2 minute read
Under the Hammer
Why quirky Cheshire finds, gold, jewellery and silver could unleash an auction windfall this summer
Never dismiss anything – that’s the golden rule I’ve learned in nearly 20 years in the auction business.
And that golden rule applies to the people of Cheshire. It’s easy to dismiss an item, simply because you can’t imagine it could be of significant value. I was reminded of this when the press picked up on an auction find that astonished us all. A pair of strange-looking denim dungarees with something resembling a frill round the waist – bought for £5 in the 1970s - made £9,000 at auction. Our client picked them up at a clothing sale in Camden, London, more than 40 years ago and thought they might make a fun fancy-dress outfit. They turned out to be a costume made for the first Star Wars film in 1977. The clothing label bore the provenance - the name of actor ‘Joe Kaye’ and ‘Star Wars’. Kaye played a Lutrillian in the movie. Another label stated, ‘Bermans & Nathans, 40 Camden Street, London NW1’. They were legendary costume designers. With buyer’s premium and VAT, the total paid by an American buyer was £12,456. Quirky finds often delight at auction - and help to fuel the nation’s obsession with antiques and collectables. To offer further examples, a 19th Century, possibly earlier, Far Eastern serpentine dagger with a striking ivory-carved figure handle made £1,000 from an estimate of £140-£160. Equally unusual was a knitting sheath, the end carved as a whale and inlaid decoration.
This 19th century English work of art was a fine example of innovation in the knitting industry, invented to speed up the traditional craft. It realised £360 – double its £100-£150 estimate. Another lot to surprise was a collection of 10 assorted vintage oil cans which sold for £1,200. There must be countless items like these stuck in Cheshire drawers, garages or attics. So, if the sun is lighting up forgotten corners of your home, do delve. And if you find gold, coins, jewellery, silver or vintage designer watches you truly have uncovered buried This denim outfit, made for the treasure. Auction 1977 Star Wars film, sold for £9,000. prices are booking for these items. Recent sales saw a diamond and 18ct gold solitaire ring reach £2,000; a 9ct gold cigarette case by Charles Green & Co, Birmingham, 1933, make £1,450 and a Chinese 800 grade silver serving tray sell for £1,300. Free antiques, doll and teddy valuations and consignments will be offered on July 8 and 22, 11am-1pm, at St John’s Knutsford Church Centre,
The striking handle of a Far Church Hill, Knutsford,
Eastern serpentine dagger WA16 6DH. No appointment necessary. which sold for £1,000. To enquire about home visits or find out more, email service@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk or call 01283 733988. Twitter: HansonsUK Facebook: HansonsAuctioneersUK Instagram: hansons_auctioneers
