Auction Results

To include a good single owner collection of thirteen First Cask bottlings of single Scotch malts such as Port Ellen, Macallan-Glenlivet, Glen Rothes and others distilled in the 1970s and 1980s. A further notable highlight is a bottle of the ever-popular Remy Martin Louis XIII Cognac in its Baccarat decanter.

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Lots 1-33
Roger Stanfield (1950-2024) was born in Lincolnshire, and held a great love of nature, particularly birds, from a young age. Over the years he worked at several small zoos, including Bristol Zoo where he was a lead zookeeper. In this role, he was charged with the care of a large variety of exotic birds. His knowledge of birds was furthered on numerous bird watching holidays, and over the years he greatly enjoyed travelling to the likes of India and Peru, as well as travelling all over Europe. In later years, Roger qualified as a joiner and carpenter and was very talented with woodwork. He also adored drawing and painting birds and even dabbled in taxidermy himself. He would make his own bird cases, painting appropriate naturalistic scenery and shrubbery. Roger was a regular buyer at Tennants and loved the thrill of bidding and buying birds at auction, as well as enjoying sharing his vast knowledge of birds with specialist Robbie Bright. (Lots 1-33 to be sold without reserves).

Lots 283-294
Dean Field always had a love for nature and then outdoors, which extended to a fascination with taxidermy. In 1983 he met A.J. Armitstead (Tony), the renowned Darlington-based taxidermist, and the pair became lifelong friends. Over the years, Dean commissioned numerous pieces, and greatly admired Armitstead’s ability to create such beautiful, naturalistic scenes and poses of the specimens. Whilst Dean collected taxidermy from a variety of makers in his early years of collecting, he later focussed purely on Armitstead’s work, appreciating the way he captured animals like no other. He slowly replaced pieces in his collection by other artists with those by Armitstead. His collection became a showcase for Armitstead’s work, comprising more than 170 cases. For Dean, taxidermy brought the animals and birds he loved so much into his own home.

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The Books, Maps and Manuscripts sales encompass a broad range of collecting areas from early antiquarian books to modern first editions, which are sold alongside illustrations, private press, manuscripts, maps and atlases, early photographs, autographed letters and historic documents. Held four times a year, the specialist Book sales incorporate both private collections and libraries, and single lots from vendors across the United Kingdom.

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To include a specialist section of silver, as well as a good mix of affordable traditional art and antiques, jewellery, watches and more. 

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Sale will include an extensive collection of modern OO Gauge locomotives and rolling stock in addition to a  good selection of O Gauge,  G Gauge and vintage Gauge 1.  Various entertainment item including two sets of Rolling Stones signatures and a Beatles concert ticket. A good collection of Fishing Reels, Rods and related items, assorted diecast including Dinky pre-war Military sets, football and sporting items.

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Part II of this single-owner collection of Royal Mint gold and silver coins and sets will continue in much the same manner as Part I, featuring an excellent selection of coins and sets issued by the Royal Mint between 1989 and 2012, along with a few earlier coins from the Victorian period.

Part II highlights some of the most collectable coins from the Royal Mint's gold series, including a gold-proof Kew Gardens fifty pence coin from 2009. It also includes sovereigns, half sovereigns, and five-pound coins from the famous 1989 series with the Tudor Rose reverse. A standout item is the Manchester Commonwealth Games gold-proof set. Additionally, the sale will feature The Golden Jubilee Gold Collection 1887-2002, which includes four-coin gold sets commemorating the Golden Jubilees of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II.

This comprehensive collection offers plenty of opportunities to acquire superb coins. Most of the coins have never left their cases and are in uncirculated condition. We look forward to welcoming you, either online or in person, on March 26th

This sale will have a buyer's premium of 15% + VAT (18% in total)

To include a specialist section of silver, as well as a good mix of affordable traditional art and antiques, jewellery, watches and more. 

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A group of medals awarded to Lance Sergeant Donald Charles Randall, who took part in Operation Chariot, one of the most pivotal operations in World War II, are to be offered in the sale. The medals comprise a Distinguished Conduct Medal, a 1939-45 Star, a 1939-45 War Medal and Efficiency Medal with Territorial Suspender, and are sold together with Randall’s ID tags, cap, beret, webbing belt, uniform badges and insignia as well as letters and telegrams relating to him being missing in action, being a prisoner of war and further items of interest. Donald Randall of the Cameron Highlanders, attached to No.2 Commandos. Operation Chariot was a daring British commando raid during World War II, carried out on 28^th March 1942. Its objective was to destroy the heavily fortified dry dock at St. Nazaire, France, which was used by Nazi Germany’s battleship Tirpitz. The raid aimed to prevent the Tirpitz from using the dock for repairs and resupply, thereby disrupting German naval operations in the Atlantic.

