Antiques & Collectables Preview

Press Release

A replica of an ancient Royal relic will be coming up for auction in Plymouth this month. The Alfred Jewel was discovered in a field in North Petherton, Somerset, in 1693. It was identified as a masterpiece of goldsmith work and has an inscription, in old English, on the side that reads “Alfred ordered me to be made”, connecting the jewel with King Alfred the Great (871-899). It is now housed in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.

Alfred ruled the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex. He was a learned man and would have handled many manuscripts and texts. It is believed that the jewel would have had a ‘pointer’ attached to it, known as an aestel, which would have been used to follow the text in manuscripts.

The fine replica is likely to date from the late 19th or early 20th century, and represents an accurate copy of the original. It is expected to sell for £400 to £600.

The sale features over 450 fascinating lots of collectables. Including over 100 lots of diecast models and model railway, alongside Moorcroft pottery, Lladro, jewellery, silver and Asian works of art. A large collection of pub jugs and brewery advertising wares,  that came from one gents lifetime collection, will also be up for sale.

All lots can be viewed online and at the Saleroom on Viewing Days, and the auction will be on Wednesday 27th October starting at 10:30am.