Fantastic Finds

VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR     REQUEST A VALUATION     CONTACT US

With the return of regular Antiques valuation days at our Stansted saleroom, our specialists have been delighted by the fascinating pieces brought in by our clients. Here, we showcase some of the highlights we’ve seen so far.

^{A 'scare-devil' or kareau figure, early 20th century, Nicobar Islands, Indian Ocean (Sold for £5,850 ~ Fine Interiors)}

The 'scare-devil' or kareau figure is an early 20th-century carved wooden statue from the Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean. Standing 73cm tall, it depicts a male figure holding a spear, featuring a painted face, shell eyes, and original cloth coverings. These figures, known as hentakoi, were traditionally placed in doorways to protect Nicobari homes from illness, bad luck, and evil spirits. Crafted by the community's spiritual healers, called menluanas, they were replaced when believed to have lost their protective efficacy. Our vendor’s father obtained the figure whilst working as a chaplain in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the 1930s.

^{A polychrome majolica pottery tile by AWN Pugin (1812-1852), c.1851, manufactured by Minton, designed for the iron-framed stove, manufactured by Hardman & Co. of Birmingham, in the Medieval Court at the 1851 Great Exhibition (Sold for £2,080 ~ Design)}

Augustus Welby Pugin, a pioneer of the Gothic Revival, saw himself as both an architect and educator. Embracing industrial advancements, he collaborated with manufacturers like Minton to revolutionise encaustic tile production. His designs, from churches to the Palace of Westminster, blended medieval inspiration with modern techniques, shaping Victorian architecture and decorative arts. This tile, relief moulded with floral motifs and set in a pierced quatrefoil ground.

^{An Arts and Crafts silver and chrysoprase-set porringer and spoon, by Charles Robert Ashbee for the Guild of Handicrafts Ltd., London 1901 (Sold for £2,210 ~ Design)}

Charles Robert Ashbee was a key figure of the Arts and Crafts movement and designed exquisite silver pieces for the Guild of Handicrafts. His creations blended medieval and Art Nouveau influences, emphasising handcraftsmanship over industrial production. This porringer, along with its spoon, feature an elegant, flowing handle, a feature Ashbee was well known for.

^{A pair of ‘Zwischengoldglas’ glass beakers, late 18th century, Bohemian, attributed to Johann Joseph Mildner (Austrian 1764-1808) (Sold for £3,640 ~ Fine Interiors)}

Zwischengoldglas, meaning ‘gold between glass’ in German, is an 18th-century decorative technique from Bohemia and Austria. It involves placing a gold or silver leaf design between two precisely fitted glass vessels. Unlike Hellenistic and Roman gold glass, which is fused together, Zwischengoldglas is held in place using a bonding cement. Sworders have sold similar examples in the past, but none as good in quality as this pair.

_{All sold prices shown include fees.}

We hold valuation days every Wednesday at our Stansted Mountfitchet saleroom, offering expert valuations for general antiques. If you have a similar item and would like a valuation or no-obligation sales advice, feel free to drop in and consult with our friendly specialists.

We also hold dedicated valuation days for Paintings, Sculpture, Jewellery, and Watches. To ensure you meet with the appropriate specialist, please book an appointment.

Please see our Events Calendar for full details. 

VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR