July Antique & Jewellery, Surrey Advertiser July 07

Summer has been traditionally thought of as the quiet time for antiques sales, but Wellers Auctioneers of Chertsey found July to be a red hot month. With saleroom attendances perhaps helped by unsettled weather, The Surrey Auction House drew a large crowd for their sale of Antiques, Jewellery and specialist book and toy sale. 

 In the Oriental section a pair of  Japanese silver and enamel vases from the Meiji period drew worldwide interest. Each vase decorated with signed Shibayama panels of Ivory,mother of pearl and hardstone with exquisite detail of birds in blossoming trees. Auctioneer Mark Longson explained that it was rare to find a pair of such high quality and in such good condition. The vases sold for £6000 and two similar dishes sold for £1600 and £1200. The Hersham based owners who inherited the vases 15 years ago were delighted with the results. By family repute they had been given to a great grandfather in lieu of payment for work, he had wisely taken good care of them. 

The jewellery and watch section saw keen  bidding , a pair of  3.5 carat diamond ear studs sold for £3150 , a ruby and diamond bracelet for £580 and an Omega Seamaster wristwatch for £410.  

Amongst the paintings, Riviera view by artist L.Patronat made a surprising £1000. In the ceramics section a local ladies collection of Hummel figurines assembled over many years sold for a total of £5200.

 Auctioneer Charlotte Gray conducted the specialist Book and  Ephemera sale and was delighted with the results, of particular note two beautifully illustrated sets by Morris Rev. , The History of British Butterflies 1876 and Nests and Eggs of British Birds 1875 sold for a total of £800. A Celestial Atlas with outline map of the heavens dated 1824 sold for £500. From another era two albums of football interest containing autographs of players 1940s to 1960s sold for £460.

Wellers are taking entries for three specialist sales later in the year. 20th C Design and works of Art, Exclusively Diamonds and Vintage Fashion and Textiles contact The Surrey Auction House on 01932 568678.www.wellersauctions.com