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Nicola Whittaker, Business Development Manager
We were delighted to showcase several intaglio items in September’s Fine Jewellery sale.
Originally used in place of a signature to sign documents, intaglios became more fashionable than functional. They were easily transportable works of art. Moreover, they showed wealth and status as well as taste. They not only depicted gods and heroic scenes but also animals and plants.
@fellowsauctions Playing around with some intaglios today 😄 How cool?! We have a great selection in our Fine Jewellery Sale ❤️ #intaglio #intaglios #finejewelry #finejewellery #satisfying #satisfyingvideos #art #glyptics #engraving #fyp ♬ tired – Official Sound Studio
Intaglio Highlights from the Fine Jewellery Sale
Lot 204
An Ottoman gold ring, with Islamic and Latin script intaglio agate seal and black and white enamel gallery and shoulders.
Estimate £800 – £1,200
Sold for a full price of £1,173.92
Ring Size: X
Lot 574
A 19th century gold tassie ring, with intaglio of a man.
Estimate £200 – £300
Sold for a full price of £586.96
Ring Size: V
Lot 575
A Roman carnelian intaglio depicting a cherub riding an antelope, in later gold fob mount.
Estimate £100 – £150
Sold for a full price of £204.16
The History of Ancient Intaglio Jewellery
The Greeks mostly used hardstone for their intaglios and the Romans continued in that style (called Hellenistic). As a result, some can be hard to date because of the similarities.
Other more Roman styles are easier to date. Materials used were predominantly semi-precious – such as agate, carnelian, jasper and chalcedony. Precious stones such as sapphires were used as well.
Seals, cameos and intaglios were popular from antiquity through to the Middle Ages. They had a resurgence of interest in the 18th century when neo-classical influences became popular in art and architecture.
Original Roman and Greek intaglios were mounted in 18th century – these include the items we have in our auction.
This means there are a lot of copies from 18th century – some which have become more famous than the originals which inspired them. Pieces by the master engraver Nathanial Marchant are some of the most highly-sought intaglios.
The Auction
The Fine Jewellery sale included an incredible array of historic and modern jewellery.
A collection of sixty-three mourning rings, a Queen Victoria bracelet, and jewellery by esteemed designer Erwin Springbrunn were up for grabs.
The sale offered just under £1 million worth of jewellery in a variety of shapes and sizes.
We offered free shipping on the purchase of items in the sale (subject to terms).
Taking place in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, there was a 10am start on Thursday 30th September.
Valuations
Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction.
The process is simple, so you can get a valuation now:
Fill in a form online. In addition, you can book an appointment to visit our offices in Birmingham and London. Moreover you can book a virtual valuation appointment.
A portrait miniature painted by Archibald Skirving (1749 – 1819) on his return to Edinburgh from a spell in a French prison could sell for £5,000 at Fellows Auctioneers.
The painting, depicting a gentleman wearing a blue coat and a white waistcoat, was created at a time when Skirving was affected mentally and physically from his period spent behind bars due to accusations of being a spy.
The item features as Lot 614 in the Fine Jewellery sale, a live auction taking place in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham on Thursday 27th May.
The portrait miniature by Archibald Skirving
It has an estimate of £2,800 – £3,800 at auction, and is likely to fetch in excess of £5,000 including fees.
Born in an East Lothian village, Archibald Skirving painted many sought-after portraits which generated huge acclaim. He quickly established himself in the media and became renowned as one of the most prestigious pastellists of the 18th century.
Some of his work is currently displayed in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, based in Edinburgh.
Skirving travelled from London to Rome in 1786, and it was on his return journey in 1794 that he was captured near Gibraltar and his portfolio of work resulted in him being accused of a spy by the French. He was then imprisoned in Brest.
Allegedly two fellow-artists helped to release him nine months later and it was on his trip back to his homeland that he painted the portrait up for auction.
It is believed that Skirving only made a limited number of portraits after his release from prison, due to an eye condition he sustained as a result of the brutality of the period and how much it damaged him. In his later years Skirving drew and painted portraits of his customers from his Edinburgh flat.
The portrait miniature going under the hammer at Fellows previously sold at Bonhams in April 2004.
The item is in a good condition for its age
The individual who Skirving painted is not known, but the late Georgian gold mounted portrait is in a good condition for its age.
The miniature is included amongst over 600 lots in the Fine Jewellery sale, a live auction offering over £1 million worth of jewellery. The auction can be viewed in Birmingham and London on selected dates.
Nicola Whittaker, Business Development Manager at Fellows Auctioneers, said: “Archibald Skirving’s portraits are exemplary and we are delighted to offer a brilliant example of his work in our May Fine Jewellery sale. The portrait up for auction was created during a dark period in Skirving’s life when he was just released from prison, and it’s believed that he didn’t create many afterwards which makes this painting even more significant.
“This auction is full of some of the finest jewellery that we have to offer. With our previous Fine Jewellery sale hammering over £1 million worth of items, our auction on 27th May has the potential to be the best of the year so far.”
Posted in All, Jewellery, News
Tagged archibaldskirving, auction, Fellows, historic, Jewellery, jewelleryauction, portraitminiature, skirving
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A significant pocket watch by the man regarded as the “Father of English Clockmaking” is up for sale at Fellows Auctioneers.
The item dates back to 1701 – 1707, and was created by Thomas Tompion during his six-year partnership with Edward Banger.
Featuring the engravings “Tho Tompion E Banger London”, the historic item is still functioning, and is in a good condition for its age.
The historic Thomas Tompion pocket watch
The pocket watch features as Lot 196 in Fellows’ Luxury Watch Sale, an auction taking place in Birmingham on Monday 19th April.
An estimate of £3,500 – £5,500 has been placed on the item ahead of sale.
Thomas Tompion was an incredibly successful watchmaker and retailer, making around 5,500 watches and 700 clocks throughout his career.
Such is his importance in the history of clockmaking, he was one of the first individuals to put serial numbers on his timepieces.
Tompion’s inspirational clockmaking garnered King Charles II’s attention in 1676. Upon the establishment of the Royal Observatory, the King selected Tompion to make two clocks accurate enough to be used for astronomical calculations. Tompion also had the patronage of King William III and Queen Anne.
One of the UK’s most renowned clockmakers in history, Tompion’s timepieces were known for their fascinating, original, and robust designs.
In 1701, Tompion began a six-year partnership with Edward Banger, crafting prized clocks such as the one for sale with Fellows, until their partnership mysteriously ended in 1707 or 1708.
The timepiece was created in the early 18th century.
The pocket watch for sale features a gilt metal consular case, with a signed key wind full plate fusee and chain movement. It includes a verge escapement and Egyptian pillars. The item has a white dial with Roman numeral hour markers.
It is being auctioned alongside over 200 luxury timepieces by Fellows. Virtual viewings and physical viewings on selected dates can be booked for the item.
Kes Crockett, Specialist from the Watch Department at Fellows Auctioneers, said: “We are fortunate to see a wide variety of timepieces in our watch auctions but every now and again something quite special comes along such as this early 18th century pocket watch by Thomas Tompion & Edward Banger.”
Thomas Tompion was one of the most important and significant individuals in the history of English clockmaking. It is probably a consequence of his high level of output that Tompion created a horological first, the serial number, which is still seen on watches to this day. Despite the Luxury Watch Sale featuring an array of magnificent timepieces, I have no doubts that this is one of the most compelling lots.”
Posted in All, News, Watches
Tagged auction, banger, clockmaker, edwardbanger, historic, pocketwatch, thomastompion, tompion
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Jewellery created by esteemed British goldsmith John Donald has fetched over £26,000 including fees at Fellows Auctioneers. John Donald famously designed jewellery for Princess Margaret, sister of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and the Queen Mother. He was one of a group of jewellers who revolutionised the industry in the 1960s. Eight of his original and quirky pieces have flown above their estimates at Fellows Auctioneers’ Fine Jewellery sale, which took place in Birmingham on 12th November. In total, Fellows hammered over £1 million worth of jewellery in the sale.
Jewellery Specialist Alex Duffy with the John Donald items
The eight pieces of Jewellery from John Donald were all in a variety of shapes and sizes. A 9ct gold citrine abstract brooch by John Donald sold for a full price of £4,593.60, which was ten times its estimate of £350 – £450. Other fascinating items received tens of bids as they all sold for brilliant prices in the sale. Many of the items had estimates of under £1,000 and ended up selling for over £3,000.
The innovative and unusual crafting methods adopted by John Donald were one of the key reasons for his jewellery’s popularity. Due to lack of funds as a student, he used rods and tubes to create intriguing shapes, which defined his work. The items that sold at Fellows are examples of these alluring shapes. His career propelled in the early sixties and he went on to produce jewellery for Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother. Donald’s work can also been seen in various museums such as the V&A Museum and the Royal Museum in Edinburgh.
Lot 227 – A 1970s 9ct gold citrine abstract brooch, by John Donald.
The items created by John Donald were all highlights in the 586-lot Fine Jewellery auction which was held behind-closed doors. Telephone lines and online bidding platforms were particularly busy as the auction house was closed to customers. The sale started at 11am and ended up finishing at 7pm, and it showcased some of the best jewellery that Fellows has to offer. This was Fellows’ last live auction of the year, with several timed sales and pawnbroker auctions going ahead before Christmas.
Alex Duffy, Jewellery Specialist at Fellows Auctioneers, said: “We are all thrilled that the John Donald pieces received the attention they deserved and sold so well. It is such a fabulous collection of his works, showcasing his incredible ability and unique designs. It was an absolute pleasure to have the opportunity to handle and catalogue the items, gaining a real understanding and appreciation for the pioneering impact he had on the jewellery industry. They were all part of a private collection and we hope that the vendor is as equally thrilled with the results as we are. I’m sure that the buyers will be eagerly awaiting their exciting purchases.”
A list of jewellery by John Donald in the Fine Jewellery sale. Price realised is the full price sold including fees:
- Lot 227 – A 1970s 9ct gold citrine abstract brooch, by John Donald. Estimate: £350 – £450. Price Realised: £4,593.60.
- Lot 228 – A 1960s 18ct gold cultured pearl ring, with brilliant-cut diamond highlight textured cuboid mount, by John Donald. Estimate: £400 – £600. Price Realised: £4,083.20.
- Lot 229 – A 1970s 18ct gold amethyst textured pendant, by John Donald. Estimate: £450 – £650. Price Realised: £3,572.80.
- Lot 230 – A pair of 1970s 18ct gold, aquamarine and cultured pearl floral earrings, by John Donald. Estimate: £900 – £1,400. Price Realised: £1,403.60.
- Lot 231 – A 1960s 18ct gold turquoise and seed pearl abstract brooch, by John Donald. Estimate – £1,000 – £1,500. Price Realised: £4,338.40.
- Lot 232 – A pair of mid 20th century textured earrings, attributed to John Donald. Estimate: £600 – £800. Price Realised: £918.72.
- Lot 233 – A 1970s 18ct gold carved and faceted sapphire abstract brooch, with diamond highlights, by John Donald. Estimate: £1,400 – £2,000. Price Realised £2,552.00.
- Lot 234 – A mid 20th century 18ct gold textured panel bracelet, by John Donald. Estimate: £2,200 – £2,800. Price Realised: £5,614.40.
Posted in All, Jewellery, News
Tagged auction, Fellows, historic, Jewellery, johndonald, princessmargaret
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A fascinating mourning ring dedicated to a man who drowned at sea is up for auction at Fellows. The William IV 18ct gold old-cut diamond, split pearl and black enamel ring features as Lot 14 in Fellows’ Jewellery Sale, on Thursday 20th August. The elegant piece of jewellery has ‘Dedicated to John Hill who drowned at sea on his passage home from the West Indies’ inscribed on the back, with hallmarks for London, 1832. The ring has an estimate of £400 – £600.
This sentimental ring, characterised as mourning by the black enamel is a touching tribute to a loved-one, lost at sea. According to the inscription on the back of the ring, John Hill drowned in an 1832 shipwreck, sailing across the Atlantic. A report in the Caledonian Mercury (Lloyd’s List), published on June 2nd 1832, notes that “The War Hawk” was abandoned on route from Demerara to Jersey – on 1st April 1832. After being water logged and abandoning the ship, the crew then arrived at Boston, Massachusetts. It is believed that John Hill perished during this catastrophe. The mourning ring has ‘obt 1st April’ inscribed on the back, marking the date of John Hill’s demise at sea.
