SOMETIMES reputation, personal association and an expert eye play more than their expected role in why certain items end up at a particular auction room.
This certainly proved the case at Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s October antiques sale at The Octagon Salerooms, Taunton.
Descendants of respected silversmith Bernard Cuzner, (1877-1958) sought out experienced valuer John Kelly, an admirer of his work, when they opted to sell some of the designer’s beautiful pieces.
The decision to sell with Greenslade Taylor Hunt proved a smart one as the collection as a whole was bought for £2,775.
Many of the items had been made for family and friends and had not come to the market before. Some did not have the customary mark as in those days there was a cost to the hallmarking process.
• SOUGHT-AFTER: Attractive silver sifting spoon by Bernard Cuzner
Cuzner is highly regarded and his book A Silversmith’s Manual is still in print today.
Top lot of the day went to a local vendor who was overwhelmed to discover her Chinese cloisonne bowl decorated with characters and floral motifs was so sought-after.
Two phone bidders along with internet interest drove the price up and eventually the hammer came down at £3,700.
Four figure sums were the order of the day. A pocket watch, which the vendor’s father had had a great attachment for was another big hitter. The father had kept the watch in a chest of drawers, wrapped in tissue paper. He would take it out occasionally to look at, but never used it. This sold for £2,200.
An oil (above) painted portrait of Henry Thomas (Fox-Strangways) 2nd Earl of Ilchester was bought by an online bidder for £1,600.
A Thomas Sidney Cooper oil painting “Canterbury Meadows” depicting cattle and sheep was another good performer and was bought for £3,455.
An eye for detail proved key when a last look round at a Bridgwater house clearance revealed a damaged but rare black Robert Heron & Son Wemyss ware seated pig.
The little fellow (below) certainly brought home the bacon when a phone bidder paid £1,170 for the 17cm long ornament.
Another vendor had cause to celebrate too. Looking to clear out clutter he had gone to Sedgemoor Auction Centre to dispose of unwanted goods at the general sale.
Fortunately eagle-eyed Mike Hooper, who oversees this sale, spotted a gentleman’s stainless steel watch hidden below some cotton reels and set it aside for the October antiques sale.
His actions proved timely as the Excelsior Park gentleman’s stainless steel chronograph wristwatch sold for £680.
If this has sparked your curiosity about whether that family heirloom might have something beyond sentimental value why not visit the experts at Greenslade Taylor Hunt.
Free valuation sessions are held each Monday at The Octagon Salerooms, Taunton, from 9am-1pm. There is no need to book, simply turn up. There is free parking on site.
To arrange home visit call 01823 332525.
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