Closing the year in style

McTear’s will bring the 2022 auction calendar to a fitting close with six superb sales of contemporary art, jewellery, prestige watches, coins, fine wine and whisky

An impressive 56 lot sale of rare coins and banknotes will get the December luxury auctions underway on 7^th December.  Amongst the gold Krugerrands and sovereigns there will also be one or two surprises, with an 1897 gold 7.5 Russian ruble set to fetch up to £750.

Precious stones are next up, as a collection of diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds go under the hammer in the ‘Jewellery: Then, Now & Always’ auction.  If romance is in the air, then a stunning Cartier diamond set love bangle could be yours for £6,000, while a beautifully-crafted diamond solitaire ring by famous Glasgow designer Eric Smith has an estimate of £2,000 to £4,000.

With time almost up on 2022, why not treat yourself to an exquisite wrist watch. The ‘Winter Collection: Luxury Watches’ auction is packed with prestige brands including Rolex, Jaeger Le Coultre and Vacheron Constantin, amongst others, with a magnificent gent’s Cartier Ballon Bleu timepiece estimated to fetch £3,000 to £5,000.

Bellany, Burns, Howson, Jolomo, McKean and Fullarton are just a few of the leading names featuring in the 321 lot Scottish Contemporary Art Auction on Thursday 8^th December.  The instantly recognisable Gerard Burns oil, The Pilgrims, is expected to fetch between £5,500 and £7,500, while John Bellany follows up on a number of hugely successful auction results over the past year with the  large oil, Woman by the Sea, estimated to sell for £5,000 to £10,000.

The six sale December series will round off on Friday 9^th December, with whisky and wine shining in the auction spotlight.

Rare whisky continues to be a strong alternative investment choice, with rare bottles from Scotland’s leading distilleries commanding high prices at auction.  Whether you are looking for something a little bit special to enjoy over the festive period or if you plan to tuck a bottle away for a rainy day, you’re sure to find something that fits the bill in the ‘Whisky: A Flurry of Festive Favourites’ auction. Scotland’s most prestigious distilleries, including Macallan, Springbank, Bowmore, Ardbeg and Highland Park will feature across 214 lots.  A quite delicious Bowmore 1963 30^th Anniversary could fetch up to £5,000, while a much sought after Scotch Malt Whisky Society bottling of Springbank 1964 has an estimate of £4,000 to £6,000.

For those looking for a little extra sparkle at the Christmas dinner table, then look no further than the ‘Tale of Terroir’ wine auction on 8^th December.  Whether it’s a bottle of 1976 Dom Perignon at £400, a 70 year old Niepoort Port (£200-£250) or a sumptuous bottle of Margaux, there is something to suit every taste.

Advice on selling art, jewellery, watches, coins, whisky, wine and antiques is free and without obligation. Entries are invited for our 2023 specialist sales. To discuss consigning to a McTear's auction, make an appointment to visit our Glasgow Galleries or contact a specialist by clicking this link and completing the short form.