The highlights of our Christmas auction

The Fieldings Christmas auction was something an auctioneer could only dream of, the perfect auction some would say! With a whopping sale total and a sold rate of 92%, vendors, buyers and staff all walked away very happy on the day.

Every year Nick Davies (Director and Jewellery and Silver Specialist) puts together an eclectic mix of the fine and beautiful and rare and wonderful and it is certainly a highlight of the calendar for Fieldings clients.  With an offering of 838 lots of silver, jewellery, bijouterie, coins and watches there was something to suit all tastes and pockets. 

Consignments were all from private clients and most sourced in the West Midlands, making this a very local affair, in an area that is known for its rich history of the production of jewellery and silver since the 19^th century.

Highlights of the day included three models of the Warwick Vase in various scales, each selling way beyond their top estimates. Taking the top spot was the largest example, a Georgian hallmarked silver Warwick vase in the form of a wine cooler, by Paul Storr made in 1814. The pre-sale estimate was a very achievable £8,000-12,000, but went to a UK buyer for an amazing £28,000 (plus buyers premium).  The two other silver Warwick Vases also made well over their top estimates selling for £5,900 against a £3,000-4,000 estimate and £900 against a £150-200 estimate, also to UK buyers. Showing that classical pieces produced by the most celebrated silversmiths continue to hold a strong place in the marketplace.

Design pieces also did well in the silver section. Several 20^th Century pieces, including works from Robert Welch, Georg Jensen, and Guild of Handicrafts were included and achieved prices way above their top estimate. There was strong competition from the phones, internet and in the room for the Robert Welch teapot and coffee pot which came to us from only 10 miles from our saleroom.  These wonderful design classics even had their original bill of sale from 1974.  Each sold for £1,450 against an estimate of £400-£600 each.

Nick Davies commented ‘Is silver back? Yes! Especially if it’s small.’ With many small items achieving excellent prices it seems that bijouterie type items were very sought after.

Watches also flew out the door. The strong consignment of 100 watch lots were the most viewed section online and in the room.  With offerings from perennial favourites such as Rolex, Cartier, Jaeger le-Coultre, Omega and Breitling, most lots left the building with a price tag higher than their pre-sale estimate.

Jewellery was also strongly fought over on the day, with larger high estimate pieces selling just as well as the dress pieces.  Noticeable trends included the desire for mid 20^th Century items. The style and funkiness of certain pieces really seemed to be a favourite with the buyers.

Overall this was one of Fieldings finest ever sales results in their 18 years of business. Even in a time of uncertainty people still like a bit of sparkle and glamour. 

See you next year!

Fieldings host monthly auctions which include jewellery, silver and bijouterie sections.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AUCTION RESULTS

Posted on 11 December 2019 in: What's new