Tamworth auction house dishes up impressive line-up of specialists in ceramics, stamps, jewellery and antiques

Tamworth auction house dishes up impressive line-up of specialists in ceramics, stamps, jewellery and antiques

VALUATIONS of all types of antiques and collectables are being offered in Tamworth throughout May.

Richard Winterton Auctioneers’ senior valuer Sarah Williams will be at The Tamworth Auction Rooms every Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm offering free specialist advice on ceramics, silver, paintings and fine art antiques.

On Wednesday, May 3, she will be joined by Midlands jewellery consultant Georgina Southam providing professional probate services and written insurance valuations as well as auction estimates.

An expert in gold and silver jewellery, gemstones, diamonds, watches and modern and antique jewellery, gemmologist Georgina will be at the Church Street premises between 9am-4pm.

Stamps specialist Phil Ives will be coming to the Grade II listed town centre building on Friday, May 19, from 9am-1pm, offering estimates and advice for all things related to philately.

Valuations of medals and militaria with Jeff Clark and all types of vintage and modern toys and trains with Jon Price take place every Thursday from 9am-4pm.

And watch specialist Ben Winterton is on hand throughout the month offering appraisals on timepieces and general auction advice.

Sarah Williams with the luxurious cobalt blue and gilt Spode R4332 cup and saucer.

Richard Winterton Auctioneers’ notable ceramics discoveries this year included a rare demitasse cup and saucer of an exclusive design for use by first class passengers on RMS Titanic, which sold to a client in America for £6,000.

Discovered during a Midlands house clearance, the tiny Spode set in opulent cobalt blue and gilt bore the ‘crucial’ pattern number R4332, identifying them as an important example of ‘liner china’.

Senior valuer Sarah said: “Produced around 1911, both pieces were marked ‘White Star Line’.

“The well of the saucer bore a gilt monogram for the Oceanic Steam Navigation Company and the cup was stamped ‘Stonier & Co Liverpool’ – the agents which facilitated the deal between Spode and the shipping company.

“Crucially they were also marked with the pattern number R4332.

“This luxurious pattern is believed to have been used in Titanic’s first class restaurant but some experts suggest it was produced in such limited numbers that it may only have been used for room service on private promenade suites.”

This George III stained fruitwood melon-shaped tea caddy sold at auction for £1,050 recently.

She added: “Other interesting results which have taken clients by surprise include a George III stained fruitwood tea caddy shaped like a melon.

“It was ripe for restoration yet still sold at auction for £1,050.”

The same auction saw an oil painting of a pastoral landscape by Arthur William Redgate (1860-1906) sell at £1,000 and a Liberty Tudric pewter biscuit box designed by Archibald Knox fetch £850.

A detail from the pastoral scene painted by Arthur William Redgate, which sold for £1,000.

“Detail is absolutely crucial when assessing all types of antiques and the field of ceramics is an especially good example,” said Ben Winterton.

“If you have any heirlooms or items of which you are unsure, it’s always a good idea to come and see us for specialist advice as you may have something which is worth hundreds or even thousands of pounds at auction.”

This Liberty Tudric pewter biscuit box designed by Archibald Knox sold at £850.

People requiring professional services such as probate or insurance valuations should telephone 01827 217746 or email tamworth@richardwinterton.co.uk to make an appointment at the Grade II listed town centre building for Wednesday, May 3.

Appointments may also be booked for free auction estimates and advice or people can drop in to The Tamworth Auction Rooms on the relevant day(s).

Items may also be left securely for valuation and direct consignments can be dropped off from 9am-5pm Tuesday to Friday.

Free home visits for bulky items and large collections or to discuss quotations for full or partial house clearances are also available.

Visit our Auction Dates page to view catalogues for upcoming auctions.