1. First World War memorabilia
A collection of 47 different ‘penny flags’ for First World War fundraising will form part of Sworders’ Homes and Interiors sale on October 29, estimated at £80-120.
During the First World War many fundraising events were organised to provide aid to wounded soldiers. Thousands of British women of all classes became involved in Voluntary Aid Detachments and some put their organisational skills to use by setting up and running their own war charities.
Particularly popular were ‘flag-days’, when small colourful paper flags, emblems and badges were sold for a penny or more each. Agnes Brysson Morrison, the daughter of an Edinburgh lawyer, is credited with starting the movement that would raise over £25m.
Although produced in large numbers, these paper flags were quickly discarded and are surprisingly rare today. A collection of 47 different ‘penny flags’ will form part of Sworders’ Homes and Interiors sale in Stansted Mountfitchet on October 29.
Each pin is dated in the album (from March 10, 1915 to April 25, 1917) with examples including the fabric pink rose for Queen Alexandra’s Rose Charity (June 21, 1916); Help Russia (July 4, 1916) and YMCA Hut Day. The YMCA opened hostels for soldiers on leave and awaiting training who had to stay overnight in London – these were known as huts.
The collection is estimated at £80-120. To view the auction online visit the-saleroom.com.
2. Portrait of a philosopher
This portrait by French artist François Guérin (fl.1751-91) of Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-78) will be sold with an estimate of £10,000-15,000 at Lyon & Turnbull’s sale The Classic Tradition: European Art from 15th-19th Centuries on October 30.
A rediscovered portrait of Enlightenment thinker Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-78) is offered at a Lyon & Turnbull auction in London this month.
This portrait by French artist François Guérin (fl.1751-91) of Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-78) will be sold with an estimate of £10,000-15,000 at Lyon & Turnbull’s sale The Classic Tradition: European Art from 15th-19th Centuries on October 30. It previously went under the hammer at Bonhams in 2015 when it was catalogued simply as ‘French School’. However, London dealer Nicholas Bagshaw discovered Guérin’s signature during cleaning.
It is now offered with an estimate of £10,000-15,000 at Lyon & Turnbull’s sale The Classic Tradition: European Art from 15th-19th Centuries on October 30. Organised by Rohan McCulloch, the sale is the firm’s inaugural event at 10-11 Carlton House Terrace.
The 2ft 6in x 2ft (76 x 61cm) oil on canvas, probably dating to the 1760s, is one of only a handful of lifetime portraits of Rousseau that are known. It was painted around the time he wrote two of his most famous works, The Social Contract and Emile, or On Education.
It is now offered from a London collection with a provenance back to Jean Francois Xavier Rousseau, the sitter's cousin. To view the lot online visit the-saleroom.com.
3. Novelty Victorian vesta case
A novelty Victorian electroplated vesta case modelled as a fishing creel, estimated at £80-120 at Mullock’s.
The sale of Antique and Modern Fishing tackle at Mullock’s of Church Stretton, Shropshire, on November 1-2 includes this novelty Victorian electroplated vesta case modelled as a fishing creel.
Estimate £80-120.
To view the lot online visit the-saleroom.com.
4. Stone bust
A 2ft 6in (76cm) high bust with a 2ft 8in (82cm) plinth is estimated at £3000-5000 at Bentley’s.
While assessing the contents of a country house in the south of England, Bentley’s auctioneer Nick Hall discovered what he believes to be a Roman carved stone bust buried among the undergrowth in the grounds.
A family member has a vague recollection of the late home owner buying it many moons ago at a country house sale and the family are now trying to verify the provenance in advance of its sale in Cranbrook, Kent on November 2.
The bust is 2ft 6in (76cm) high and the associated column plinth is 2ft 8in (82cm) high. Estimate £3000-5000.
To view the auction visit the-saleroom.com.
5. 1930s Britains toy lorry
This Model Home Farm Four-Wheeled Lorry by Britains is estimated at £300-500 at Special Auction Services in Newbury on October 29.
The Specialist Toys for the Collector sale at Special Auction Services in Newbury on October 29 includes five rare die-cast vehicles by the Britains factory (of lead soldier fame). Most were made just prior to the onset of the Second World War.
This Model Home Farm Four- Wheeled Lorry, in green with original white tyres and black hubs, comes in its original box.
Estimate £300-500. To view the lot online visit the-saleroom.com.