Fellows’ Jewellery 20th August sale is live on the website now. The timed, online-only auctions includes just under 800 lots of fascinating jewellery in a variety of shapes, sizes, and ages. Closing at 9am on the day, the Jewellery Sale is expected to generate a lot of interest from a variety of bidders who can participate on the sale via Fellows’ website or The Saleroom.
Emma Testill, Jewellery Catalogue Manager at Fellows Auctioneers, said: “This historic mourning ring features captivating inscriptions which I’m sure will entice all jewellery lovers. The provenance relating to John Hill adds to the fascinating past of this ring which is beautifully designed. It features as a highlight in our 20th August Jewellery Sale which is set to be another in-demand timed, online-only auction.”
Alison Jakeway, Silver Specialist from the Silver Department at Fellows Auctioneers, has been researching ‘castle-top’ souvenirs ahead of the Antiques, Silver & Collectables sale.
The term ‘castle-top’ is regularly used to describe a variety of silver boxes, primarily made during the early to mid-19th century and used to carry snuff or visiting cards and also vinaigrettes, which contained a sponge soaked in perfume to mask unpleasant smells. These boxes were decorated with views of famous or important British landmarks to include Windsor Castle, Warwick Castle, Westminster Abbey and Newstead Abbey, among many other examples.
At this time in early Victorian Britain, the rise and expansion of the railway system enabled easier travel around the country and opened up new tourist areas. Towns and villages, which featured in literature and particularly in the novels of Sir Walter Scott, were visited along with the homes of the famous and other notable castles, cathedrals and landmarks. It seems likely then, that the origin of the ‘castle-top’ stemmed from a desire to commemorate a visit to a famous location by purchasing an article depicting a view of that particular spot or building, so they were sold commercially as ‘tourist souvenirs’ to day-trippers, honeymooners or similar.
An early Victorian silver ‘castle top’ vinaigrette depicting York Minster.
The main centre of production was Birmingham and there were numerous smallworkers making these souvenir pieces, including Joseph Taylor, Joseph Willmore, Samuel Pemberton, Edward Smith, Matthew Linwood and perhaps the best known and most prolific of them all, Nathaniel Mills. Many ‘castle-top’ boxes were made by the method of die stamping or repoussé, so that the metal was pushed out from behind using a stamp to create a scene in relief, the higher the relief decoration then the harder they were to make. To increase variety, snuff boxes, card cases and vinaigrettes were also engraved with similar views.
These ‘castle-top’ souvenirs were mainly produced between circa 1830 to 1865. Today they are considered extremely collectable pieces and remain among the strongest areas of the auction market for small silver objects. Depending on the type of box or case, prices can vary from mid hundreds to over a £1000 and considerably higher for a particularly rare example. Many important factors will affect the value, especially quality, condition and maker with pieces made by Nathaniel Mills often realising the highest prices. As already stated, rarity is a major factor in pushing up the price. Some destinations, such as Windsor Castle and Warwick Castle, were visited and depicted more frequently, and subsequently there are more examples in existence, however, if the way they are depicted shows a more unusual view or aspect, then these will likely be more sought after by a collector and fetch a better price. The same can be said of those boxes featuring rarer subjects, which appear less often. These include Wells Cathedral, Gloucester Cathedral, Buckingham Palace (before the removal of Marble Arch) and Brighton Pavilion among others.
An early Victorian silver ‘castle top’ vinaigrette depicting Abbotsford House.
There are two beautiful examples of ‘castle-top’ vinaigrettes included in our upcoming timed auction of Antiques, Silver & Collectables, which ends on Monday 27th July. Lot 243 shows a detailed view of York Minster, hallmarked Birmingham 1843 and attributed to John Tongue with an estimate of £400-600. While Lot 244 depicts Abbotsford House, which was the home of the aforementioned Sir Walter Scott, made by Edward Smith and hallmarked Birmingham 1845 with an estimate of £300-400. Both vinaigrettes appear in good condition and offer fine examples of these Victorian ‘tourist souvenirs.’ As such, they will no doubt generate a great deal of interest amongst collectors.