Further lots with World War II interest include a rare Second World War Mimeographed Field Order, announcing the ceasefire in North Western Europe, two Second World War Child’s Gas Masks in Teddy Bear Cases, and a Collection of Second World War Polish Medals and Badges. Also on offer is a very rare Officer’s Private Purchase Pritchard-Greener Revolver Bayonet No.49, a rare Early 19^th Century Repeating Air Rifle/Shotgun by Staudenmayer, London, 1802 (estimate: £3,500-4,500), and a Collection of Helmet Plates and Badges to the Northumberland Fusiliers.

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Property from a host of private collections will be coming up in the Spring Sale. Included in the sale are: The Property of Sir Brooke Boothby removed from Fonmon Castle; The Selected Contents of Eden Lacy, Lazonby, from the Estate of Victor Gubbins; Selected Items from The Court House, Bolton-by-Bowland; The Property of the Earl of Suffolk and Berkshire, Charlton Park; The Property of Sir Graham Wyllie; and A Private Collection, Victoria Lodge, Tweedsmuir, Biggar.

The Asian Art Sale will take place on 14th March, offering ceramics, work of art and furniture

Jewellery

In one of the most exciting Jewellery sales in recent years, there are several lots from leading makers including Van Cleef and Arpels, Cartier, Hermes and Chopard, the highlight of which is a rare Magnificent Very Light Pink 8.62 Carat Diamond Necklace signed and numbered by Cartier.  Further items from these iconic names include A Mother-of-Pearl Alhambra Necklace and Earring Suite, by Van Cleef & Arpels,  A Pair of Diamond Hoop Earrings, by Cartier formed of graduated C de Cartier logo links, A Multi-Gem Set Happy Diamond Pendant on Chain, by Chopard modelled as an articulated clown and An Enamel Ring, by Hermès comprised of three yellow textured entwined bands, each with a central band of enamel decoration in either red, blue or green

Sapphires feature strongly in the sale, including an unusual 18 Carat Gold Star Sapphire Swivel Ring, the oval cabochon star sapphire in a yellow rubbed over setting, with a swivel loop, and An 18 Carat White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring.  Period jewellery in the sale features An Early-Mid Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Brooch and A Diamond Brooch, circa 1920, the pierced plaque set throughout with old cut and rose cut diamonds.

Watches

The Watches section features a good range of makers and periods, from popular collector’s names such as Jaeger LeCoutre and Rolex, rare military watches and modern makers.

Highlights include a Jaeger LeCoultre Lady's 18 Carat White Gold Diamond Set Reverso Wristwatch, a A Rare Stainless Steel Automatic Calendar Centre Seconds Wristwatch, “Great White” signed Rolex with the original dial and original bracelet, a Second World War German Luftwaffe Pilots Single Push Chronograph Wristwatch circa 1938 and an Omega Rare British Military Royal AirForce “Thin Arrow” signed Omega.  Modern makers include a Bremont: A Limited Edition Stainless Steel Automatic Calendar Chronograph Wristwatch, signed Bremont, Chronometer, model: Mustang P-51, number 038 of a limited edition of 251 pieces made, circa 2009.

Silver

The silver section of the sale includes almost 170 lots dating from across five centuries. From the 16^th century is an Elizabeth I silver chalice and paten which last appeared on the public market at Christie’s in 2004. Another early rarity is a Charles II Scottish trefid-spoon which is marked for Edinburgh, circa 1670. It is one of a number of early spoons and items of flatware which are offered in the sale.

Leading the sale is a rare silver-mounted sandstone match-holder in the form of an elephant. Made for Faberge in St Petersburg by his Workmaster Julius Rappoport circa 1890 it is believed to have originated from Clifton Castle, near Ripon. Other European highlights include two 18^th century Maltese sugar-bowls and covers and two charming Dutch silver miniature toys. The 20^th century silver includes the final instalment of napkin-rings from the Lion Collection. The examples offered in this sale include Arts and Crafts examples, made in the very early years of the 20^th century, and later examples by some of the best known silversmiths of the late 20^th century, including Stuart Devlin, Grant MacDonald and Chris Knight.

