POSEIDON SHAKES THE EARTH

As well as god of the sea the Greek god Poseidon was also known as ‘earth shaker’ in the context of earthquakes.

At John Goodwin’s most recent collective sale of furniture and effects a large stone bust believed to depict Poseidon proved to be an earth shaker by virtue not just of his enormous weight but also the exceptional price achieved.

The statue standing around 3 feet high was estimated at £300 - £500. Following a very spirited bidding the hammer finally fell to a buyer in the room bidding against the telephone at £4800.

Auctioneer, Chris Maulkin reported that he was absolutely delighted with the outcome particularly as the vendor was very reluctant to include the statue in the sale as she felt it was of relatively low value and not worth the effort to move it.

The outside effects also produced another exceptional result when a composite sundial or bird bath stand depicting 2 maidens and believed to date from the 1930’s reached an equally unexpected hammer price of £900 well in excess of its £100-£200 pre-sale expectations.

No doubt these figures were boosted by the time of year, perhaps the recent Chelsea Flower Show and the fact the sun was shining!

Other notable prices included £550 for a scratch built model racing car estimated at £100 - £200. Jewellery also once again performed extremely well and the price of gold coins, notably sovereigns, seem to increase at every sale. On this occasion half sovereigns sold to £70 full sovereigns at £120.

The collectables market seems undinted by reported difficult trading conditions medals continuing to perform extremely well with a group of Second World War medals selling at £240. Vintage fishing tackle was also the subject of competitive bidding with a mixed lot selling at £240 the principal appeal being a single wire lure and a pocket barometer was sold at £210.

John Goodwin are currently accepting entries for the next collective sale which is scheduled for the 3 September and the auction Chris Maulkin can be contacted at the John Goodwin Ledbury office on 01531 634648.