Over 900 lots of antiques, artworks and collectors’ items went under the hammer as part of a large-scale Fine Sale hosted by Cheffins on 9th and 10th December. With a sale rate of 89 per cent, the last Cheffins auction of the year saw high prices achieved across all categories.
The highest value achieved at the sale was £25,000 for a Khassamalla type gilt copper Buddha from the 14th/15th century which sold to a private buyer from Belgium. This piece was part of the eponymous Roger Moss Collection of Asian art and antiquities, which saw a 98 per cent sale rate across the 350 lots offered. Consigned from Roger Moss’s family based in Yorkshire, the collection also saw £22,000 paid for a Mao calligraphic hanging scroll facsimile which was acquired by Mr Moss in Hong Kong.
Amongst the paintings, a portrait of Lady Mary FitzAlan, Duchess of Norfolk (1540 – 1557), which dates back to circa 1562 – 1580, achieved £13,000, well over its £5,000 - £8,000 estimate and sold to a private collection. From the Circle of Hans Eworth, this painting is an important image of the sitter who was an influential figure during the 16th century. The maritime section was also particularly strong, with £4,400 paid for a scene of Mersey harbour by John Scott; £4,000 for a pair of landscapes by William John Huggins; £3,800 for a sailing race depiction by Brian J Jones and £2,800 for a view of Southampton Water by James Webb. Venetian scenes were also popular with two paintings by Antoine Bouvard selling for £6,000 and £5,500 respectively, one to a private buyer and one to the trade. Sporting works saw some high prices, such as £3,000 for a racing scene by Peter Biegel which was three times its lower estimate and was sold to a private collector. Similarly, a portrait of a hound by James Loder of Bath made £4,600, following competitive bidding and eventually selling to a trade buyer.
There was also a broad range of antique furniture on offer including a fine Regency rosewood library drum table in the manner of Thomas Hope which sold to a UK private collector for £8,500 against a pre-sale estimate of £4,000 - £6,000. Other pieces which proved popular included a pair of serpentine fronted George II style side chairs selling for £2,500 against an estimate of £500 - £800 as well as an impressive North Italian Lacca and parcel gilt Chinoiserie mirror, dating from 1880, which made £2,200. These were sold to the UK trade and a private UK collector respectively.
Nicolas Martineau, Associate, Cheffins says: “The final Fine Sale of 2020 saw some strong prices paid for examples of good quality antique furniture, collectors’ items and works of art. The increased uptake in online participation in live auctions due to the coronavirus pandemic, has ensured that sale rates remain strong, with the results achieved tending to be towards and surpassing the high end of the pre-sale estimates. The market throughout the year has shown that quality, rarity and provenance continues to set the bar when it comes to the strong prices paid by both domestic and overseas bidders at Cheffins auctions.
The considerable success of the Asian art section and in particular the items consigned from the Roger Moss Collection, show the consistent demand for the best Asian and European art and antiquities. The auction calendar is now set for the first half of 2021 with a series of exciting sales which will include fine and eclectic works of art as well as further items from the Roger Moss Collection. The team at Cheffins looks forward to welcoming our clients both in person as well as virtually in the new year.”
The sale grossed a total of £826,000.