“There is something exciting about opening up the case of an antique pocket watch,” says Paul Keen, auctioneer at Plymouth Auction Rooms. A collection of more than 70 examples consigned from a single source will be offered at the saleroom on March 28.
The group has been assembled over the last 30 years by a Devon collector who enjoyed collecting a variety of pocket watches, from antique gold ones to 18th century English verge models and novelty watches. Estimates range from £50-1000.
Pictured above is an early 20th century silver pocket watch with a Swiss 15-jewel movement, signed Schwab & Brandt, in a triangular silver case. It is stamped with English and Swiss patents, and is decorated to the case and the mother of pearl dial with masonic emblems and the motto Love Your Fellow Man, Lend Him a Helping Hand.
Estimate £400-500.
A 200-year-old court wig belonging to a Lichfield MP who fought under the Duke of Wellington will go under the hammer at Hansons in Derbyshire on March 26.
The early 19th century horsehair wig belonged to Sir George Anson (1769-1849), a former general, Whig politician and groom of the bedchamber to Prince Albert in 1840. He commanded a British cavalry brigade under Wellington during the Peninsular War.
The wig comes in its original carrying case bearing Anson’s initials. Estimate £150-250.
Lyon & Turnbull’s Asian sale in Edinburgh on March 20 will feature the second tranche of a collection assembled by a Scottish businessman who worked in Hong Kong in the 1950s and ‘60s.
Following the first instalment, which was offered in November last year, the 55 lots feature a number of pieces said to have been gifted by “prominent families or heads of business”.
A 3ft 7in (1.10m) high Jiao Yi hardwood folding horseshoe-back armchair, dating to the early 20th century, is estimated at £300-500.
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A honey-coloured Norwegian birch spoon is priced at £285 from J Collings & Son of Bideford in North Devon.
The back of the 7½in (19cm) long spoon is engraved with the date 1884 and is carved and engraved on both sides with scrolling foliage.
