July Hammer Highlights

Wow - what a great run of auctions we had at McTear's Auctioneers last week. From stunning pieces of Jewellery, to some unique items of 'all things Japanese', the auctions definitely provided keen bidders with an array of exciting lots to get their hands on.

The auctions kicked off with the Asian Works of Art auction which included some unique and beautiful pieces from Asia with particular items exceeding their estimated hammer price. The interest in this auction was promising and hopefully a good sign for ‘all things Japanese’ in the coming months. This particular piece - a Chinese Famille Rose Planter - exceeded the estimated hammer price by miles and sold for £1400.



The usual favourite also had some crackers going under the hammer, but the Rare and Collectable Whisky, Wine & Port Auction is never one to disappoint. Black Bowmore Limited edition single Islay Malt Whisky went under the hammer for £3600.



McTear’s Auctioneers went tribal for the next auction which featured a couple of sought after tribal clubs. The Works of Art and Collectables auction never fails to provide bidders with an array of eclectic lots! This Tongan Iron Wood APA'PAI sold for £1900 after an estimated hammer price of just £700 - £1000.



The Jewellery Auction was another successful one with some lucky ladies leaving with some new bling and glamour. An example of this bling and glamour is this stunning 18 carat gold bracelet designed by Charles De Temple which sold for £4000.

For a look at some of our other hammer highlights have a look here. 

Also, make sure you keep an eye on our website for the next dedicated auctions coming soon. 

Diamonds Galore

This forthcoming dedicated Jewellery auction will definitely not leave the ladies disappointed with diamonds to dazzle everyone's' taste buds.

The auction that takes place on the in the evening of the 23rd of July features around 300 lots of stunning jewellery, from splendid Sapphire and Diamond rings, to fabulous Victorian earrings and bracelets. With varied prices from affordable to the more exclusive, there is sure to be a piece for you!

A diamond may be a girls best friend, but how could you say no to Diamonds and Pearls. This stunning set of Pearl and Diamond drop earrings are estimated to go for £1000-£2000.


Lot 1371

Something much different but just as beautifull is this impressive Tanzanite and Diamond set bracelet with approximately 75 carats of Diamonds and Tanzanite totaling about 11.40 carats. An estimated price tag of around £6000 reflects the sophistication of this piece.


Lot 1287

A slightly more affordable yet just as nice item of jewellery would be this Sapphire and Diamond cluster ring in nine carat gold, with an estimated price tag of £150- £250. 

Lot 1209

For more information on this auction and other exciting dedicated ones we have next week, have a look on our website. 

As part of our special auctions that occur every five weeks, our Scottish Contemporary Art Auction on the 22nd June saw many attractive and desirable paintings go under the hammer, with a good few reaching and exceeding their auction estimates.

In particular, this eerie looking oil on hardboard by John Bellany showing a peculiar looking man playing an accordion sold for a fantastic £24,000. Bellany is a highly respected Scottish painter with many of successful paintings and a unique style in this field. This particular piece had never been publicly exhibited or offered at auction before appearing at McTear’s and definitely caused a lot of excitement in the auction house. It was noted that “The Accordionist” was painted not long after Bellany’s trip to Buchenwald where he encountered a very traumatic experience, which could explain the eeriness of the painting. 

Lot 1781: "The Accordionist"

Sadly, Bellanny past away last year but his paintings will maintain and prolong the memories people hold of him and his work. 

“I paint from my very soul and I want to move people to get inside their hearts” 

John Bellany 1942 - 2013 (Credit – http://www.bellany.com/) 

Lot 1716: Wildcat 

Lot 1826: Woman of The Mediterranean Sea 

Our next special auction are as follows: 

The Asian Works of Art Auction - 22nd July 2014 at 10.30am

The Clocks, Scientific & Musical Instruments Auction - 22nd July 2014 at 5.00pm 

The Furniture, Works of Art & Collectables Auction - 22nd July 2014  at 6.00pm 

The Rare and Collectable Whisky Auction - 23rd July 2014 at 10.30am

The Watches and Coins Auction - 23rd July 2014 at 5.00pm 

The Jewellery Auction - 23rd July 2014 at 6.00pm 

The British and International Pictures Auction - 24th July 2014 at 6.00pm 

The Scottish Contemporary Art Auction - 27th July 2014 at 2.00pm

Jewellery Auction

McTear’s ever popular Jewellery Auction will take place on Wednesday 18th June. This auction is held once every five weeks and is dedicated to a range of jewellery at various price points. With 379 lots coming up in this auction, we are sure you will find something that is sure to catch your eye!

In Lot 1386, you can find our beautifully sparkly sapphire and diamond earrings, each set with an oval sapphire of approximately 0.80 carats surrounded by diamonds totalling approximately 0.5 carats in eighteen carat white gold. These eye-catching stunners are estimated between £1500-£2000 and will not go un-noticed.

Another very special piece we have coming up is Lot 1274. This diamond line bracelet is set with brilliant cut diamonds totalling approximately 4.00 carats in fourteen carat gold. The bracelet is 18 cm long and will be a beauty for a very keen customer with estimations between £2500-£3500.



A more affordable piece coming up is Lot 1125 with our pearl and ruby cluster ring. The central white pearl is surrounded by rounded rubies in a nine carat gold band. This ring is sized as M-N and is estimated between £30-£50. This is a nice ring for every day wear and while being affordable… still looks very special.



At the other end of the scale we have a particular highlight in our auction, Lot 1120a. This very impressive early twentieth century diamond solitaire ring has an old brilliant cut stone of approximately 3.50 carats on bifurcated diamond set shoulders in platinum comes in size M. Who will be the lucky lady to win this bid? This ring has an estimated value of £15000 - £18000. We think the smile of the new owner will sparkle just as much as these diamonds!



