Despite the lure of springtime sunshine and outdoor distractions, Smiths of Newent’s May auction delivered unexpectedly robust results across a broad range of antiques and collectibles. A lively mix of telephone bidders, in-room participants, and online enthusiasts drove strong competition throughout the sale, underscoring continued market enthusiasm.
Unsurprisingly, the top lot of the day was a vintage 9ct gold cigarette case, which fetched £4,550. With global financial uncertainty pushing precious metal prices to new highs, gold and silver items dominated bidding activity. Gold sovereigns sold consistently at £500 each, while bracelets and necklaces typically commanded prices between £500 and £800.
In the watch section, a distinguished vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual men’s wristwatch realized £1,600, followed by a ladies’ 9ct white gold Cellini watch that made £1,150. Notably, a worn World War I silver trench watch, previously thought to be of little value by its owner, achieved an impressive £290.
Jewellery also performed strongly, with antique pieces particularly sought after. A striking Art Deco diamond and sapphire ring sold for £1,500, while a Victorian snake-form ring set with diamonds attracted £450. A rare George I gold and enamel mourning ring, despite considerable enamel damage, exceeded its estimate to reach £490. The ring, inscribed with the date of death “4th Aug 1718” and the age of 27, featured a rock crystal—a traditional symbol of pious mourning popular among Royalist sympathizers after the execution of Charles I.
On the other end of the spectrum, Scandinavian jewellery gained notable interest. A Danish Modernist silver and acrylic wrap-around ring made £210, well above its £50-70 estimate.
The furniture section offered its own surprises. A French antique farmhouse table, marked by black scorch rings from close proximity to a stove, sold for £560 despite condition challenges. A pair of 18th-century continental pier mirrors brought £440, and a substantial Victorian oak refectory dining table was purchased for £370 by a regular collector from Florida, who also acquired five additional furniture lots.
Paintings attracted attention with an unusual Japanese impressionistic seascape, battered and torn, selling for £740. Meanwhile, a set of thirteen Cantonese bird watercolours made £660.
Among the musical instruments, an antique harp achieved £700 despite being considered beyond restoration, while an 18th-century French cello with two bows sold for £730. A professional cellist from Coventry tested the instrument during viewing and, despite visible cracks causing alarm, was captivated by its tone and purchased it as a spare.
Textiles included a Victorian silk embroidered patchwork bedcover, which sold for £330, and a Chinese silk dragon-embroidered robe that made £320. The silver section saw strong online participation for a large collection of Victorian scent bottles, with at least one bidder joining from India.
