The journey begins in Imperial Russia with Lot 5; a bronze statue featuring a Cossack figure, driving a horse-drawn sleigh and mounted on an oval base. The statue was cast by Woerffel and is after a model by Vasily Gracher (1831 - 1905). This 19th century statue is in good condition and will suit anyone with an interest in Russian or bronze antiques.
From there take a trip down the ancient tea routes from Russia to Asia and with Lots 147 and 148, two ivory carved figures. Lot 147 is a 19th Century ivory miniature banana with part of the skin peeled back exposing the flesh underneath. Lot 148 is a Chinese carved ivory lychee with secondary fruit. Both lots, in very good condition, show enormous skill and lifelike detailing.
Stop off in Paris with Lot 1, a champlevé casket by Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810 - 1892). A beautiful 19th century casket in gilt bronze with gadrooned edges on bun feet, the casket is decorated in the Persian style with a mix of blues, green and purples that is suggestive of flowers and birds in flight. Barbedienne was well known in Paris during the 19th century as an artist reproducing bronze reductions of antique sculptures before moving on to pieces by live artists. Throughout his career he was known to 'strive to the highest quality in his castings' which continued after his death towards the end of the century. Lot 1 is a lovely example of his work.
Sale room manager, Andrew Doubleday stated: "Our next sale has quite an international flavour with quality pieces from Russia, Asia and Europe. We are expecting a lot of global interest in the sale."
The antiques journey reaches London and probably one of the finest English silversmiths known in this country, Hester Bateman (1708 - 1794). Lot 12, is a George III silver sweet meat dish by Hester Bateman and is engraved with the initials 'RM'. It features a pierced and floral engraved decoration, which is typical of Bateman's style. The dish comes with a blue glass liner.
Also within the sale is an impressive collection of Royal Doulton whisky flasks. The collection of Kingsware and Dewars flagons was put together by a local family and features the characters 'George the Guard', 'The MacNab', 'Bonnie Prince Charlie' and 'Mr McCawber' to name a few.
Lot 2, a walnut credenza, is a beautiful example of Victorian craftsmanship. The cupboard features ormolu mounts, a central cupboard and display shelves at either end with glass doors. Lot 39 is an attractive insect brooch with tiny rubies as eyes, sapphire set thorax and abdomen and a diamond in the abdomen (approximately 0.25 carat). The stones are set within yellow metal and stamped 18K, maker CPL. This is one of many jewellery items within the auction, where bidders can pick up quality items at prices far below what you would pay at a high street jewellery store.
Local interest comes from Lot 8, a 19th century railway workshop time keeper's bell which is said to have been used at Boston Railway Workshop until the 1960s. The vendor used to watch the timekeeper ring the bell, whilst waiting for his grandfather to finish work. We also have an extensive collection of postcards, Lots 438 and 439 featuring locations throughout Lincolnshire, including town squares, churches and rural scenes.
