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auction results and other related comments that may be of some assistance
to both consignors and buyers in making informed decisions regarding
buying or selling at auction, we hope to make this a monthly commentary
of on going events relating to our auction business.
We have just completed our January estate auction with good to mixed
results. Estate jewellery was well received with the better quality
items in the collection doing very well. A very nice older square emerald
ring surrounded with brilliant vintage cut diamonds topped the lots
at $2700. Other diamond and sapphire rings brought fair prices that
satisfied both buyers and sellers. A pair of 18k gold diamond necklaces
went over the $1000 mark.
The next items of interest were vintage metal toys circa 1940-1950.
It is amazing how many people have toys that are boxed up and have been
tucked away as children have grown up and left home. If those toys are
in fair shape there is a good demand for them, with old Dinky Toys being
much sought after. Some Dinky's are fetching hundreds of dollars a piece.
We just sold four vintage metal toy trucks in only fair condition from
$100 to $240 each.
Good artwork is holding up well and some of Ottawa's local artists are
starting to be appreciated and realizing good prices. Several nice Henri
Masson oils have been pushing $3000. Ralph Burton’s are also coming
along nicely with the smaller pieces fetching $750 to $1300. One Burton
painting of the Yukon realized $2300. There is a good upside for these
pieces and like a lot of the other locally recognized artists they will
certainly appreciate over time. If you have any pieces of artwork and
you are not sure of value please feel free to give us a call. Classical
records & CD's are starting to have some appeal to serious collectors.
Early Rock & Roll records circa 1950 as well as 1920-1930 blues
records are in demand at auction.
Good English sterling particularly Georgian and early Victorian are
selling well. Birks sterling flatware is also in demand particularly
"Saxon" and "Old English" patterns. A few other
patterns do very well but people are becoming more selective when it
comes to Birks sterling. 20th century silver plate has little value
at present, including Birks "Regency".
At the present time, only a few types of “good quality”
furniture are fetching what we would consider to be reasonable prices.
Solid wood construction by the likes of Gibbard, Henredon and Pennsylvania
House as well as Canadiana, Victorian and Georgian antiques are examples
of the furniture which have retained some of their values. At the moment,
furniture in general is what we consider to be "Off", mostly
because of the massive influx of lesser quality goods being sold in
retail stores and it seems people only want to buy the latest "Look"
that will be replaced every few years for the next "In" thing.
Recently however, there have been some great bargains in furniture at
our auctions and for the person who wants quality and appreciates fine
crafted pieces our auction is the place to go.
Old hand wooden tools are doing well, vintage clothing, War medals,
old quality watches, working or not .are much sought after. Books relating
to Canada and children’s books always do well if in fair to good
condition. Canadian stamp collections as well as Canadian coins are
always on the want list. Oriental items, particularly pre-20th century
have been well received and both 19th century bronze & spelter figures
are in demand to selective buyers. Good quality handcrafted Canadian
19th century furniture items are selling at about half as much as five
years ago and there are great buys to be had in this field. Imagine
buying Canadian heritage for less money than today’s poorly manufactured
modern furniture.
A lot of people have been selling items online through
web sites not realising that on many occasions items are being sold
for far less than their true value. An experienced Auction House will
know what an item is worth and can ensure that a reasonable price is
attained.
Just as a side note, if you have any "Scrap"
jewellery gathering dust in your home, please refrain from sending these
pieces through the mail to companies who will give you very little of
its fair value. A lot of what you might consider to be "Scrap"
could be hand crafted, vintage jewellery that even damaged is worth
far more if repaired properly. We have a strong clientele looking for
good antique jewellery and the bidding is very competitive. This will
ensure that you receive a fair value for your items.
We look forward to seeing you at the next auction and
you know something strange, interesting and no doubt humorous will show
up or happen.
Yours Michael & Shawn Spooner
613-722-8321
613-722-2144 fax
shawn@spoonerauctions.com
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