The star turn was a three-part postcard album containing approximately 80 cat cards by Louis Wain (1860-1939).
Wain, of course, is as much sought after these days as he was at his turn-of-the-century height – thanks in no small way to London gallery owner Chris Beetles – and the fact that he took feline anthropomorphism to the extent that in his last years he believed he was a cat himself, has merely added to his appeal. His postcards remain just about within modest collectors’ budgets but at Honiton the 80 required an enthusiast to go to £1850.
Almost immediately preceding this winning lot was a large family album of approximately 510 postcards and advertising cards including Milk Maid, Fry’s Cocoa, Nestle’s Swiss Milk and Cadbury’s. The trade bid a double estimate £1250 predominantly for the advertising cards that were in good condition.
Spirited bidding on these entries, however, was soon followed by a run of unsold lots mainly for the run-of-the-mill topographical UK postcards in the £50-200 range.
Postcards aside, other highlights included an Edward VIII Fieldings Crown Devon musical jug commemorating the coronation. But, unusually it also marked the date of the King’s abdication – December 1936 – ensuring it sold well above estimate to a private collector at £660.
Bonhams, West Country, February 9
Buyer’s premium: 15/10 per cent
Louis Wain’s postcards from the edge of of madness
UK: POSTCARDS were responsible for the highs and lows of Bonhams' 512 lots of collectors’ items at Honiton. Two multiple postcard lots provided the highlights while the section also accounted for half of the 50 or so unsold entries.
