Precious possessions

By William Gregory MRICS, Golding Young and Mawer.

In a past episode of the TV drama Lovejoy, the rogue antique dealer appeared to be interested in buying a seemingly ordinary clock, but only if it was still with its weights.

Very important if the clock was to tell the time, but as the story unfolded it transpired that the weights were made of a precious metal, vastly affecting the value.

Recent increases in precious metal prices have buyers double checking their bids.

In February’s auction, a Lincoln City Football Division Three North League Championship Winners Medal 1931-32, awarded to Allan Hall (1908-1983) made £1,250. An important and interesting collector’s piece of football memorabilia, which sold for a little over 20% of its bullion price.

Equally, an 18ct gold Royal Jubilee Masonic Lodge medal dated 1899/1900 awarded to George Body sold at the auction for £3,000 which in allowing for the enamel and ribbon appears very close to the “spot” price.

A superb George III silver soup tureen by the leading silversmith Paul Storr, sold for £7,000 which was just under 50% of its bullion value, illustrating its collector’s value.

Later in the same auction, a set of four George III silver open salts by Rebecca Emes and Edward Barnard received bids to £1,250 which ‘not to rub any salt in the wound’, was very close to the bullion price.

Full details of the auction can be found at www.goldingyoung.com

Main photo: A set of four heavy George III silver open salts, by Rebecca Emes and Edward Barnard I, of circular form, heavily repousse decorated with scrolls and flowers on shell feet, London 1818, 10cm wide, 30oz. Sold for £1,250

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