Entries are now open for Smiths Auctions upcoming sale on May 14-15, and it has already been a busy taking in period for them. Entries can be submitted by appointment at the sale room, but the team also offers home visits for larger collections, and bulky items that aren’t easy to transport. Smiths are also happy to receive photos of items via email, although it can be tricky to gauge the size of items via a photo, or make out signatures on artwork, quite often an initial photo or two is a good starting point in the valuation process though.

The highlight of one of the home visits this week came in the form of a very rare and desirable film programme. Metropolis is one of the very first feature length science fiction films released in 1927. This groundbreaking German silent film directed by Fritz Lang was based on Thea von Harbou’s 1925 novel of the same name. Metropolis is set in a futuristic dystopia and follows the attempts of Freder, the son of the City Master, and Maria who is a saintly figure to the workers, to overcome the vast gulf separating the classes in their city and bring the workers together with Joh Fredersen, the City Master.

While initial reviews were mixed, critics found the film to be visually striking and powerful but found the story to be somewhat naïve and simplistic in its message. Metropolis is now widely regarded as one of the most influential films ever made, and with only a handful of programmes known to have survived, this item should prove popular at auction. The programme is from the London premiere held at the Marble Arch Pavilion on March 21st 1927 and it is 32 incredible pages of interviews, movie stills, and information on the production. With this programme being in such good condition and with the large online presence Smiths have, this could do much better than its £1200-£1600 estimate.

Early entries in the Jewellery section include a very attractive marquise cut amethyst ring, a sapphire and diamond necklace, and a pair of diamond cluster earrings. Smiths have also taken in a large collection of costume jewellery, which can sometimes be just as desirable, if not more desirable than some of the gold jewellery that is consigned for auction. Antique items and high-quality vintage pieces in this category often far exceed their estimates.

The Ceramics section has also started well with a charming collection of animal groups by Royal Dux consigned, including dogs, donkeys, elephants, and even an ostrich pulling a cart.

In the last sale the standout item in this category was a Chinese jardiniere that sold for £1050, and with the vendor of that item booked in again for this sale, the team are hoping to replicate that success.

The Militaria section already has something for every type of military collector, with entries including medals, swords, cap badges, helmets, and uniforms. There is still plenty of room for further consignments though, so if you have any items that you would like assessed, the team would be delighted to arrange an appointment for you.

As well as taking in entries for the May sale, the team have also been working extremely hard behind the scenes preparing for both the July and the August sale.

The July sale will include a specialist toy section including a superb collection of Mamod steam engines, an extensive range of die-cast vehicles, and a good selection of model railway items that have already been catalogued.

Meanwhile the August sale will include a specialist Coin section, and again the team have already seen some great collections of both gold and silver coins, as well as a good quantity of pre-decimal British, and interesting World coins and banknotes.

Entries for the May sale are invited until April 23. Please telephone 01531 821776 for an appointment or visit www.smithsnewentauctions.co.uk for further information.

You can also contact the team now regarding entries for the July Toy sale and August Coin sale.