Tennants’ (20% buyer’s premium) June 19 sale included a number of specially commissioned wares made for local Kilburn resident Patricia Kirk in the 1940s-50s.
They included a powder bowl with carved mouse trademark to the cover commissioned for her 21st birthday in 1948.
This 4in (10.5cm) vessel is similar to another sold for an unexpected £3100 at the Leyburn auctioneer’s equivalent sale in 2020 although it is octagonal and exhibited a more pleasing patination. It was rewarded with a mighty mouse bid of £4800 (estimate £1000-1500).
Say cheese
Standing mouse on cheese – £6000 at Tennants.
Also made for Kirk was a rare 3in (8cm) high figure of a mouse standing on its haunches on a circular wedge of cheese. It was estimated at £500-700 but raced away to bring a remarkable £6000.
Pairs of single-mice bookends are more commonly seen forms but here a pair with wavy edge tops and a particularly good colour and patina commanded £4000.