An early sketch by the master landscape painter John Constable (1776-1837), not previously recorded in literature on the artist, will be on offer in the sale. The sketch has emerged from a private family collection in North Yorkshire and will be sold with an estimate of £150,000-200,000 (plus buyer’s premium).

The sale will also include paintings with provenance from the Earl of Suffolk and Berkshire of Charlton Park, a Private Collection from Victoria Lodge, Tweedsmuir, Biggar and the Property of Sir Brooke Boothby, removed from Fonmon Castle, Glamorgan. Originally built by the St John family c. 1180, Fonmon Castle was sold to Colonel Philip Jones, Oliver Cromwell’s Comptroller of Household during the Civil War. Jones enlarged the castle, and later his descendant, Robert Jones III, converted it into a Georgian mansion with Rococo interiors, uniquely without changing the outer walls. The Jones family line having failed during the First World War, the Castle passed to Oliver Henry Jones’ great niece Clara, Lady Boothby, who brought with her many possessions of the ancient Boothby and Valpy families. The property has since passed by descent.

 Further notable paintings on offer from other vendors in the sale include Still life of assorted Summer flowers in a glazed vase before a window by Dorothea Sharp, “The Church of Santa Maria della Salute, Venice” by Antoinetta Brandeis and a fine marine painting, “Westward & Britannia Racing off the Royal Yacht Squadron, Isle of Wight” by Richard Firth.

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The Spring Asian Art Sale will include part of the Doctor Eileen Cobb Collection. Born in 1932, Eileen Cobb was a pioneer for women entering the medical profession, rising to consultant status during an era when the field was heavily male dominated. After an illustrious career, Eileen and her husband Nigel Cobb, an orthopaedic surgeon, had time to devote to other interests. The pair were avid collectors of furniture, furnishings and decorative items for their numerous homes, and Eileen had a special interest in Chinese porcelain and cats. Highlight of the collection on offer in the Asian Art Sale include a Chinese Porcelain Figural Night Light and Stand, late Ming Dynasty, probably Chongzhen, and a Pair of Chinese Porcelain Models of Recumbent Deer, Kangxi.

Further highlights of the sale include a Pair of Chinese Porcelain Large Rose Water Droppers, Qianlong reign mark but not of the period, and a Chinese Porcelain Jardiniere.

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The sale will include some 180 lots of silver, including a remarkable group of 109 lots of silver napkin-rings from the Lion Collection. This group, which is the second of three that Tennants will be offering, includes examples from the 19th and 20th centuries, with examples by famous names such as Liberty & Co., A. J. Jones, Charles Horner, Jocelyn Burton, Garrard and Co. R. E. Stone. The group also includes charming novelty napkin-rings such as examples formed as animals, including an elephant and a seal as well as one in the form of a signet-ring.

The sale will also include a good mix of affordable traditional art and antiques, jewellery, watches and more. 

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“The Lieutenance Honfleur” by Edward Seago, one of Britain’s best known and most widely collected twentieth century artists, will be sold in the Modern and Contemporary Art Sale on 1st March. Edward Seago is known for his ability to capture a moment in paint with spontaneity and fluidity.

A strong selection of Northern Art is also on offer, with two pencil drawings by Laurence Stephen Lowry from a private collection, and Helen Layfield Bradley’s “Across Windermere”, in which she depicts a springtime trip she took with her family. Amongst a selection of works by mining artist Norman Cornish are three works from the artist's estate, and several pieces by the Manchester-born Geoffrey Key.

Scottish Art is well represented, with the pastel “Tall Red House” by Joan Eardley. Eardley is known for her powerful, expressive paintings of the gritty, the elemental, and the dilapidated in post-war Scotland. Also of interest is “Pink Rocks Iona” by John Lowie Morrison ‘Jolomo’, and works by Robin Phillipson and Elizabeth Blackadder.

Further highlights of the sale include works by Bernard Dunstan and his wife Diana Armfield, an interesting Still Life of Apples by Duncan Grant, a private collection of works by Paul Maze, a collection of prints by the much-loved etcher Norman Ackroyd and a selection of prints by the likes of Julian Trevelyan, Mark Hearld, David Hockney, Andy Warhol, Bob Dylan and Damien Hirst.

