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#AntiqueAuctions #ChinesePorcelain #CeladonVase #AuctionFinds #CotswoldsAuctions #RareCollectibles #JewelrySale #GeorgianNecklace #SilverTreasures #VintageWatches #BreitlingGeneve #RoyalMemorabilia #FineWines #AuctionSuccess #AntiqueLovers
A Chinese porcelain celadon vase became the star of The Cotswold Auction Company’s April sale, defying its modest estimate of £200–£300 to fetch an astonishing hammer price of £16,500. The vase, featuring an inverse baluster shape with three small lug handles, was purchased by an internet bidder from mainland China, highlighting the strong demand for Chinese antiques in the global market. This remarkable result was the standout moment of the auction, capturing the attention of collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The celadon vase’s staggering sale price was a testament to its rarity and desirability, but it was not the only notable lot to attract significant interest. A late Qing Dynasty/early Republic period porcelain vase in Cong form also performed well, selling for £1,200 to another Chinese buyer. This reinforced the appetite for Chinese porcelain among international collectors, particularly those from mainland China.
Beyond ceramics, the auction featured a diverse range of items across categories, many of which achieved impressive results. Jewellery proved to be a strong performer, with a platinum diamond solitaire ring selling for £3,800 and an elegant Georgian rivière necklace fetching £2,700. A gem-set leopard’s head brooch, crafted in the style of Cartier, also found a buyer at £1,250. These sales underscored the enduring appeal of fine jewellery, whether as timeless investment pieces or stylish accessories.
Silverware emerged as another highlight of the auction, with several lots commanding high prices. Two sets of George V silver cutlery achieved a combined total of over £3,000, with one set selling for £1,850 and the other for £1,450. A pair of Victorian silver column oil lamps went for £950, while a Portuguese wine flagon sold for £500. These results reflected the strong demand for high-quality silver items, particularly those with historical or decorative significance.
The watches category also saw notable successes, with a vintage Breitling Geneve 2504 automatic wristwatch taking the top spot at £370. This demonstrated the continued interest in vintage timepieces, which often combine craftsmanship, history, and investment potential. Another quirky yet charming lot was a slice of wedding cake from Prince William and Kate Middleton’s 2011 wedding, housed in a specially commissioned tin. It sold for £260, appealing to collectors of royal memorabilia and unique keepsakes.
The auction also featured a selection of fine wines, including three bottles of Chateau Margaux Premier Grand Cru Classe. Two bottles from the 1986 vintage and one from 1985 sold for a combined total of £900, showcasing the enduring allure of prestigious wines as both collectors’ items and symbols of luxury.
Auctioneer Lindsey Braune expressed her delight at the success of the sale, particularly the unexpected triumph of the Chinese celadon vase. She remarked, “This month’s sale was a great success. We were completely bowled over by the Chinese celadon vase, which sold for more than 50 times its high estimate. Jewellery, silver, and watches all performed well, including a very fine Georgian rivière necklace.”
The auction’s results highlighted several key trends in the collectables market. Firstly, the strong performance of Chinese ceramics underscored the growing influence of Chinese buyers, who are increasingly active in the global art and antiques market. The celadon vase’s extraordinary sale price demonstrated the premium placed on rare and well-preserved pieces, particularly those with historical or cultural significance.
Secondly, the robust sales of jewellery and silver reflected the enduring appeal of these categories among collectors and investors. Fine jewellery, in particular, continues to attract buyers seeking both aesthetic beauty and tangible assets. The Georgian rivière necklace’s sale price of £2,700 exemplified the demand for antique jewellery with provenance and craftsmanship.
Thirdly, the auction’s diverse offerings, from vintage watches to royal memorabilia, showcased the breadth of items that can captivate collectors. The slice of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding cake, though unconventional, demonstrated the appeal of unique and historically significant lots. Similarly, the sale of Chateau Margaux wines highlighted the niche market for fine wines, which remain a symbol of luxury and refinement.
Finally, the auction’s success highlighted the importance of informed estimates and the potential for surprises in the auction world. The celadon vase’s hammer price of £16,500, far exceeding its £200–£300 estimate, served as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that can characterize auctions. For both buyers and sellers, these moments underscore the value of expertise, timing, and the art of discovery in the collectables market.
In conclusion, The Cotswold Auction Company’s April sale was a resounding success, with the Chinese celadon vase emerging as the undisputed star. Its extraordinary sale price, alongside strong performances in jewellery, silver, watches, and other categories, demonstrated the vibrancy and diversity of the collectables market. As global interest in art, antiques, and luxury items continues to grow, auctions like this one provide a fascinating glimpse into the passions and priorities of collectors worldwide.
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