For updates on our upcoming auctions, click here.

Lalique and Royal Doulton

Our British and Continental Ceramics and Glass auction on the 17th June features many stunning lots of ceramics and glass from Britain, Europe and beyond. This auction will include many beautiful pieces, including some  'Lalique' glass art and Royal Doulton ornaments. 

This opulent pair of Royal Doulton gilt blue porcelain pedestal vases and covers is set to get under the hammer for £100-£150 in the auction. This would be a great statement addition to any mantelpiece. 

Something a bit different - this Royal Doulton porcelain Dickens dream jug with a raised design throughout depicting Charles Dickens characters. This is from 1933 and is estimated to go under the hammer for £200 to £300. 

Something a bit different again and maybe less unusual, but still as stunning as the rest - Royal Doulton flambe vase with an estimate of £100 - £150.

Now a preview of some of the Lalique pieces McTear's have coming up for auction.
This pair of Lalique frosted glass sculptures of eagle heads is estimated to go under the hammer for £300 - £500. 

This Lalique frosted glass champs elsysee centrepiece bowl would be a stunning centre point on a table to give a unique feature. With another estimate of £300-£500, it is sure to be snapped up quickly. 

For a look at some of the other lots going under the hammer in our special auctions follow the links below:

The Silver Auction- Tuesday 17th June at 10.30am
The British & Continental Ceramics & Glass Auction- Tuesday 17th June at 11.30am
The Furniture, Works of Art & Collectables Auction- Tuesday 17th June at 6.00pm
The Rare & Collectable Whisky Auction- Wednesday 18th June at 10.30am
The Watches and Coins Auction- Wednesday 18th June at 5.00pm
The Jewellery Auction- Wednesday 18th June at 6.00pm
The Scottish Pictures Auction- Thursday 19th June at 2.00pm
The Scottish Contemporary Art Auction- Sunday 22nd June at 2.00pm

May Auctions at McTear's

This May McTear’s again have our monthly auctions with a marvelous selection of lots within a variety of departments. We have selected a few specific items of interest to draw to your attention…

Our Asian Works of Art Auction on Tuesday, 13 May 2014 starting at 10:30 AM and includes ceramics, metalwork and furniture dedicated to rare and collectable objects from Asia, including China, Japan and India. In Lot 96 we are auctioning a rare pair of large Satsuma vases, decorated with geisha, with gilt dragon handles on ebonised wood. These are very special, estimated for auction between £3000 - £4000.

Later that day we are hosting our Clocks, Scientific and Musical Instruments Auction at 5PM. We will be showcasing a selection of items from each category, including this early 19th century gilt gesso simulated birds eye maple eight-pedal harp in Lot 330. The fluted column of the harp is moulded with winged angels, anthemion and caryatid figures and the base of the column with further anthemion. The maker has inscribed on the brass plate inscribed 'Sebastian Erard Maker by Special Appointment to His Majesty and the Royal Family', Patent Number 4339. This has been estimated for auction between £800-£1200.

The Furniture, Works of Art and Collectables Auction on Tuesday 13th May at 6PM contains the largest furniture to the smallest miniature, offering a wide range of artworks and objects. Lot 353 is a Hornby Dublo Electric Train Set in its original control unit with ‘Silver King’ Locomotive and is estimated between £100 - £200.

A particular highlight this month is Lot 1106 in our Jewellery Auction on Wednesday 14th May at 6pm. We have an outstanding diamond solitaire ring with a brilliant cut diamond approximately 7.28 carats, in platinum, size N-O. This has been estimated between £60000 - £100000 and is sure to draw a lot of attention!

The British and International Pictures Auction takes place on Thursday, 15 May 2014 at 02:00 PM and is dedicated to the sale of 19th & 20th century British & International paintings. In Lot 1602 we have this colourful oil on canvas by Kate Wylie, a Scottish artist who studied at the Glasgow School of Art and is known well for her floral paintings. This one is estimated between £700 - £900.





We have plenty more where these have come from, check out our other upcoming auctions here and we look forward to seeing you soon at McTear’s!

An Auctioned Packed April...

Well we really sprung into spring with our special April auctions. On top of the usual ‘3 days of auction’, McTear’s had another 3 unique auctions featuring various pieces of Victorian, Edwardian & Scottish Jewellery, Miniature Spirits and works of art. 

All taking place on the 17th of April, The Miniature Spirits Auction kicked off the day of auctions at 10.30am. This auction included 103 pieces of Miniature bottles of Whisky, Gin, Vodka, Rum and Port, with most lots meeting their estimation and a few exceeding them. An example of this would be this Whisky Miniature Ceramic Selection which has some well known items such as a 12 year old Springbank and a 21 year old Glenfiddich. After an estimate of £30 - £50, the miniatures went under the hammer for £120.


Lot 43

Later on in the day we had 300 stunning lots of Victorian, Edwardian & Scottish Jewellery, with prices ranging from £30 - £8000. Again, some of the lots not only met the expectations held, but also surpassed them, like this beautiful Edwardian Opal and Diamond set clover brooch. After an estimation of £150, this ended up going for a whopping £1000.

Lot 202

The last auction of the day featured some out of the ordinary pieces of ceramic, works of art and jewellery. With various Art Deco pieces and even a Mulberry handbag this was a very enticing auction to be at. One particular piece that grabbed the attentions of bidders was this Ceiling lamp in the style of W.A.S Benson. After an estimated hammer price of £150 this unusual lamp sold for a fantastic £1100. 

Lot 537

To see what other exciting items went under the hammer have a look here.