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A group of important pieces of Arts and Crafts Silver from the Lion Collection will be on offer in the sale. The Lion Collection was carefully curated by John L. Davis, and comprises fine pieces by some of the greatest makers and designers working in the first half of the 20th century such as Archibald Knox for Liberty, Henry George Murphy, Omar Ramsden and Alwyn Carr, along with rare examples by the Keswick School of Industrial Arts.

The sale will also offer part of the Dr Eileen Cobb Collection, including a colourful selection of decorative pottery cats including and example by Gallé and finely made 20th century furniture. 

Another good offering of Mouseman furniture and furnishings includes two 1930s pieces made for Ronald and Lillian Crossley's Arts and Crafts house 'Tudor Croft' in Guisborough. 

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This sale will include a specialist section of Beswick and Border Fine Arts, from agricultural and farm animal models to domestic and foreign wild animals. There will be over 120 lots including items from the Estate of John Stoddart - Part II.
The section forms the first part of the regular Antiques & Interiors auction which comprises a mix of affordable art and antiques, jewellery, watches, furniture and more.

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Highlights feature an intact estate of a specialist collector (Lots 18-31) with particularly impressive penny red 'stars' extensively plated, well-covered 19th century surface-printed issues including inverted watermarks, through to unusual 20th century errors and varieties. Also classic British high values in select condition from a separate estate, attractive British Commonwealth mint collections including George VI sets and varieties largely uncatalogued (Lot 72), 1935 Silver Jubilee complete mint never hinged (Lot 74), interesting postal history with written-up collections of Germany (Lot 60) and USA with much pre-stamp period (Lot 65), as well as many vintage and original mixed lots.

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This sale will feature a wide variety of lots covering all areas of the numismatic spectrum, from ancient and hammered coins to modern proof sets and bullion coinage. This sale will also include an extensive banknote section, with a particular focus on English, Scottish, and provincial issues.

 One of the most interesting coins to be offered is a rare King Offa penny dating from around 765-792 AD. This coin is believed to originate from the Canterbury Mint, with the moneyer Ealred's name appearing on the reverse. The penny was discovered by a metal detectorist near Holbeach, Lincolnshire, and was submitted to the Portable Antiquities Scheme for recording. The PAS has declared it a ‘find of note’, as it is only the second Offa coin with the moneyer Ealred recorded in Lincolnshire and the fifth recorded across the scheme as a whole. Significantly, this is the only example of an Offa penny with this particular portrait issue and moneyer documented by the Portable Antiquities Scheme. Although the coin is a little nibbled around the edge, the bust and legends are clear and well-struck. This is an unmissable opportunity to bid on an extremely rare coin.

The coin section also includes several other intriguing lots, such as a William I Paxs Penny, originally purchased from Baldwins before the Second World War. Additionally, we have a fantastic example of a George I halfcrown from 1715; all halfcrowns from George I's reign are scarce, making this high-grade piece especially desirable. Another highlight is a George VI Proof Sovereign from 1937. Gold coins from George VI's reign are rare and sought after, with only 5,501 sovereigns minted.

Lots 108-223 will have a commission rate of 15% +VAT, all other lots will have a commission rate of 24% +VAT

This varied Antiques & Interiors sale includes over 150 lots of silver and silver plate, as well as a section of affordable Modern & Contemporary Art; look out for names such as Jack Vettriano and Reginald James Lloyd.
The sale will also include Albany Fine China from the private collection of Neil Campbell (1930-2017). A skilled engineer and potter, he became a director of Albany Fine China and worked closely with colleagues to produce models in the 1970s and 1980s, and the present collection includes many examples of his work.
Also on offer will be a good selection of jewellery, watches, ceramics, traditional paintings, rugs, furniture and more.

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Highlights:

A Collection of Early 20th Century Millinery Accessories - Mary (Pollie) Cowsill circa 1880s-1970s was born in mid-Wales and went to Paris age 20 to train in millinery. She later moved back to Withington, South Manchester, where she bought a shop on the High Street called Cowsill, selling hats, clothes and accessories.

