Our Summer Fine Sale produced top results across all departments.

One of the stand-out lots of the auction was a rare two-piece violin by Giovanni Gagliano.

                                                                                                                                                                          Sold: £37,352*

From the Neapolitan School of Luthiers, the Gagliano family were master luthiers who exerted a strong influence over their craft, due to their exemplary craftsmanship its surprisingly long continuity which spanned nearly 200 years.

Beginning with the founding father Alessandro at the start of the 18^th century – just as the great Cremonese master Stradivari was at the peak of his career - his sons Nicolò and Gennaro greatly developed the family style and increased their output significantly. After the third generation which included Ferdinando, Antonio and Giuseppe, who helped consolidate the Neapolitan School as the second city of violinmaking, Giovanni Gagliono, the ‘fourth generation’, streamlined the family style toward a more streamlined, cost-effective product – without compromising the integrity and quality of the sound - in response to the era of the industrial manufacture of instruments.

Extant examples of Giovanni’s work are rare, shown by the multiple international phone bidders and strong online competition. A fierce 10-minute bidding war commenced between a German and American bidder. Finally, the German bidder prevailed when the hammer came down at £29,000 (£37,352 including Buyer’s Premium).

                                                                                                                                                      Sold: £17,388*

A rare set of books by poet and translator George Chapman were hotly contested in our Collectables department. The Whole Works of Homer (the volumes published in the early 17^th century) was the earliest complete English translation of the work. Piquing the interest of many bibliophiles, the set sold for £17,388*.

                             Sold: £1,159*                                                   Sold: £1,803*                                                    Sold: £4,379*

Butterfly-handled tea sets were all the rage in our Decorative Arts department. Two iterations of the famous Aynsley pattern, a violet colourway and a cornflower example, sold respectively for £1,803* and £1,159*. Pieces by Rene Lalique were well represented within the department. A private collection of scent bottles made a total of £4,379*, while an impressive Bacchantes vase achieved £1,932*.

                         Sold: £618*                                            Sold: £1,030*                                                Sold: £1,932*

Fine porcelain achieved strong prices in our Asian & Ethnic Arts department. The market for blue and white remains strong, with a set of platters selling for £618*, and a pilgrim bottle achieving £1,030*. Burmese items were keenly contested: an ornate tray garnered significant attention, selling for £966*, and an extensive collection of opium weights achieved £1,094*. An impressive and imposing Japanese bronze of an eagle claimed the top spot of the department, selling for £1,932*.

                                       Sold: £901*                                                                         Sold: £3,220*

Sporting-themed pieces sparked significant bidding in our Silver & Objects of Vertu department. A presentation curling medal relating to Errol curling club, which has been in existence since 1872 soared to £901*, while equestrian enthusiasts battled over a finely made presentation casket, which reached £3,220*.

Sold: £4,508*                                                             Sold: £2,447*                                                                     Sold: £1,288*

High carat and premium quality diamond rings attracted spirited international bidding.  Twin stone examples achieved sold for £1,674* and £3,864*, while a substantial example achieved £4,508*.  Combination pieces continue to sell well, with a sapphire & diamond moon brooch reaching £1,288* and an unusual diamond and diopside ring selling for £2,447*.

                 Sold: £4,121*                                                               Sold: £2,962                                                     Sold: £2,060*

A wide range of Rolex timepieces were top performers in our Watches department. On offer were examples such as an Oysterdate Precision (sold £2,060*), and an Oyster Perpetual (sold £2,962*), though it was an Oyster Quartz Datejust which achieved a top price of £4,121*.

                   Sold: £1,674*                                                Sold: £1,030*                                                              Sold: £4,121*

Teak furniture continues to prove popular in our 20^th century Design & Furniture departments. A stylish radiogram fetched £1,674*, while a Heals of London garden table and chairs, constructed with wood from the Admiralty HMS Enchantress, sold for £4,121*. Well-known designers from the mid-20^th century were also keenly sought after. A Ray & Charles Eames Lounge chair and stool achieved £966*, and a Michel Ducaroy ‘Togo’ sectional corner suite sold for £1,030*.

                Sold: £4,508*                                                                                        Sold:  £15,456*

Our Oil Paintings, Watercolours, Prints & Sculpture department produced myriad fine results. The strong Scottish theme of the sale was exemplified in two of the star lots. A piece of sartorial history, an ostentatious dress belonging to Kate Cranston, owner of the Willow tearooms and ardent supporter of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, attracted strong local interest. A museum quality piece, the bidding soared to £4,508*.  John Hutchison’s imposing bronze of Robert The Bruce also attracted spirited bidding. The important work of Scotland’s fabled warrior king achieved £15,456*.

For full results, click here.