A chemist and dental surgeon, Nice was a member of various lodges including the Quatuour Coronati Lodge dedicated to Masonic research - fitting for a devoted collector of Masonic literature, jewels, ceramics and associated works of art. The collection has been in storage since Nice died in 1969.
Collectors of freemasonry memorabilia from the UK and overseas (particularly Belgium and France) converged in West Norwood to battle it out for an extraordinary assemblage condensed into 560 lots for the auction on March 18.
The selling rate was 98%.
Some high prices were paid for silver paste-set jewels including the £3000 tendered for this unusually large 'square and compass' jewel of Scottish interest. Measuring 5in (12cm) high and set with multi-coloured glass, it was inscribed to verso To the Honorable Captain Jocelyn, from his friends in the Celtic Lodge Edinburgh, 1845.
The buyer's premium was 20%.