A Private Collection of Vintage 1950s and Later Costume - owned and preserved by artist and fashion designer Greta Tomlinson. She was perhaps best known for her work as an original artist at the beloved 1950’s Eagle Magazine featuring Dan Dare, Pilot of the Future. Her keen eye for fashion also led her to preserve a range of day and evening wear, plus shoes and costume accessories.

Six Lots of Hand Drawn Watercolour Fashion Designs by Stephen King - designed for his application to the Royal College of Art from where he graduated in 1972. By the 1980s, King had a small shop on King's Road, Chelsea from where he dressed celebrities of the day, including Elton John. Learn more.

A Private Collection of English and American 1940s and 1950s Costume - comprising suits, evening and day wear, separates and accessories.Labels include Lilli Ann, Forstmann, Katzman, London Maid, John Wanamaker, Horrockses and more.

An Early 20th Century Large Steiff Jointed Teddy Bear – a lovely Steiff bear with yellow mohair plush and boot button eyes, belonging to the late Joseph Edward Newsome – born 1908 at Aughton Hall, near Selby. Read more.

A Selection of Buttons and Buckles from a Private Lifetime Collection - 18^th century and later examples collected over many years by the late Jan Howell, including silver and paste set examples, French decorative buttons, pressed glass, military, Japanese, porcelain and 1930s stylised buttons. 

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The Scientific and Musical Sales encompass microscopes, telescopes and binoculars, surveying and navigational equipment, medical and pharmaceutical instruments, woodworking and engineering tools, measuring devices, mining equipment, cameras from vintage to modern and optical toys. 

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The popular fortnightly Antiques and Interiors Sales attract a loyal following of regular buyers and they are a good source of 20th and 21st century collectables. Including a mix of affordable traditional art and antiques, jewellery, watches and more. The Antiques and Interiors Sales are a great place for novice buyers to begin their collection.

Tennants Auctioneers is excited to present Part I of an extensive single-owner collection of Royal Mint gold and silver coins and sets. This collection features nearly all the sets and coins issued by the Mint between 1989 and 2012, along with a few older and foreign examples.

Highlights of the collection include key varieties from the modern Royal Mint series, such as a selection of Kew Gardens fifty pence coins, available both in sets and as standalone pieces. The 1989 sovereign series is well represented, featuring five-pound, two-pound, sovereign, and half-sovereign editions. Additionally, there are several sets from the Manchester Commonwealth Games series, both proof and uncirculated, as well as a rare Gold Proof set. A complete set of commemorative gold-proof two-pound and fifty-pence coins is also included.

This is a rare opportunity to bid on such a comprehensive collection, most of which remains in high-grade condition, is boxed, and includes certificates. The sale is sure to attract interest from both collectors and investors. We look forward to welcoming you, either online or in person, on January 15th.

Part II of the collection will take place on March 26th.

Please note that both Part I and Part II will have a buyer’s premium of 15% plus VAT (18% in total).

The Country House Sale will include over 130 pictures, from 18th and 19th century oils through to 20th century watercolours as well as a good sporting art selection, portraits and an array of still life studies.

Good furnishing pieces can be found amongst the furniture, rugs and clocks, and the ceramics and works of art sections includes an interesting collection of treen, and a further instalment of English and Continental Delft from the Mobbs Collection.

The sale will also offer part of The Selected Contents of Eden Lacy, Lazonby, from the estate of Victor Gubbins. Further pieces from the collection will be offered in the Spring Fine Week sales on 15th March.

With over 400 lots the sale will include a good range of period and modern jewellery, including a selection of novelty and animal theme brooches, good pieces from leading jewellery houses such as Cartier, Bulgari, Kutchinsky and Tiffany & Co., and nearly forty lots of jewellery from the Doctor Eileen Cobb Collection. There will also be over 130 lots of silver and objects of vertu on offer, including Georgian silver, and over 60 vintage and luxury wristwatches by the likes of Omega, Cartier, Rolex, Breitling and Jaeger LeCoultre as well as a selection of antique pocket watches.

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To include a specialist section of silver and an array of affordable traditional and modern & contemporary art. Look out for North of England artists across landscapes, portraits, still life and sporting art. Good names include Percy Lancaster, Fred Lawson, Rex Flood, Tobias Harrison, Audrey Johnson, Reginald James Lloyd, Mark Spain and Henderson Cisz. The sale will also offer part of The Selected Contents of Eden Lacy, Lazonby, from the estate of Victor Gubbins.

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