There was a lot to crow about at Clevedon Salerooms Winter Specialist sale on Thursday December 5th. The final sale of 2024 saw over 530 lots were on offer with the star lot of the day being a stoneware Wally Bird tobacco jar by the celebrated Martin Brothers.
These characterful creations are probably the most coveted works of these famous Victorian studio potters. With significant losses around the neck, however, it was clear our bird could not be expected to fly particularly high and its estimate reflected this. It was, fittingly, one of the most ‘watched’ items in the lead up to the sale and, when its moment came, it soared above all expectations to sell for a remarkable £10,000.
As is customary at Clevedon it was Jewellery which commenced proceedings. Amongst a stunning selection it was a 19th century diamond five stone yellow and white metal ring, composed of five graduated old cut and old cushion cut diamonds which took the top price of £4,400. Also performing well, a Victorian diamond yellow and white metal brooch in the form of a Maltese Cross, this showstopper of a statement piece sold for £3,800 and an emerald and diamond 18ct yellow and white gold set cluster ring which sold for £3,000.
When it comes to watches, the perennially popular name of Rolex can always be relied upon to stir bidders into action. A gentleman's 18K Day Date automatic chronometer sold for £7,200, whilst an Oyster Perpetual Submariner sold for a healthy £6,000. For the female of the species, a Rolex lady's 18K gold Datejust chronometer bracelet watch found a new home, selling for £4,000.
Another lot that was fiercely fought over was a rare American Revolutionary War era engraved map 'A Plan of the Town, Bar, Harbour and Environs of Charlestownin South Carolina by William Faden, (1749-1836). Dated 1780, it was a touchstone with a significant moment in US history, the Siege of Charleston by British troops which took place that year. Again, the focus of significant pre-sale interest it sold in the room to a UK buyer for £7,000.
Also offering a tangible link with history, and of extraordinary rarity, a pewter medal commemorating Nelson and H.M.S. Victory. It is believed that these copper-rimmed were hastily commissioned by Alexander Davison, Nelson’s Agent, for award to the crew of H.M.S. Victory who took part in the battle and were in London at the time of Nelson’s State Funeral, with the intention that they would be worn during the funeral ceremonies and the great procession, which at the time was one of the greatest public spectacles in the capital’s history. This rare piece became the focus of a tense bidding battle, which saw the gavel finally fall at £3,400.
With Winter making its presence felt outside a little sunshine was provided courtesy of a collection of oil paintings Cecil Rochfort D'Oyly John (British, 1906-1993). A single owner collection of evocative Mediterranean and West Indian scenes was led by 'West Indian beach near Port of Spain, Trinidad’ which sold for £2,400. Altogether, the eight canvases realised a combined total of £8,800. A more seasonal note was provided by two limited editon L.S.Lowry prints ‘Our Town’ and ‘The Pond’, which sold for £2,400 and £2,200 respectively, continuing Clevedon’s run of healthy prices for Salford’s favourite son.
For those with more contemporary tastes, Whitefriars is one name always guaranteed to get collectors hearts-a-flutter. The market for pieces by the London glassworks – especially the coveted “textured” range of coloured glass from the 1960s and ‘70s – is once again on the rise, so high expectations were high for a specially commissioned architectural tile panel. Removed from a Clevedon property for which it had been designed in 1966, it had been made at the – sadly now departed – Bristol Guild. With Whitefriars riding the crest of a wave of interest, there was much interest in this unique piece which saw it leave its estimate well and truly standing in the shade when it sold for £3,200.
Finally, proving the diversity of Clevedon’s auctions could never be called into question, one of the day’s biggest surprises came in the form of a polished serpentine stone lighthouse. Normally seen as souvenirs measuring a few inches high, at a mighty 143cm overall, this was in a different league. Well detailed, with steps, railings and lantern it, clearly hit the right note and stole the show when it sold for £3,600.
With a sale total well above expectations, the Winter Specialist sale certainly proved to be the grand finale for another vintage year for Clevedon Salerooms. We look forward to welcoming you again in 2025.