A 1930s scale model of a steamship, a 1990s Formula One motor racing trophy, and a Victorian shop sign. Could there be a better illustration of the eclectic nature of Clevedon’s ever-popular Interiors sales, than the top three best performing lots on January 11th?
Mahogany case model of SS Orient by Luis Jacoby-Gomez of Barcelona, circa 1930
Sold for £1,800
The 850 lot blockbuster sale had been promoted online throughout the festive period, and certainly got 2024 off to a flying start with a 90% sold rate and another record-breaking total for an Interiors sale at Clevedon.
Of those top performing lots, the first was a mahogany cased model of the SS Orient, a Victorian Clyde built steamship which would later serve as a hospital ship during the Boer War before being scrapped in 1910. Well-detailed with mast and railings, its quality was clear to see and it steamed passed its estimate to take the day’s top price of £1,800. Coming a close second, rather appropriately, a silver plated trophy which had been awarded for Damon Hill's second place position in the 1997 Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix, which sold for £1,700. The shop sign was that of a Pawnbroker with its instantly recognisable three gilt wooden balls. Victorian shop signs have long been favourite with the ever-buoyant decorators market and sustained bidding saw this particularly early example quickly leave its estimate standing to sell for a very healthy £1,500.
Late Victorian 18ct gold open faced pocket watch
Sold for £1,450
Watches also scored highly in the sale: a late Victorian 18ct gold open faced pocket watch, hallmarked for Chester 1898 sold for £1,400, just in front of a similar 18ct gold Edwardian example, which sold for £1,300. Appealing to those with more contemporary tastes, an Omega gentleman's Seamaster stainless steel cased wristwatch, sold for £650.
After Fra Angelico - The Annunciation, a 19th century chromolithographic print
Sold for £850
One of the sale’s biggest surprises came in the form of a 19th century framed chromolithographic print, ‘The Annunciation’ after Fra Angelico. The most watched item online before the sale, it quickly eclipsed its estimate, selling for £800. Also performing well, a Folio Society limited edition map of Mundi (The Hereford World Map) which sold for £650.
Top lots amongst the furniture included a Victorian mahogany inverted breakfront bookcase, which sold for £440 and a George I walnut and crossbanded cabinet on chest, which sold for £400.
Palitoy Action Man 1970s carded Soldiers of the World 'British Infantryman’, catalogue no. 34142, sold for £500
From a collection of Action Man figures and accessories
Combined total £3,720
Finally, a treat for the children, especially those over fifty, came by way of a large collection of 1970s Action Man figures and accessories which was offered in pristine condition, and in with in original packaging. These days nostalgia is big business and the last few years have seen prices rising dramatically for toys from the 1960s and ‘70s. Alongside Action Man himself, the collection included many clothes, weapons and accessories sold to complement the figure. Easily lost to the vacuum cleaner, these are often elusive and can be more valuable than the figures themselves. This certainly proved to be the case and the whole collection sold for an overall total of £3,720.
Clevedon Salerooms next Interiors sale will be on February 1st for which entries are now invited.