Autumn Fine Art Sale Produced Remarkable Results…
19th October 2026
Our Autumn Fine Art Sale, held over two days in October, produced some extraordinary results, with determined bidding across paintings, furniture, silver, watches and collectors' items. Time and again, it was rarity and a good story that pushed lots beyond their pre-sale estimates.
Leading the sale was a small but captivating oil on oak panel attributed to Hendrik Gerritsz Pot (circa 1580-1657). Depicting a lady in Dutch period costume and lace ruff, seated at a table with a lute close by and her dog at her side, the painting was estimated at £8,000. It is possibly the missing companion to Pot's celebrated "Merry Company" works, and it came from the collection of the Bailward family, formerly of Horsington Manor, near Wincanton. Collectors clearly agreed it was something special, and after spirited competition it was bought for £70,000*, almost nine times its estimate.
In the Furniture and Works of Art department, a fine late 19th century Bidjar or Bakshaish carpet drew considerable interest. It was estimated at £5,000 and was bought for £15,000*. A 17th century South German walnut and fruitwood marquetry cabinet also proved popular. Elaborately decorated with noble gentlemen and ladies playing their instruments, running hounds, architecture and landscapes, and concealing 13 drawers, it was bought for £9,375* against an estimate of £3,000, more than three times its lower estimate.
Among the watches, one lot had bidders and onlookers talking long before the sale. A stainless steel Rolex GMT-Master "Pepsi" bezel wristwatch was one of just twelve Rolex watches issued in 1969 to members of the Joint Services Expedition to North Peary Land, Greenland, and it spent the expedition on the wrist of one of its members. Rolex's own correspondence, which confirmed the watch's reference and the owner's place on the expedition, accompanied it, and the family's single-ownership history made it a rarity at auction. Its Arctic story found its audience, and it was bought for £12,500*, within its estimate of £10,000 to £15,000.
The silver section was particularly strong, with 98% of all lots sold. Leading the way was a late Victorian Aesthetic Movement five piece tea set by Walker and Hall of Sheffield, hallmarked 1899 and engraved with Japanesque birds and foliage. Estimated at £2,000, it was bought for £4,500*.
The Collectors department saw some of the biggest surprises of the sale. A small antique G & J Lines rocking horse, probably early 20th century and mounted on an unusual pine trestle base, came to us as part of a house clearance from a local vendor to Crewkerne. It far exceeded expectations, and after lively bidding it was bought for £10,000*, an extraordinary result for such an unassuming piece of nursery history.
Stamps also did well. An exceptional fine used British and Commonwealth collection, housed in a pair of SG New Imperial albums, ranged from Great Britain's 1840 1d black through to superb Commonwealth issues from Antigua to Zululand. Estimated at £5,000, it was bought for £11,875*, more than double its estimate.
From a Dutch panel painting to a house clearance rocking horse, the Autumn Fine Art Sale showed the breadth of objects entrusted to Lawrences, and the enthusiasm of collectors for pieces with real quality and a story to tell.
We are now welcoming consignments for our forthcoming Fine Art Sales. If you're considering selling a single item, a private collection or an entire estate, our team of experienced specialists are on hand to provide expert advice, complimentary valuations and guidance every step of the way.
To discuss a potential consignment or arrange a valuation, please get in touch with our team today. We'd be delighted to help you achieve the very best result for your treasures.
(All prices include Buyer's Premium)
