Shakespeare and Silver to Shine in Auction Spotlight

Temperatures may still be low and spring may still be a dot on the horizon, however McTear’s has four specialist auctions that are guaranteed to shine in the late winter sun.

The four sales on 28^th and 29^th February will feature everything from rare militaria and Asian art to luxurious silver accessories and 19th & 20th century design classics.

A fabulous collection of five miniature figures will bring a touch of theatrical elegance to the Designs for Life Auction on 28^th February. Designed by the acclaimed Susan Parkinson for the prestigious Briglin Pottery, the rare set features acting greats, Sir John Gielgud, Sir Laurence Olivier, Dame Margot Fonteyn and Vivien Leigh playing some of Shakespeare’s most iconic characters.

It is rare to find one Parkinson figure come to auction, but a full set is almost unheard of, with experts estimating the sought after collection could reach £10,000 when it goes under the hammer.

28^th February will also see the only auction of its kind in Scotland dedicated to medals and militaria.  Amongst the 166 lots in The World of War sale are a host of rare World War I medals including a Military Cross group awarded to Lieutenant F.S.L. Smith for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during battle in 1918.  Experts estimate the three medals, which include the Military Cross, The War Medal and The Victory Group could fetch £1,500.

In addition, a military C.B.E. awarded to Vice-Admiral Kenneth G.B. Dewar, along with a miniature medal group from WWI, is expected to sell for £1,000.

Moving to 29^th February, the Opulence, Silver & Luxury Accessories auction will feature some of the world’s top luxury brands including Hermes and Dunhill, along with luxurious silver items from the Victorian era.  A stunning 1960s/70s Hermes Pullman handbag in crocodile skin with brass hardware could fetch £2,000, while a rare gold plated art deco Dunhill lighter is estimated at £600 to £800.

A beautiful contemporary silver salmon shaped bowl by the acclaimed late Scottish silversmith Graham Leishman Stewart, will be another highlight in the auction, while a quirky cobra shaped pair of Victorian silver candlesticks are estimated at £800 to £1,200.

Chinese ceramics will be at the forefront of the Porcelain, Jade, Bronze – Asian Works of Art auction on 29^th February. A striking blue glaze four section Cong vase, complete with moulded elephant heads, has an estimate of £2,000 to £4,000, while a large Chinese white jade Lingzhi carving is expected to make at least £1,000 when it goes under the hammer.

Meanwhile a rare group of three Ding Shun Ji Zoa seated figures, dating to the 1920’s, could fetch £2,500.  The polychrome figures - which depict officials in detailed costumes seated in a serpent moulded chair – represent three of only four seated models produced by the company.

View the auction catalogues here >>

And we hope you'll join us for bidding.