Friday 14 December 2018



We would like to wish our customers a 
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

 Please note that our office will close at 12noon on Friday 21st December 2018 and will re-open at 12noon on Tuesday 1st January 2019. The saleroom will be open for viewing of the Wednesday 2nd January General Sale on Saturday 29th December 2018 from 10am until 1pm and Tuesday 1st January 2018 from 2pm until 6pm.


Thursday 13 December 2018


Appointments available: 
Monday 17th December
Tuesday 18th December
Wednesday 19th December

Book in and de-clutter before Christmas





FREE valuations 
Saturday 15th December 10-1

No appointment needed
6 items or less please



FREE valuations 

Friday 14th December 10-12 and 2-4

No appointment needed
6 items or less please


Monday 10 December 2018

In amongst the pre Christmas prep we are open 
on Tuesday 11th December 2pm - 6pm 
for the last Auction of 2018 
on Wednesday 12th December from 10am

Thursday 6 December 2018

 

FREE Valuation Dates

Friday 14th December 10 - 12 and 2 - 4

Saturday 15th December 10 - 1

any queries please call 0191 5372630







Date for your diary 

Don't miss out on all the BAG action at BAG auctions 

Dickinsons Real Deal 
featuring Boldon Auction Galleries 
will air on ITV  
Friday 7th December at 3pm
  

We are viewing on 
Saturday 8th December 10am - 1pm 
and Tuesday 11th December 2pm - 6pm

General Sale Wednesday 12th December from 10am

Come along and find a unique Christmas Present





Friday 30 November 2018

A set of bag pipes, stamped P. Henderson, Glasgow


Native to Scotland the Great Highland bagpipe became widely recognised due to its use in the British military and in pipe bands throughout the world.Thought to have been first used in Scotland around 1400, the bagpipe had previously appeared in European artwork in Spain in the 13th century. Today the bagpipe enjoys widespread prominence this in part due to becoming established in the British military, this was the earliest references to bagpipes in Scotland. Throughout Europe however, other bagpipe traditions, almost universally went into decline by the late 19th and early 20th century.While widely famous for the role the bagpipes play in military and civilian pipe bands, the Great Highland bagpipe is also used for a solo virtuosic style called pìobaireachd, ceòl mòr, or simply pibroch. This set of bag pipes, stamped P. Henderson, Glasgow, sold in our Antiques and Interiors Sale on Wednesday 28th November for £950


Monday 26 November 2018


Only two more Auctions to go until the end of 2018

Wednesday 28th November Antique and Interiors Sale

Wednesday 12th December General Sale

All Auctions start at 10am

We view the Saturday and Tuesday prior to the Auctions.

For all information head over to our website - http://boldonauctions.co.uk/
Our new Sale Calendars are here for 2019


Pop in and pick one up



Sail Away Sail Away

Lot 287 A white metal Nef, stamped 925

A Nef is an extravagant table ornament and container which first appeared during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods and was formed in the shape of a Ship.  With dual purpose; Nefs were used for decoration and to hold spices, salt, cutlery or latterly napkins.  

The Nef would be placed in front of the most important person seated at the table to demonstrate their status.




This lovely selection of Netsukes are entered for Auction on 28th November 2018

definition of Netsuke ~ a carved button-like ornament, especially of ivory or wood, formerly worn in Japan to suspend articles from the sash of a kimono.










Watch Out !

Plenty of Christmas present ideas for 

Auction on Wednesday 28th November




















An impressive pair of Siebe Gorman style, weighted diving boots
to be offered for auction in our Antique and Interiors Sale Wednesday 28th November

Worn with a full diving suit and diving equipment the diver's boots or shoes were created for two reasons. Firstly, the protection of the diver’s feet is a must, the boots protect the diver’s feet from injury. The second is to help overcome the positive buoyancy effect from the diver's suit. Weight is added to the boots helping to make the diver more stable underwater. Typically weighing around 35 pounds or 16 kilos in weight, the boots are made of leather or canvas uppers; making them generally renewable. The soles of the boots are cast in iron, brass or lead depending on the diver’s use. Lead is generally used on deck plates and smooth surfaces, whereas the brass is preferred for walking on mud and rough ground. The boots are fastened with the buckles facing outwards and the laces or lanyards secured around the upper parts of the ankles. If the boots have been incorrectly fitted, they could become loosened/stuck and be pulled from the diver’s feet; this could lead to the diver being blown up feet first to the surface, if negative buoyancy is lost. 


An Edwardian cast iron canopy shower bath
to be offered for auction in our Antique and Interiors Sale Wednesday 28th November
Estimate £800 - £1200



This incredible canopy shower bath comes apart into two pieces, the canopy bolting to the top of the bath. The bath comes with a complete overhead shower and sprinkler system, with hot and cold, shower, spray, plunge, douche, jet, rising spray, wave and waste controls. 
This is a rare complete canopy bathtub that is free standing and features lion claw feet and a rolled top. 