An 18th century seal with the coat of arms of Frederick Michael, Count Palatine of Zweibrucken-Birkenfield (1724-1767) is up for auction at Fellows. Frederick Michael, member of the Wittelsbach dynasty, was the father of King Maximilian I Joseph of Bavaria. The seal features as Lot 133 in the Fine Jewellery auction, Fellows’ first public auction in four months. The auction will take place at the independent auction house’s Jewellery Quarter sale room on Thursday 23rd July.
The Georgian 18ct gold carved bloodstone seal comes with a fitted D.S. Lavender case, with the elegant carved coat of arms on the front of the piece. The beautiful piece relating to the former Count Palatine has an estimate of £1,000 – £1,500. Frederick Michael was initially Palatine Field Marshal and later, in his role of Imperial Field Marshal. He was commander-in-chief in the Seven Years War against Frederick the Great.
Lot 133 in Fellows’ Fine Jewellery sale
Nicola Whittaker, from Fellows Auctioneers, said: “Our Fine Jewellery sale has a variety of diverse pieces which relate to notable moments in history. This brilliant seal, containing the Coat of Arms of Frederick Michael, is a fine example of the uniquely fascinating items we have up for auction. Our Fine Jewellery sale contains a mixture of jewellery, both modern and historic, which should hopefully go down a treat with our customers.”
Fellows’ flagship jewellery auction on 23rd July contains luxury pieces, showcasing the very best fine jewellery that Fellows has to offer. This curated auction features items from renowned designers and pieces of historical interest, ranging from antiquity to modern day. The Fine Jewellery auction includes names such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels.
The Fine Jewellery sale is now available to view online and in person at the following times:
London
14 July 12:00 – 19:00
15 July 9:30 – 15:00
Birmingham
18 July 10:00 – 16:00
21 July 10:00 16:00
22 July 10:00 – 16:00
23 July 8:30 – 11:00
Virtual viewings available by request.
Posted in All, Jewellery
Tagged bloodstone, count, finejewellery, historic, Jewellery, palatine, seal
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We don’t often see German Luftwaffe watches from the Second World War at auction. It is far more common for us to see pieces belonging to Allied Forces. Therefore, when we do see German military pieces from the Second World War, they can achieve extraordinary prices. For instance, one such piece is this historic military “Kampfschwimmer” Panerai diver’s watch from WWII. We sold this particular watch for £53,592 in 2019.
There are quite a few theories as to why Luftwaffe watches are so rare in the secondary market. We believe that the following is a credible theory. As they were not personally owned by the aviators, the watches were not passed down or sold after the war. The Luftwaffe gave the watches to the aviators before each flight and they were returned after their missions.
History of WWII German Luftwaffe watches
B–Uhren is an abbreviation for Beobachtungs-uhren, which translates as observation watches. The watchmakers created their B-Uhren with pilots of the Luftwaffe in mind. There are two types of B-Uhr watch; Baumuster A and Baumaster B.
A versions were produced from 1940 to 1941 and utilise a traditional style dial numbered 1 to 11 at the hour markers, triangle with two dots at twelve.
B versions were produced from 1941 onwards and instead use minute markers from 5 to 55 around the perimeter of the dial. Again a triangle indicates the twelve marker.
Due to the nature of their work, precision, robustness and legibility were extremely important factors to consider for the Luftwaffe when commissioning watches. The same is true with British military watches. The watchmakers followed strict design criteria.
These included:
- Large “Onion” shaped crown
- 55mm snap back Case in brass or steel
- Triangle marker at twelve
- Luminous paint (226Ra) for the dial markers and hands
- FL 23883 case markings
- Hacking seconds movement
- Balance spring with a Breguet overcoil
- Certified chronometer
- Extra long strap
- A. Lange & Söhne
- IWC
- Laco
- Stowa
- Wempe
Dannielle Blackledge, Junior Cataloguer from the Antiques & Fine Art Department at Fellows, has been discussing portrait miniatures ahead of the upcoming auction. The Antiques, Silver & Collectables sale takes place on Monday 16th September.
Looking to start your antiques collection but don’t know where to begin? The possibilities are vast, from glass and ceramics, to collector’s items, silver, paintings, clocks and furniture, the choice can feel overwhelming.
An area to consider is portrait miniatures perhaps?
