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Highlights of Tennants Autumn Sale

On November 22 and 23 Tennants will hold the largest and most comprehensive auction in their 100 year history.

As well as securing the prestigious instructions to sell the valuable surplus contents of the West Wing of Tyninghame House, Dunbar from Sir Timothy and Lady Clifford, private consignments have also been entered from diverse locations such as Belgium, Germany and the Isle of Islay.

The 2000+ lot sale will commence with the Ceramic and Glass section which includes the third and final part of the vast and unique Thornton Collection of Parian. Other interesting pieces of Porcelain from the Orient will ensure the saleroom once again sees buyers flying in from China and the Far East.

Possibly the rarest piece of glass on offer, and of UK interest, is a jug presented to Mr G Turner by his Dudley and District Friends in March 1882 which is engraved with views of the Netherton Furnaces belching smoke from its chimney and Dudley Castle amongst woods. Anyone from The Black Country should snap this up with a tempting estimate of only £150-£250.

The Silver and Objects of Vertu section (over 150 lots) has one lot which demonstrates the passing of time rather sadly, as a family are offering for sale a wonderful French gold mounted marble snuff box, circa 1770 which was gifted from the Harewood Family to “My Dear Briget” as a remembrance of their mother. (The accompanying letter is included in this lot).

An absolutely magnificent diamond tiara centre piece made in the third quarter of the 19th century is the sparkling highlight of the largest ever selection of Jewellery. Brought in by the vendor on a routine valuation day at the ‘Heart of England’ office in Oakham, Rutland, the spectacular jewel which weighs approximately 30.00 carats is estimated at £80,000-£100,000. If you are looking for something less expensive the jewellery section has 300 other lots of fine rings, necklaces, pendants, brooches, earrings etc, with estimates ranging from £100-£30,000. A huge proportion of this jewellery is being offered by families for the first time and is a unique opportunity to purchase something for that special occasion or ……… with Christmas coming along!!

Since joining Tennants from Christie’s horological department in London, Adam Wasdell has continued to discover many clocks and watches of timeless appeal, and this November over 80 ladies and gents watches are to be found ticking away in the catalogue, many by the most famous names. A particularly scarce watch is a 17th century pre-balance Verge pendant watch from Limoges in France. However, if you want an extremely rare clock to enrich your mantelpiece or side table then the Egyptian Revival clock by Tho Boxell of Brighton, circa 1860, and consigned from Tyninghame, carries an estimate of £10,000-£15,000.

One of the 20th century’s most remarkable and collectable artists L S Lowry RA is represented in the 460 lot Picture section with an atmospheric view entitled “Factory Gates with Figures”. This valuable work (estimated at £60,000-£80,000) was another lot brought in for sale on one of Tennants open valuation days at their Leyburn headquarters.

One of the most important watercolours in the sale is a study of Red Grouse on a Moor, described by Allan Darwell, head of Tennants’ Picture Department, “as probably the finest Archibald Thorburn he has ever seen”.

A four-poster bed, bookcases, sets of chairs, chests, tables, display cabinets, sideboards, mirrors and all other categories make up an extensive Furniture section covering items from the 17th century to the Edwardian era. One of the sofas in the sale is a Victorian black Japanned example never recorded in an auction room before.

Now known as the UK’s leading specialist in dispersal of Big Game Trophy Collections, Tennants has three remarkable collections on offer at the same auction and will be sold, where necessary, with appropriate licences. Do come and view these collections – you will be amazed!! Included is a shoulder mount giraffe, several big cats and even a mammoth’s tusk.

The great news for everyone is that Tennants provide free on-site parking, free entry for all customers and facilities for the disabled. The extensive viewing times ensure everyone has the chance to view this remarkable sale.

The Auction Centre restaurant is open every weekday from 9.00am to 4.00pm offering a selection of homemade refreshments and lunches.

Please do come along to view this outstanding sale!

For more information please contact Adam Schoon Tennants on +44(0)1969 623780, visit www.tennants.co.uk or email enquiry@tennants-ltd.co.uk