s china cabinet brought along an array of interesting oriental objects and small Victorian collectables. As the market remains buoyant for Asian art the family may be in for a...

Read More

WE'LL LAUNCH FROM PORLOCK

The Story of the Lynmouth Lifeboat ‘Louisa’ The story of the incredible journey made by Lynmouth villagers and lifeboat crew to launch their boat at the end of the Victorian age is represented in a fine atmospheric painting due to come up for auction. The story of the Lynmouth lifeboat Louisa epitomises the exploits of brave and intrepid lifeboat volunteers who aid those in peril on dangerous seas. On the...

Read More

RARE GUN COVER FROM H.M.S LORD NELSON

A rare Tampion (gun cover) from the Battleship H.M.S Lord Nelson depicting 'Nelson', will be coming up for auction in October. Heavily cast in brass and mounted on a circular wood plaque it of a large size at 40cm diameter so is probably from one of the ten 9.2-inch guns from the ship. HMS Lord Nelson was a Lord Nelson-class

Read More

THE BRONZE DANCING FAUN of POMPEI

An impressive large bronze sculpture the Pompeiian Dancing Faun is one of several interesting lots coming up for sale in Plymouth next month. Dating from the late 19th early 20th century the figure is a copy of the original figure which was discovered in the atrium of the subsequently named 'House of Faun' in Pompeii, first excavated by archaeologists in 1830, and is currently held in the collection of the Naples Archaeological Museum. The Roman version unearthed is almost certainly a copy of an earlier Greek bronze....

Read More

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE

Press Release A stunning diamond ring that has been in the same South Devon family for many years will come up for sale later this month. The 3 carat round diamond is set in platinum and is joined by two baguette cut diamonds. It was brought along to a valuation day at Plymouth Auction Rooms and identified of being of a very good clarity and bright colour, and now carries a guide price of £10,000 to £12,000. For those with a lower budget this popular auction hosts...

Read More

SPECIALIST VALUATION DAY - 13th May 2019

We shall be holding a specialist valuation day on 6th May at our saleroom in Plymouth. Diamond and Rolex expert Richard Sheppard will be joining experienced valuer Paul Keen to offer free auction appraisals for any items of jewellery, silver or watches that you may be considering selling. There is no obligation to sell and also no need to make an appointment, simply come along to the saleroom any time between 10am and 4pm where our friendly team will assist you. There is a high demand for...

Read More

ART WORK FROM BOB DYLAN TO ROBERT LENKIEWICZ MARCH 2019

Building an art collection is an exciting endeavour. With artwork from the 19th to the 21st century and prices ranging from £100 to £5000, the next art auction at Plymouth Auction Rooms is the perfect place to start. You can bid for many paintings and prints by popular Westcountry artist including Brian Pollard, Robert Lenkiewicz and Lee Woods. There are large bright paintings for contemporary homes and finer works for the serious collector. One of the headliners is a stunning painting by Cornish artist Seth Garland from the 2012 Lapis...

Read More

ROLEX WATCH PURCHASED FOR £15 IN 1969 SELLS FOR £15,000

The ‘Finest Time Piece for Flight Navigation’ is how Rolex marketed their GMT Master model wristwatch in the 1960’s. The superlative timepiece was capable of showing local time for any two time zones and also featured an inbuilt compass. It was originally designed in collaboration with Pan American Airways and issued by the airline to their crews on long-haul flights. The 1675 was first introduced in 1959 and continued until 1980. It has since become one of the most collected models in the vintage...

Read More

EVLIS COLLECTION TO BE AUCTIONED ON 17TH APRIL 2019

Lot 282, auction 17th April, A collection of Elvis Presley photographs, originals and copies. This collection comprises somewhere in the region of 200 images ranging in size from 10x12 to sheets of contact prints.  Some are well known and recognisable prints which devotees of the King will have seen before and are mainly from the period when Elvis was conscripted to the US Army between March 1958 and March 1960. The sheets of contact prints can reasonably be attributed the award-winning photojournalist, Robert Lebeck and include numerous shots of Elvis in the US...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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. 

Read More

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

Read More

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...

Read More

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,...

Read More

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.

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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.  ...

Read More

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...

Read More

BERYL COOK PAINTING HITS THE HEADLINES

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

SOUTH HAMS VALUATION DAY

The market town of Kingsbridge is the new venue for a regular valuation event for those living in the South Hams. The team at Plymouth Auction Rooms will be available for free valuations at the offices of Luscombe Maye on the main Fore Street.  The inaugural event takes place on Monday 8th October between 10am and 2pm. If you are considering selling any jewellery, antiques, silver or watches simply take them along on the day for a free valuation and professional auction advice. In attendance will be local Rolex...

Read More

2018 BRIEF REVIEW

Fine jewellery, valuable watches and Asian works of art dominated the higher end results at Plymouth Auction Rooms buoyant 2018 year of sales. Auctioneer and valuer Paul Keen says "our sales have been underpinned by the ever growing online competition from worldwide collectors and specialists". The watch department continues to grow and with Rolex expert Richard Sheppard on board there are now six watches sales planned for 2019. The recent watch sale saw some over sixty watches finding buyers with top prices gong for Rolex watches including models 1978 Submariner model 5513 for £8,900,...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

HISTORICAL PLYMOUTH ART

Read the fascinating feature written by Plymouth Historian Chris Robinson.

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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,...

Read More

SILVER CAT PIN CUSHION MAKES RECORD PRICE 2018

Collectors from the UK and as far as the Netherlands were excited when a rare silver pin cushion in the form of a crouching cat came up for auction this week in Plymouth. Auctioneer Paul Keen ‘we sell many novelty silver pin cushions and they can be picked up from £50 to £100, however this cat really took us by surprise!’ The silver hallmark identified is as being made by silversmiths Adie & Lovekin of Birmingham around 1908. Its original...

Read More

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...

Read More

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 More

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...

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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....

Read More

PLYMOUTH ART SPANNING 100 YEARS ON OFFER AT THE MAY AUCITON

Read More

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...

Read More

'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...

Read More

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.

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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. ...

Read More

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...

Read More

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

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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.  ...

Read More

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.

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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.

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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!

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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’.

Read More

ROLLING STONES COLLECTION TO BE SOLD

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

NOVEMBER ANTIQUE AUCTION RESULTS

VIEW RESULTS

Read More

VIEW AUCTION NEWS ON FACEBOOK.

Please like us on Facebook for daily up dates on Auction News. and interesting auction lots.

Read More

RESULTS FROM THE JULY AUCTION

VIEW RESULTS

Read More

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...

Read More

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,...

Read More

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...

Read More

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....

Read More

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)’ –...

Read More

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...

Read More

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.

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

PROMOTION PROMOTION PROMOTION

View of 25 local media stories about interesting lots sold at Plymouth Auction Rooms.

Read More

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...

Read More

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. ...

Read More

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....

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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.

Read More

LENKIEWICZ VAGRANCY PAINTING FETCHES £14,000 AT THE JUNE AUCTION

VIEW RESULTS

Read More

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,...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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

Read More

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...

Read More

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.

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

JULY AUCTION REPORT

Internet Bidders buy 50% of the Auction but Plymouth Collectors Take the Prize Lots 

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

DIAMOND SOLITAIRE RING SELLS FOR £6,100 AT BOUYANT CHRISTMAS JEWELLERY & WATCH AUCTION

VIEW RESULTS

Read More

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.

Read More

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....

Read More

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....

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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.

Read More

MAY AUCTION RESULTS

VIEW RESULTS

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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).  

Read More

Read More