Fellows’ upcoming Antiques, Silver & Collectables auction offers thirty lots of silhouettes and portrait miniatures at reasonable prices, ideal for those looking to start a collection. And the good news is that the market for miniatures remains strong.
Amongst the lots on offer on September 16th are some wonderful 19th century examples of fashionable ladies, in particular Lot 851 and Lot 852, as well as an interesting marital duo depicting a Captain and his wife, Lot 857.
A 19th century painted portrait miniature on ivory
Whilst the aesthetic appeal of these carefully executed and detailed portraits is undeniable, portrait miniatures also have a deeper appeal to collectors as objects with rich personal histories.
Why were they painted? Who was the sitter? The artist? The patron? Unfortunately the answers to the latter three questions remain much harder to answer, but we are able to appreciate why miniatures were produced, and why they became so popular.
In their familiar form some of the earliest portrait miniatures were seen at both the French and English Royal courts from as early as 1520. Although their exact origins are believed to derive from the illustrations in illuminated manuscripts; and indeed the very term ‘miniatures’ is not related to size as one might think, but rather stems from the Latin word ‘munium’, a name for the red lead used in illustrated Medieval works.
Predominantly the preserve of the elite in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries, the popularity of portrait miniatures grew considerably during the 18th century.
During this period of significant social transformation the elite and aspiring proved to be enthusiastic patrons of miniature artists eager to establish their trade, whilst the cities of London, Dublin and the popular Spa town of Bath provided the perfect climate in which the art form could flourish and prosper.
Dannielle Blackledge, Junior Cataloguer from the Antiques & Fine Art Department at Fellows Auctioneers.
Due to their size and portability portrait miniatures could easily be passed around in social circles and the sitter and artist’s hand admired, and as a result of these social conditions and developments in skill, technique and materials, portrait miniatures entered a ‘Golden Age’ during the second half of the century.
In response to demand silhouettes or profiles as they were known emerged as a cheap and quick alternative to painted portrait miniatures. Sittings could take as little as five minutes and copies could be easily produced, making small commemorative portraits far more accessible for a larger portion of society.
Miniatures were commissioned for a variety of reasons, they could be offered as diplomatic gifts, sentimental souvenirs, or mementos to commemorate milestones including births and deaths. And although their size meant that miniatures could be easily transferred and admired, they were often considered extremely personal and private objects, sometimes seen by only the painter, the sitter and the patron.
Their size and portability also allowed miniatures to function as the perfect discrete accessory, examples depicting secret lovers or mistresses were able to be hidden away in lockets or bracelets, or even concealed in the pocket watches of gentlemen. Whilst for those less brazen the eye miniature or lovers eye was developed, a miniature depicting only the sitter’s eye to help maintain anonymity.
As an area of collecting, silhouettes and in particular portrait miniatures offer the buyer the opportunity to own a tangible piece of history and a once treasured and admired possession.
Posted in All
Tagged antiques, Birmingham, Fellows, hammer, historic, jewelleryquarter, miniatures, painted, paintedminiatures
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A Rolex Explorer in August’s Watch Sale has sold for a whopping £31,900 (including fees). The gentleman’s stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Explorer bracelet watch had an estimate of £4,800 – £5,800. It attracted interest from bidders in the room, internet, and over the telephones. The fierce bidding resulted in the Explorer selling for a hammer price of £25,000, at approximately 1:53pm on Tuesday 13th August.
The bidding started at £5,000 and continued to rise for a few minutes with bids going back and forth until ultimately an internet bidder on the Fellows Live bidding platform won the watch. Dating back to 1954, the Explorer is a rare, early example which had a functioning movement and was in a good condition.
The early 1950’s vintage timepiece was Lot 241 in the sale. With a stainless steel case and an engraved case back, and reference 6150, the watch has a signed automatic calibre 17090. Its beautiful black dial with baton hour markers complement the Rolex, with the Arabic numeral three, six and nine comprising the front of the watch. It is fitted to a signed stainless steel Oyster riveted bracelet with Oysterclasp.
Steven Yambo, Senior Watch Specialist, said: “This Explorer is an incredibly early model with a lovely aged dial, so it isn’t a surprise that it sold for this amount. There was a lot of interest in the room and on the telephones which we were very happy with. The sale of this watch rounds up another successful Watch Sale at Fellows, and we are already planning for our next auction in September.”
