Trevor is one of our most experienced valuers at Biddle & Webb Auctioneers. He conducts house visits on a weekly basis, providing a free verbal valuation. He has over 25 years valuing experience.
During one of Trevor’s house visits at Mrs. Barlow’s house, he viewed a fantastic selection of jewellery, silverware, watches and furniture; such as an Edwardian peridot with green glass, seed pearl and garnet pendant, a matched silver Art Deco style tea pot and a Uniflex mid-twentieth Century sideboard.
As Trevor was leaving the property he noticed sitting on the front porch was this outstanding Chinese bronze squat bowl filled with soil and stones. It may have been used as a plant pot. The Chinese bronze squat bowl has handles shaped in the form of a fish, with dragon design and character marks to the base named Hsuan-Te Xuande.
The Chinese bowl was entered into our January Jewellery, Silver, Watches & Interiors Auction; receiving a high number of viewers on our online catalogue and engagement on social media. It was the most viewed item in our January sale.
During the auction we had telephone, internet and room bidders waiting for Lot: 199.
Ellie (Auctioneer) was shocked when she had realised the internet bidders had jumped to £1,500, BUT the telephone bidder pocketed the Chinese bowl for £1,600.
Mrs. Barlow: ‘Thank you for spotting the bowl, I am delighted with the result!’
Gill Evans commented on Facebook: ‘On the net! In the room! On the phone! So exciting to watch these sales!! I love an auction.’
This goes to show that you never know what you might find hidden away in your home!