RARE POTTERY DISCOVERED AT HANNAM’S

Two rare pieces of English pottery blew estimates away at Hannam’s Auctioneers latest fine art auction this April. An interesting pair of early 19th century Staffordshire figural vases, valued at only £80-120 commanded three telephone bidders who battled it out for a hammer price of £4,100. Alongside this was an extremely rare 19th century Doulton salt glazed fish spirit flask stamped R Cooper Railway Terminus, Brighton Vauxhall Lambeth, valued at £80-120, selling for £3,000 to an internet bidder despite competition from absentee and telephone bidders. A wonderful oil on canvas by the renowned artist Arthur Wardle depicting figures on horseback led by a pack of dogs in hunting scenes, a scene Wardle is best known for, was consigned locally and sold for £3,000.

The star item of the three day auction was a fine pair of late 18th century Chinese famille rose vases. Lots of pre-sale interest grew on the fairly insignificant pair of export vases dating from 1790 to 1800, typically mounted in ormolu, a common practise around this time. However the extraordinary quality of the ormolu mounts and rarity (formed from entwined serpents) brought together three phone bidders and an online bidder who fought for the prized pieces, raising the question who were the caster of the mounts…A successful European powerhouse secured the vases for £13,000 + premium.

The European market had success on the first day, an extremely rare boxed Swiss Jaeger LeCoultre Atmos clock sold for £6,000 and an unusual late 19th century Bavarian black forest tobacco jar and cover in the form of a standing hare sold for £4,400. Another German Bavarian black forest figure that gained a lot of interest was a wonderful tobacco jar in the form of roaming hound holding aloft a pipe. Thought to be only one of two known in existence, this delightful figure was purchased by a telephone bidder was a staggering £9,000.

Hannam’s invite the public to their saleroom in Selborne throughout the week and they also offer free valuations every Monday from 10am till 2pm. Their next Fine Art auction will be on 30th & 31st May & 1st June, with viewing starting on 25th May from 10am. Final deadline for consignment for items for this auction will be Wednesday 16th May. For additional information please call the office on 01420 511788 or email sales@hannamsauctioneers.com.