16/01/2023
The 11 January Country House Sale, hosted by the Cheltenham saleroom, kicked off Mallams’ 2023 auction calendar in style, with total sales of just over £93,000, 40% above the low estimate.
The top performing lot was an extremely fine gold dinar dating from the time of the ninth Umayyad caliph, Yazid II, who ruled from 9 February 720 until his death in 724. Coming to Mallams from Baldwins, it was highly contested and eventually sold to a UK bidder for £6200.
A wonderful late 17th century Aubusson tapestry (lot 100) from The Old Vicarage in Tredington, also performed well, selling to a UK bidder for £5800, just under the lower end estimate. Hand woven from wool and silk it featured a woodland scene with exotic birds and measured 198 x 260cm.
Lot 33, a 19th century mahogany and marble top side cabinet with enclosed brass grille doors and carved supports was conservatively priced but it clearly piqued the interest of several buyers with the hammer finally falling at £3200 to a UK bidder.
Two lots which came from a direct descendent of General Sir Hubert Gough also featured in the sale. An unusual, silver plated pocket watch mounted on the taxidermied hoof of Gough’s horse Tommy (lot 252) with a dedication plaque to his “faithful friend from 1906-1916, died in France during The Great War, 1916” was estimated at £100-£200 but achieved a hammer price of £3400, probably due to its military links.
Lot 165 was a sketchbook by Harriet Gough (General Sir Hubert Gough’s wife) containing approximately 40 original drawings and watercolours completed during trips to India with her husband between 1870 and 1890. Again conservatively estimated at £100-£200, it was snapped up by a UK museum for £1500.
Mallams Cheltenham is now inviting entries for its 22 February Country House Sale and its 22 March Modern Living Sale so if you have any interesting items you are considering selling at auction please email robin@mallams.co.uk or chloe@mallams.co.uk for a free, informal valuation.
All prices are subject to a 30% buyers' premium (VAT inclusive).
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