Fine Art, Antique and General Sale Report - Friday 17th August 2012

Fri 17 August 2012

Sale Prices Ride High On Internet Wave

The Portcullis Saleroom reports a buoyant August sale of some 500 lots and their second event harnessing the power of internet bidding. Successful internet bids made up 15% of the sale by lot and a remarkable 22%of the sale by value. This was a considerable increase on July's figures and we are confident that interest will continue to grow in this exciting new venture for the saleroom.

Many lots exceeded their pre-sale expectations as a result of bids from the internet. A good example was lot 223, a tinplate boat "The Grace Darling", an advertising toy for Carr and  Co of biscuit fame carrying an estimate of £30-50. Bids in the room went to £70 and would have sold for that figure but for an explosion of bids on the internet, finally selling for £240. In the light of this result, auctioneer Daniel Fielder commented: "It really does make sense for vendors to consign their items for sale at The Portcullis Saleroom as the internet bidding facility together with our on-line illustrated catalogue ensures the best possible exposure for their property and the highest prices."

Other notable results on the day were £720 for a Georgian walnut chest; £500 for an old-cut diamond swallow brooch; £260 for a gold fob watch selling to the Beijing trade on the internet; £300 for a portrait study of a gypsy girl after William Etty; a walnut bookcase, internet again at £220 against an estimate of £50-70 and £400 for an inlaid mahogany longcase clock.

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