Rare antiques and historical finds – including Cromwell letter – spark success in first Norfolk auction
Rare antiques and historical finds – including Cromwell letter – spark success in first Norfolk auction
Results excelled in the first sale led by Hansons Auctioneers following the takeover of The Rostrum saleroom in Norfolk.
Lots to shine in the September sale included a 17th century document signed by Oliver Cromwell, a beautifully decorated mid-19th century face screen worthy of an elegant ball and a collection of antique fans, including Chinese examples, which sparked international interest.
Charles Hanson, owner of the Hansons Auctioneers group, said: “It was a very successful inaugural sale. Hansons’ decades of experience, pedigree for marketing and the support of our large team of antique specialists enabled us to give The Rostrum the boost it deserved. We were thrilled with the results and the finds uncovered for our first sale at the Roughton saleroom.”
Expectations were high for the rare, signed Oliver Cromwell document dated 1654. The handwritten letter of petition sought support for a British seaman imprisoned in Algiers, Algeria, by pirates. The case was brought to the attention of Cromwell, then Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland. He signed the document and added a note, dated July 7, 1654, referring the case to the Admiralty.
Charles said: “Bidders from America and the UK locked horns to buy the Cromwell letter which hammered at £6,200, more than double its £2,000-£3,000 guide. Uncovered near Holt, Norfolk, it was a remarkable find and result.”
Other highlights included a 3.15 carat diamond ring which hammered at almost £3,800 (lot 72A) and a collection of antique fans, some Chinese, uncovered in a house near Sheringham. Together they sold for more than £1,000. The most sought after item was lot 397, a pair of circa 1900 Chinese carved wooden fans featuring flowers and figures in pagoda scenes. They realised £600 from a £30-£50 guide.
Bidders also liked lot 395, a Panorama de la Suisse mid-19th century, six-scene hand-held face screen. Printed and hand decorated and boasting a turned mahogany handle, it would have been an elegant edition to a ball outfit. It smashed its £200-£300 guide to hammer at £2,900.
An unusual historical find, a rare journal from 1840 by Admiral Sir Henry Byam Martin’s (1803-1865) offering a personal narrative of operations off the coast of Syria achieved £2,800 (lot 382). Sir Henry was also a listed watercolour artist and the journal included several detailed sketches.
Educated at the Royal Naval Academy, Sir Henry first went to sea in October 1818. By 1840 he was captain of HMS Carysfort during the Egyptian-Ottoman War. He was promoted to Rear-Admiral in 1854 and appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath for his work during the Crimean War in 1855.
Lowestoft Porcelain also proved popular. Lot 335, a rare miniature ‘Bungay’ pattern tea bowl, saucer and teacup, c.1790-1800, decorated with pink flowers and festoons, achieved £1,800 (hammer) from an estimate of £600-£800.
Charles said: “These strong results demonstrate Norfolk’s passion for fine antiques and collectibles. Should people wish to consign with The Rostrum, we will be delighted to support them. Our team of consultants include Eric Knowles, Kate Bliss and Adam Schoon, familiar faces from some of Britain’s most popular TV antiques shows.
“We offer no-obligation home visits to clients, north, south, east and west of the county of Norfolk as well as neighbouring counties. The Rostrum saleroom is open five days a week for valuations and consignments, and we are always thrilled to meet people and assess their objects.”
Auction: Items sold in the September 7 Norfolk Jewellery, Watches, Silver and Fine Art Auction at The Rostrum, Jewellery and Fine Art Auctioneers, Norfolk, part of the Hansons Auctioneers group.
Entries are invited for the next sale on November 16, 2024. CLICK HERE to learn more.
Contact Details
Address: The Rostrum, The Old Bakery, Groveland, Thorpe Market Road, NR11 8TB
Tel: 01263 840 021
Email: enquiries@therostrumauctions.co.uk
Website: http://www.TheRostrumAuctions.co.uk