Beatles set to cause a stir at Clevedon auction

Clevedon Salerooms Specialist Sales have a habit of turning up Beetles autographs, mainly due to the Fab Four's appearance at the Weston Super Mare Odeon in 1963. 

Collectors insist on a cast iron provenance due to the number of fakes in circulation.  This set of autographs comes not from the Odeon but from a different event, the Vendors grandfather worked for the television and film producer Monty Berman and obtained the autographs whilst serving the top table at a Variety Club dinner. 

Measuring 20cm x 25cm this set is one of clearest to come up at auction for a while and is estimated at £1,200 - £1,800. 

 

Topping the bill with an estimate of £4,000 - £6,000 is a Josef Munsch (Austrian 1832-1896) oil on panel painted in 1889 entitled 'Sonata' depicting a seated Cellist. 

Measuring just 40cm x 30cm Munsch may lack the Beetles fan base of hysterical teenagers but be under no illusion, this artists fans have deep pockets.

 

Coming between the two in terms of date and putting on quite a show is this Art Deco Bronze figure entitled 'Invocation' by arguably the most celebrated sculptor of the period, Demetre Chiparus. 

This figure may only stand 23cm high including the onyx plinth but with an estimate of £1,000 - £1,500 she is certainly not shy.

 

Carrying identical estimates of £2,500 - £3,500 but with one hundred years difference in age are two fine long case clocks. 

The older is a late 18th/early 19th Century Dutch marquetry example having an eight-day striking movement, the dial inscribed Tom. Corp, London but you will need a ceiling at least 250cm high. 

If you can accommodate an extra 4cm then the Edwardian Sheraton Revival clock with the glazed door may be the one to choose as it has Whittington and Westminster Chimes and most importantly the ability to turn them off!  As clocks are exempt from Capital Gains Tax there has never been a better time to buy.

 

From one of the largest lots to one of the smallest is this Antique Chinese jade carving of a re***bent horse.  The Oriental market is incredibly strong as the new wealth of China appears eager to secure the many cultural objects and works of art lost to the West.

Bearing the label of John Sparks, one of the most important 20th Century dealers in Oriental art, the horse measures just 7cm long and bears the remnants of a label apparently stating the piece to be Song dynasty (960 - 1279). It is estimated at £1,000 - £1,500.

 

If you have not given up on the likelihood of an Indian summer then perhaps this vintage three man all wooden canoe is the answer. 

Discovered in the undergrowth of an overgrown garden, the almost 5 metre long vessel is estimated at £400 - £600.

 

With a good selection of fine antique furniture, clocks, pictures and prints, ceramics, interesting collectors items, silver and fine jewellery the entire catalogue with images of every lot can be viewed on line at www.clevedon-salerooms.com .  For more information contact the Salerooms on 01934 830111.

Quarterly Specialist Sale of Antiques, Fine Art & Collectors Items - Thursday 9th September 2010 at 10.30am.

Items on view at the Salerooms: Tuesday 7th September 2pm - 5.30pm, Wednesday 8th September 10am - 7.30pm and morning of sale from 9am.

 

Clevedon Salerooms, The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn, Clevedon BS21 6TT, Tel: 01934 830111

www.clevedon-salerooms.com