The Great Auction Showdown

The Great Auction Showdown

Yexue Li Takes on Paul Martin in an Epic Battle of the Gavels

Our upcoming 30 May Homes & Interiors sale will contain an exciting twist. Our Asian Art specialist, Yexue Li will battle Paul Martin in Channel 5's, The Great Auction Showdown.

17 May 2023

The Homes & Interiors Department is excited to present Channel 5’s The Great Auction Showdown.

The programme will see Sworder’s own Asian Art Specialist, Yexue Li, go head-to-head with antiques show veteran Paul Martin. Through a series of fun challenges, the two auctioneers compete to test their knowledge and deal-making skills. Among the challenges for Yexue was a buying trip to Cambridge and a valuation day at the Duxford War Museum.

 

 

A total of 57 lots were acquired by both contestants, which will kick off our 30 May Homes & Interiors sale at 9.30am. Paul Martin’s star lots include a Rolex ‘Oyster Perpetual Submariner’ at £6,000-8,000, and large collection of early Marvel comic books, including an original Issue 1 Daredevil with an estimate of £3,000-5,000. Yexue on the other hand has selected from what she knows, including a Chinese famille rose moon flask, estimated at £200-300, and items a little outside her comfort zone, including three albums of signed Star Wars photographs.

 

 

With Sworders buyers deciding the outcome of the auction - can our Yexue beat Paul in the ultimate battle of the gavels?

To view the collection featured in our 30 May Homes & Interiors sale, click here


 

For further information please contact  homesandinteriors@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778

 

 


 

Recent News

 

Inside the Relaunch

As you may be aware, Sworders’ London gallery at 15 Cecil Court was temporarily closed throughout much of June for refurbishment. We are delighted to say that we have now reopened for business, five days a week 11am-6pm and look forward to welcoming all our customers to a new-look space. Here Lizzie Lardner, head of Sworders London, talks about her plans for the gallery.

30 July 2025

A Photographic Rarity

A haunting carte-de-visite of David Livingstone’s coffin attended by Jacob Wainwright, captured in 1874, offers a remarkable glimpse into history. We are honoured to include this poignant photograph in our upcoming Out of the Ordinary sale, on Tuesday 19 August.

25 July 2025

Rebel Yell | Punk’s Battle Cry Against the Establishment

Join us for a journey through time as we reminisce the Punk revolution and its lasting effects woven through every part of popular culture, film, art and fashion, ahead of our 19 August Out of the Ordinary auction, where Punk makes a bold feature.

25 July 2025

 


 

Get Sworders News