Our next flagship Watch Sale will take place on 15th October 2019. You can receive a free, no-obligation valuation on your watch by using our free online valuation service.
Posted in News, Watches
Tagged auction, auctioneers, auctionhouse, auctions, explorer, Fellows, fellows watches, fellowsauction, fellowsauctioneers, fellowsauctions, hammer, historic, rolex, Vintage, watch, watches
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We spoke to Oliver Horner of Fellows’ London office about his favourite item in Fellows’ upcoming Antique & Modern Jewellery sale:
Of all the items in our upcoming Antique & Modern jewellery sale, Lot 568 is of particular interest to me. This 19th Century diamond set brooch is punctuated with a sizable andalusite. From a historical aspect, this is an interesting choice as topaz would have typically been the preferential centre stone. The andalusite is a more unusual choice for the period. It’s not often you see this gem used in old period jewellery which enhances its appeal to me.
Lot 568 – A late 19th century andalusite and diamond brooch.
From a gemmological perspective, it is a stone that I particularly like. When two colours are clearly seen in a gemstone when viewed at different angles, the optical phenomenon is referred to as Pleochroism. Andalusite is a pleochroic material, and this particular stone displays two very distinct colours. The delicate diamond surround instantly draws your eye to this centre stone and its fascinating colour effect. It’s a great early example of a jeweller perhaps using a lesser known gem for its optical allure, making it a remarkable and exciting little piece.
Posted in All, Jewellery
Tagged andalusite, auction, brooch, centrestone, delicate, Diamond, Fellows, gemmological, hammer, historic, specialist
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Thursday 8th November saw us hold our biggest jewellery auction of the year with many pieces selling in the tens of thousands. November’s Antique & Modern Jewellery auction was extremely well attended on Thursday with people travelling from around the world to visit the Birmingham saleroom to view and take part in the auction. Some interested parties came from as far as South Africa and Asia, as well as Europe.
We sold our most expensive pair of earrings to date when the pear-shape diamond drops, weighing 3.98 and 3.15cts respectively, sold for a hammer price of £64,000 (£81,664 incl. fees).
The star lot of the auction however was a large single-stone diamond ring, weighing in at over 13cts. The emerald-cut diamond sold for £310,500 shortly followed by an impressive diamond fringe necklace sold for £177,160.
The emerald-cut diamond came in at 13.86cts, with tapered baguette-cut diamond sides and was accompanied by a report from the Gemological Institute Of America, stating H colour, VS2 clarity.
There were 14 telephone bids, in multiple languages, for the ring of 13.86cts, and the bidding war lasted over 5 minutes. Interest was also strong from the room and commission bids. Bids flew across the saleroom and were met with applause when the ring eventually sold to a bidder in the room for a whopping hammer price of £255,000.
Numerous items from Graff sold for incredible amounts. A pair of diamond cufflinks by Graff sold for £24,244 and two pairs of diamond dress studs sold for £25,520 per pair.
Stephen Whittaker, Managing Director, said: “This auction shows us, without a shadow of a doubt, that people are willing to bid on, and buy, high-value pieces when they have sensible estimates. The interest, both at home and abroad, in the auction demonstrates that Birmingham is a hub for fine jewellery, both in our auctions and in the Jewellery Quarter as a whole. We are delighted to have been able to sell this magnificent private collection amongst many over hugely desirable items in the sale.”
For more information or additional images please contact Liam Bolland on 0121 212 5500, or email liam@fellows.co.uk
NB: All hammer prices are correct at time of publication; however, they can be subject to change. Price Realised is hammer price plus buyer’s premium, any applicable fees and taxes.
Posted in Jewellery, News
Tagged amazing, auction, auctions, Birmingham, Designer, Diamond, Diamonds, Fellows, fellowsauctioneers, fellowsauctions, historic, Jewellery, jewelry, Vintage jewellery, vintagejewellery, wow
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Our upcoming Antique & Modern Jewellery sale features an amber necklace, with matching earrings, attributed to the mother of Raymond Mays.
Raymond Mays was a hugely popular entrepreneur in the motor industry during the early to mid 20th century. Born in Lincolnshire, he was a renowned racing driver during the twenties and thirties. Raymond competed in European championships including the Grand Prix events in the thirties. He is one of the key figures behind English Racing Automobiles (ERA) and British Racing Motors (BRM).
Lot 38 in Fellows’ upcoming Antique & Modern Jewellery sale is an amber necklace and earrings. The item is attributed to the mother of Raymond Mayes. It is designed as a graduated series of oval-shape amber beads, together with matching earrings with the lot. There are also photos and a written note attributing the necklace to the mother of the racing driver . The length of the necklace is 77.5cms and the length of earrings is 4.6cms. The total weight 64.1gms.
An amber necklace, with matching earrings, attributed to the mother of Raymond Mays
Condition report:
- The item is accompanied by a note written by Raymond Mays’ mother explaining how she is handing over possession of the necklace, as well as a photo of the mother wearing it.
- The amber beads are in good to fair condition, some with small chips to the drill hole areas.
- Estimated dimensions of largest necklace bead is 19.6 by 16.2mms. Estimated dimensions of the smallest necklace bead is 10.7 by 8.9mms.
- The earrings come with hook fittings for pierced ears.
- Please see the Important Notices for Purchasers via the website for coloured gemstones.
Posted in All, Jewellery
Tagged Amber, amberjewellery, Antique, auctioneers, auctions, bead, Earrings, fellowsauctioneers, historic, Jewellery, lincolnshire, modernjewellery, Necklace, racingdriver, raymondmays
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Fellows’ Silver, Coins & Medals sale featured a Military Cross Great War Medal Trio which sold for £2,500. The Military Cross Medal was awarded to a WWI lieutenant by King George V. The medals were awarded to Lieut. Frank Richard Green Webb, of the Northumberland Fusiliers.
The medals were awarded to Lieut. Webb
Webb was born in Quarry Bank, Dudley, in 1897 and he later lived in Sutton Coldfield, just north of Birmingham. He served during 1914-1919 as 2nd lieutenant in the 18th Northumberland Fusiliers. He served during the Battle of the Somme in July 1916. In 1918 he returned to Armentières and was awarded the Military Cross on April 10th for destroying two bridges at Erquinghem, whilst under constant fire from the enemy.
The medal trio includes the Military Cross, a British War Medal 1914-20, and a Victory Medal named to ‘Lieut. F. R. G. Webb’. They were estimated at £600 – £800 in the sale and sold for way over their estimate. Below is a list of photographs, printed ephemera and other items associated to the lieutenant which were included with the medals:
A framed photograph of Lieut. Webb receiving the Military Cross from King George V.
A copy of the citation and a framed Army Orders, both listing Webb as a Temporary Lieutenant.
A framed certificate from Headquarters, Second Army.
A book of war notes & diary extracted from his pocket book carried throughout 1914 to 1918.
A regimental Roll book and a Field Message book.
Trench and battle maps with a scrap book containing newspaper cuttings and letters from the war office.
A hallmarked silver vesta case engraved ‘Northumberland Fusiliers 18th Battalion 1914-1919’.
A hallmarked silver cigarette case with presentation engraving to Lieut. Webb.
An officer’s dress sword with various books including one entitled ‘Historical Records of the 18th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers’.
Postcard albums and sundry other items.
A photo of Lieut. Webb being awarded his Military Cross by George V
Posted in All, News, Uncategorized
Tagged auctioning, battleofthesomme, constantfire, dudley, fusiliers, georgev, historic, lieutenant, medal, medals, militarycross, northumberland, quarrybank, suttoncoldfield, trio, victorymedal, worldwar, WWI
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Lot 338 in Fellows’ upcoming Antique & Modern Jewellery sale which takes place on Thursday 15 March features an 18ct gold and enamel First World War Belgian medallion.
An 18ct gold and enamel First World War Belgian medallion. Estimate: £600 – £800
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Posted in All, Jewellery
Tagged Antique, auction, auctioneers, auctions, beautiful, belgian, belgium, Enamel, Fellows, fellowsauctioneers, fellowsauctions, goldenamel, goldmedallion, historic, medal, medallion, medallions, medals, modernjewellery, war, wow
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Enticing Ancient Intaglio Jewellery