A very rare Rolex from a limited edition of only 48 examples is coming up for auction in Tennants Auctioneers’ Fine Jewellery, Watches and Silver Sale on 17th July with an estimate of £12,000-15,000 (plus buyer’s premium). Made in 2014 to commemorate the UK Apache Attack Helicopter Force, they were offered to the longest serving members of the British Army Air Corps Force. The Rolex Explorer II (ref:216570-77210) is number 18 of 48 and is engraved on the back with an Apache helicopter and Union Jack.
Amongst a good selection of vintage and luxury watches are a Lady’s 1987 18 Carat Gold and Diamond Set Rolex Datejust (ref:69138/69000A) (estimate: £5,000-7,000), a 2006 Fine 18 Carat Gold Patek Philippe Calatrava (ref:5119J-001) (estimate: £5,000-7,000), and a 1925 18 Carat Gold Open Faced Pocket Watch by Patek Philippe & Cie (estimate: £2,000-3,000).
A beautiful Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring is one of the highlights of the Jewellery section of the sale with an estimate of £15,000-20,000. A lab reports that the large central natural sapphire likely originated in Sri Lanka, and the ring is being sold from the collection of a Yorkshire family. Amongst a range of good diamond pieces in the sale is a Contemporary Diamond Solitaire Ring, with an emerald-cut diamond weighing 5.5 carat (estimate: £40,000-50,000). This is joined by an Edwardian Diamond Cluster Bracelet composed of old cut diamonds on a woven mesh bracelet (estimate: £8,000-12,000), an Art Deco Diamond Double Clip Brooch (estimate: £6,000-8,000), a Diamond Line Bracelet (estimate: £5,000-7,000) and an unusual Architectural Style Diamond Solitaire Ring made circa 1935 (estimate: £5,000-7,000).
Further interesting lots of jewellery in the sale include a Gold Archaeological Revival Classical Head Pendant, made circa 1870 (estimate: £3,000-5,000). Modelled in the form of a classical bearded head, it is thought to be Achaelous, a river god, and is derived from an Etruscan fifth century B.C. gold pendant found at Chiusi that was once one of the most famous jewels in the Campana Collection and now housed in the Louvre. With fine granulation and filigree decoration, this pendant appears to the be work of a close follower of Castellani, who themselves created another version of the famous Campana jewel. Also of note is a 19th Century Indian Diamond and Enamel Pendant Necklace (estimate: £1,500-2,000), comprising an openwork floral spray inlaid with Indian cut diamonds, rubies and emeralds with polychrome enamel floral decoration and peacock motif to the reverse. The pendant is suspended, along with an emerald drop, on necklace with pearls and emerald beads and green and gold thread tassel.
The Silver section of the sale includes such highlights as a Louis XVI Three-Colour Gold Snuff-Box (estimate: £3,000-5,000). Made in Paris probably in 1786, the box is decorated with bead and flower panels and foliage borders. Also from France comes a Silver-Gilt Dressing-Table Service made by Gustave Keller of Paris in the late 19th century (estimate: £3,000-5,000). A Pair of Charles II Silver Trefid Spoons with the maker’s mark ‘IP’ with a star above and crescent below are offered with an estimate of £200-300. Made in London circa 1680, the spoons are engraved with the initials ‘M’ over ‘TM’.
Also of note are a George II Silver Chocolate-Pot by Louis Cuny of London, 1728 (estimate: £1,500-2,500), a George III Silver Tankard, maker’s mark ‘IC’ possibly for John Carter, London, 1776 (estimate: £800-1,200), and a Gold-Mounted Enamel Snuff Box (estimate: £1,200-1,800). The box is probably German Early 19th Century, but carries a Charge Mark imitating that of Henry Clavel and Jean-Francois Kalendrin and a Date Letter imitating that of Paris 1777.
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