Smiths Auctions in Newent are holding their summer sale on the 10th & 11th of August at 10am. The fully illustrated catalogue will be available online from the 4th of August and viewing is on the 8th & 9th of August 10am-5pm.

The sale includes a specialist section for advertising and promotional items which is a popular genre covering a large and extremely diverse range of collectables. One of the most exciting items in the section is a huge 1930’s enamel London Underground sign for the Piccadilly Line. Measuring approximately two metres by three metres, it is not going to fit into the average home, but would be the ultimate prize for an enthusiast, or a fantastic decorator’s piece for a commercial interior such as a restaurant. Other interesting items in this section include two Western Welsh and Crosville Bus posters from the 1950’s which could well attract local buyers from South Wales. Another relatively local item is a British Rail poster advertising trips to Bristol, which is estimated at £300/£500. These railway posters are generally highly sought after, and it is hoped that it will attract a number of enthusiasts on the day. A large and quirky selection of giveaway promotional items collected by a client who was going to open a museum includes nostalgic items from brands such as Cadbury’s Chocolate, Typhoo Tea & Guiness. With over thirty themed boxes from ‘Medical’ to ‘Snacks & Biscuits’–it might provide some surprising results, as many of these free items are now hard for collectors to track down.

These days It is unusual for the ceramic section of an auction to feature one of the most exciting lots of the sale, especially when most people might pass over it as a rather unattractive item of little value. The previous owner obviously did not think much of it since it was discovered by his daughter after his death stored under the kitchen sink. The item in question is an extremely rare sake bottle modelled as a Japanese man trapped inside a flask with just his head visible protruding from the spout. It was created by Christopher Dresser who was a Victorian designer who worked at the time for the Linthorpe Pottery. He is renowned for his avant-garde design ideas and was a leading member of the Aesthetic Movement. Seemingly years ahead of his time he was greatly influenced by Japanese Art and travelled extensively in that country, often with diplomatic instructions from the British government. The flask has some very tiny chips and minor surface wear and tear which is not surprising when considering where it was found. It has been estimated at £1,500 to £2,000 but could easily surpass this estimate due to it’s rarity and desirability for Dresser enthusiasts.

The jewellery section of the sale includes plenty of sparkle with a large solitaire diamond ring, sold with a GIA certificate giving it a size of 1.6 carats and colour I, it is estimated at £3,800 to £4,500. A stunning AAA tanzanite ring measuring 7.8 carats is bound to prove popular due to it’s superb intense blue colour and is expected to make £2,800 to £3,500. Other coloured stone rings include an attractive emerald and diamond marquise ring estimated at £1,200 to £1,800 and a large sapphire and diamond cluster ring expected to make £800/£1,200. Jewellery sold at auction always represents excellent value for private buyers when compared to high street prices. Collectors of antique jewellery will not be disappointed with an attractive Victorian diamond set pendant estimated at £1,200 to £1,800–especially as it includes a versatile screw on brooch fitting meaning it can be worn either way.

The sale has a very large selection of furniture this month which offers excellent value for money as well as a very environmentally friendly method of furnishing your home. Since all the items come from local sources, there are minimal transport costs compared to furniture produced in factories and shipped all over the world. Obviously, many of the items were made by hand or with minimal pollution impact and the quality of antique furniture means that it will last for years and years compared to many modern day products. There are a range of traditional chests of drawers, dining furniture and bookcases whilst an unusual Ercol style light wood dining table and chairs should

appeal to younger buyers. More expensive items include a fine pair of Gillows hall chairs with painted armorial shield backs estimated at £300/£500 whilst a fine Victorian bookcase with desirable ‘leather dust flaps’ should also perform well. A beautiful Victorian rocking horse by G & J Lines has been fully restored and is offered in perfect condition at £1,000 to £1,500.

Other sections of the sale include postcards, a range of interesting antique metal ware, garden items, coins, silver collectables and paintings. With over twelve hundred lots offered over two days the sales are becoming increasingly popular with busy private buyers who view the catalogue online and buy using the online bidding platforms.

For further information please contact Smiths Auctions by telephone on 01531 821776 or visit www.smithsnewentauctions.co.uk

Good quality antiques and collectable entries are invited for future sales by appointment.