A striking collection of Royal Crown Derby Paperweights
to be offered for auction in our Antique and Interiors Sale Wednesday 28th November

Since approximately 1750, the Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Company have produced some of the finest bone china. This includes tableware and ornamental items such as the fantastic selection of paperweights we have pictured here. Based in Derby, England the company is one of the oldest English porcelain manufacturers remaining.  The company was known as ‘Derby Porcelain’ until 1773, they then adopted the name of ‘Crown Derby’, adding the ‘Royal’ in 1890. Giving them the more commonly recognised name ‘Royal Crown Derby’. Although suffering a company closure under the ownership of Royal Doulton, Royal Crown Derby was revived under the renewed ownership of Hugh Gibson and the Pearson family. The pieces created by Royal Crown Derby continue to be much sought after and loved items today. 


A fantastic collection of Swarovski cut lead glass (crystal)
to be offered for auction in our Antique and Interiors Sale Wednesday 28th November

Headquartered in Wattens, Austria, Swarovski is an Austrian producer of lead glass more commonly known as crystal. The Swarovski Crystal Business, that primarily produces lead glass jewellery (commonly called crystal jewellery) and accessories is one of three of the major sub-businesses of Swarovski; the others include Swarovski Optik, which produces optical instruments such as telescopes, telescopic sights for rifles, and binoculars; and Tyrolit, a manufacturer of grinding, sawing, drilling, and dressing tools, as well as a supplier of tools and machines.
Born in northern Bohemia (now the Czech Republic), 20 km from the current border with Poland Daniel Swarovski’s father was a glass cutter and owned a small glass factory. Serving as an apprentice in his fathers company Daniel became skilled in the art of glass cutting. Daniel patented an electric cutting machine in 1891 that facilitated the production of crystal glass. In 1895 Daniel, along with financier Armand Kosman, and Franz Weis founded A. Kosmann, D. Swarovski & Co, later shortened to KS & Co. With a vision to make ‘a diamond for everyone’ Daniel took advantage of the local hydroelectricity in Watten, where he and his partners established a cutting factory and which he used to power energy-intensive grinding processes used to make his ‘affordable’ crystals. Expanding to France and first using the edelweiss flower in their logo in 1899, the company were known as Pierres Taillées du Tyrol. Daniel then founded Tyrolit in 1919, which brought the grinding and polishing tools from the crystal business into a different market. Daniels son Wilhelm Swarovski customised a pair of binoculars in 1935 leading to the launch of Swarovski Optik 14 years later. Swarovski Optik manufactures optical instruments such as binoculars and telescopes. In 1977, Swarovski entered the jewellery market in the United States.
All Swarovski creations are marked with a logo. The original logo was an edelweiss flower, which was replaced by an S.A.L. logo and then 1988 with the current swan logo.
The Swarovski Crystal range includes lead crystal glass sculptures and miniature, jewellery and couture, home decor, and chandeliers. It is best known for its small animal figurines.



A print by Norman Wade 'Durham Cathedral'
To be offered at auction in our Antique and Interiors Sale Wednesday 28th November 
 
Born in London and trained as a graphic designer Norman Wade is a well celebrated North East artist. Known for his pipe smoking and having a friendly character Norman spent much of his time creating works of art of Durham Cathedral and City amongst other fascinating subjects. Norman, married to Moira moved north to pursue a career in Art, firstly moving to the Lake District, then further north to Gosforth and then to Bishop Auckland. The Wades had an art shop in Saddler Street, Durham which was run by Norman's wife Moira. Moira would frame and sell Norman's pieces.  The shop was open throughout the 1970’s until the couple decided to sell and move to Spain. 

Thursday 22 November 2018

“Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.”


This fabulous French Cartel bracket clock by Hour-Lavigne a` Paris 
is to be offered to auction in our Wednesday 28th November Antique and Interiors Sale 

Charles Victor Hour is a French Watchmaker born on April 28, 1848 in Montjay la Tour, just east of Paris. Born to Charles François Joseph Hour and Félicité Eugénie Gobeill., Charles became a watchmaker apprentice at a watch manufacturer in Paris, " Maison Diette " at the age of 11. Maison Diette was founded in 1848 by Denis Diette. After learning all facets of watchmaking Charles became an associate in 1863, marrying Louise Adrienne Diette 2nd September 1872 in Paris. After becoming workshop manager in 1879 it wasn’t long before Charles took over the business and became owner in 1881. Charles later became business partners with Maurice Lavigne and the company was renamed Hour-Lavigne. The company was based in Paris at Rue Sainte Anastase 7. With a 800 strong workforce the company was seen as an important and prestigious venture, present at many exhibitions from 1875 to 1911. The company won a ‘Grand Prix’ award at an exhibition in Brussels in 1910 and again in Turin in 1911. The company also supplied watches to Cartier, Hermès and Tiffany & Co.



