Submitted by aarAdmin on Wed, 09/18/2013 - 13:00
Recent initiatives by Philips Auctions to better service its clientele – including the establishment of a Chinese language version of its website and regular Chinese language newsletters – has paid dividends for the company’s latest auctions, with 220 and 150 registered bidders for the respective September fine and decorative arts and jewellery sales.
More than 200 auction goers viewed the sale on the Saturday before auction and this strong interest certainly showed in the results.
Perhaps the most remarkable outcome was the Meiji period (1868-1912) Japanese silver tea ladle featured on the catalogue front cover carrying an estimate of $150-$200 that sold for $1650 (including buyers premium).
Silver items attracted a lot of attention, many of them selling way above the catalogue estimate – none more so than an Elkington plate table piece that changed hands for $650, more than double what was expected.
A rare pair of ivory and silver plate candlesticks and an unusual ivory, boar tusk and silver plate jug also exceeded all expectations with respective sale prices of $2715 and $5665.
A red wine collection, which included several bottles of 2001-2002 Penfolds Grange, averaged $540 a bottle, while a sterling silver pelican ($50-$80 estimate) changed hands for $555.
Antique leopard skins always draw a crowd and the one in Philips Auctions sold for $4010 on a $2800 upper estimate.
Clocks are still keenly sought after with a French Louis XVI style figural timepiece under a glass dome bringing $1650 on a $400-$800 estimate.
Chinese artefacts continue to be snapped up at high prices – a magnificent ivory puzzle ball no exception when it was knocked down for $4000 (with buyers premium) and a Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) silver rhinoceros changing hands for $1890 against a $250-$350 catalogue estimate.
Japanese items are much in demand, a Satsuma tea service ($600-$800 estimate) bringing $2240, while other pieces also sold well.
Quality furniture will always attract buyers, none more so than a William IV mahogany stretcher base library table, which, at $1415, was significantly above estimate.
A moderne teak seven-piece dining setting ($400-$600 estimate) changed hands for $1650, a Victorian cedar bookcase ($500-$800) for $1535 and an exceptional French neoclassical secretaire à abattant ($2500-$3500) for $4955.
TANZANITE A BIG ATTRACTION
Philips Auctions Monday night jewellery sale was significant for both the number of Chinese buyers in attendance, a strike rate of 90 per cent in Session Two and the prices paid for Tanzanite pieces.
Typical was a heart tanzanite and diamond dress ring that changed hands for $1415, while a tanzanite and diamond cluster ring brought $4010.
A triangular cut tanzanite and diamond ring also sold for $4010, while an impressive tanzanite and diamond and collier necklace with pendant changed hands for $8260.
A gents Omega watch sold for $850, while at the lower end of the scale a blue topaz bracelet brought $150 and a pearl set necklace $180.
The most expensive item to sell on the night was 3.51-carat solitaire diamond ring that brought $38,940 on a $30,000 upper estimate.
Philips Auctions managing director Tony Philips said buyers came to auctions if there was variety and they believed the stock to be of good quality.
“People also will come and bid if vendors are realistic about the prices they want,” he said.
FORTHCOMING OCTOBER AUCTION
Auction: October 20-21
Viewing: October 16-19
Geraldine Cooper Interior design French furniture, English silver, antiques, jewellery and estate furniture.
