Works of Art, Medals, Militaria & Furniture Auction highlights

The Works of Art, Medals, Militaria & Furniture Auction was the second of four specialist sales for the week, taking place the afternoon of Thursday 12 August. A variety of incredible items were seen off to keen bidders online, on the phones and in the room, fetching some impressive prices. If you were unable to attend or watch live online at the Mctear’s website, here is a selection of the star-runners from the sale:

Lot 1311

NUDE ASCENDING A STAIRCASE, BY SALVADOR DALI

Sold for £1,400

Est: £800 - 1200

This attractive bronze sculpture by Salvador Dali (1904-1989) is an exciting find for the connoisseur. The subject matter, depicting a nude woman atop an oversized seashell, is the epitome of his signature Surrealist, dream-like style. The piece was created in 1973 as an homage to another household name of modern art, and close friend of Dali: Marcel Duchamp. Considering the provenance and prestige, it was of little surprise that the sculpture went for above its estimate, making just under one and a half thousand. 

Lot 1314

A WWII AIR MINISTRY R.A.F. SCRAMBLE BELL

Sold for £2,000

Est: £1000 - 1500

Lot 1315

A BATTLE OF BRITAIN AIR MINISTRY R.A.F. SCRAMBLE BELL

Sold for £1,100

Est: £1500 - 2000

These two scramble bells have seen momentous moments of war-time Britain, attracting the interest of historical enthusiasts. Competition on the phones, in the room and online saw the WWII Air Ministry R.A.F scramble bell perform five hundred above the upper-end of its estimate, going for two thousand, and the Battle of Britain Air Ministry R.A.F bell away for just over one thousand; a very respectable performance from these two pieces of British history.

Lot 1366 

AN ARTS & CRAFTS OAK SIDEBOARD

Sold for £1,500

Est: : £200 - 300

This sideboard stormed away at five times its estimate, encouraging much competition from bidders on the phones, in the room and online. This attractive item boasts intricately carved panels of fruiting foliage and heart-shaped motifs, making it a unique piece for any interior. 

Lot 1422

A SIGNED COPY OF HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS BY J.K. ROWLING

Sold for £3,000

Est: £1000 - 1500

The highest hammer price for the sale went to this signed first-edition copy of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, by J.K Rowling. The magical world of witchcraft & wizardry inspired readers internationally, and has been immortalised as a cult-classic series. The interest in this lot was very high, generating some heated competition from bidders the world-over. The book went for three thousand (double its estimate), stirring much excitement in the sale.