Tuesday 20 November 2018

So the saying goes, 'there is no use crying over spilled milk'
With this fabulous 1930's Galvanised steel Milk Churn, 
we don't think you'll spend much time crying!
The fitted brass plate engraved Blair.Langley on Tyne.


With recognisable tall, conical or cylindrical features the milk churn was developed for the transportation of milk; as a replacement for the milk pail. Once milk started to be transported via railway, the lidded bucket referred to as a milk pail became a less than ideal method to transport milk, often spilling due to being top heavy. Farmers recognised that the wooden butter churns used to churn the milk into butter were a more favourable way to transport milk on the railways. In 1850 and due to the heavy weight of the wooden churns a steel version was manufactured and introduced as a replacement, although the term churn remained to describe the vessel, despite no longer being used to churn butter. The older versions were galvanised iron conical churns and held 17 gallons of milk whereas the modern cylindrical type introduced in the 1930’s held only 10 gallons. All churns were identifiable to the company owning them by a brass plate near the top with the company name engraved. Churns were no longer used in Britain from 1979 when the collection of milk by tanker became more favourable. Before tankers, farmers used to leave milk churns by the roadside on purpose-built milk churn stands awaiting collection. 





Friday 16 November 2018


Date for your diary 

Don't miss out on all the BAG action at BAG auctions 

Dickinsons Real Deal 
featuring Boldon Auction Galleries 
will air on ITV  
Thursday 29th November at 3pm

Wednesday 7 November 2018



Arts and Crafts therapy was undertaken by patients in the First World War who had been diagnosed with nervous conditions. These men were given simple, repetitive tasks such as basket weaving in the hope it would distract them from the strange and misunderstood symptoms of their condition. Commonly referred to at the time as “Shell Shock” (we now understand and recognise this illness as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) it is estimated that after the First World War ended approximately 80,000 British soldiers suffered from this psychological stress.
This basket bell is one such example of the type of therapy undertaken by one of the soldiers in Newcastle whilst recovering in hospital after the First World War.
To be offered for Auction 14th November.

A selection of 1930's Britains lead Miniature Garden accessories, including; crazing paving, sundial on pedestal, straight section flower beds, rockery straight section, stone walling, flower beds with grass borders, Conifers, Red Hot Pokers, Poppies, Daffodils and more.
To be offered for Auction on Wednesday 14th November (General Auction).


"In introducing their latest series to the public, Britains Limited feel that they are fulfilling a long-felt want, that of enabling the gardener, amateur or professional, to plan out his garden in thoroughly practical manner from the laying out of the beds, paths, crazy paving, arches, pergolas, etc., and last but not least filling it with a large variety of plants in full flower and in Nature's gorgeous colourings, arranging and rearranging his design in miniature until a satisfactory one has been achieved.
On the other hand, regarded purely as a toy, Britains Miniature Gardening has no equal, as the novelty of making a garden, the beautiful colourings, the realistic appearance, will hold children of all ages in keen enjoyment for hours on end, and the interchangeability of all parts which compose Britains Miniature Gardening has been given very careful consideration by the designers so that even with a small collection of pieces, very satisfactory results are possible.
Designs which may be made up from the various pieces are almost without limit and it is no exaggeration to say that whatever can be carried out in a full-size garden, can also be previously prepared in Britains Miniature gardening, and simplicity being the keynote of the whole, there are no difficult parts to fit together, no messy glue, nothing that even the smallest child cannot carry out and thoroughly enjoy."
— Britains Limited, Miniature Gardening catalogue ~1931






Thou shalt have a fishy on a little dishy ...........
This super shallow 19th Century dish decorated with three transfer printed fish was used for potted char, a popular delicacy from the 18th century onward. This fish, whose full name is the arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus), is related to the salmon, and in England is only found in deep land-locked lakes, notably Lake Windermere in Cumbria.
Early recorded recipes give instructions for long, slow cooking over several hours which suggests they would have been placed in a bread oven, taking advantage of the residual heat after baking. The finished dish called for copious amounts of clarified butter to form a preserving seal, in much the same way as potted shrimp.
The pot needed to be reliably stable and stackable so that it could be transported, hence it was made wide, shallow and flat-bottomed.
This delightful example will be offered for Auction on Wednesday 28th November (Antique and Interiors Sale)



Monday 29 October 2018



 

Our next free open valuation days will be held 
Friday 2nd November 10am until 12 noon and 2pm until 4pm
Saturday 3rd November 10am until 1pm
(up to 6 items)

Alternatively you can make an appointment from

Monday 5th November by calling 0191 5372630









 Don't forget we are open for viewing 
on Tuesday 30th October 2pm - 6pm