![Old-cut Diamond Ring [detail]. Photo: Ewbank’s](https://images.prismic.io/barnebys/d6bc5744-a9ed-4616-bf49-711d0698be31_Ewbank%27s+Cover.jpg?auto=format,compress)
On 27, 28 and 29 November, Surrey auction house Ewbank’s is hosting three superlative sales: Jewellery, Watches & Coins; Silver & Fine Art; and Antiques, Clocks & Antique Furniture.
The catalogues of these auctions traverse all styles, themes and price points, providing buyers the best in range and choice, and particularly with Christmas just around the corner. Let’s waste no time and dive straight in.
In Jewellery, Watches & Coins on 27 November we find this iconic Patek Philippe Calatrava wristwatch. The Calatrava is widely perceived as one of the key designs for the watchmaker, particularly as it was considered the saviour of the firm back in the early '30s during the Depression.
The first member of the Calatrava family, the Ref 96 was a simple wristwatch designed by English horologist David Penney in 1932. It followed the basic principles of Bauhaus design in that its aesthetics was stripped of all superfluous elements and unnecessary finishing, using only a simply layout. It was essentially refined down to pure simplicity following the philosophy of form following function.
This Ewbank's example, a 2015 vintage reference 5296R, is in an 18 carat rose gold case with Opaline dial: a modern twist on the original models. Offered with its documentation, the watch represents an opportunity to acquire an iconic example from a legendary maker.
This exquisite old-cut diamond ring also can't help but take our fancy. Should anyone feel like proposing this holiday season, this 5 carat diamond ring mounted in platinum should provide the perfect means of confidence. The lot is accompanied by a recent lab report from WGI London, stating colour H/I and clarity VS2 -SI2.
The platinum gross weight is 6.4 grams, central diamond measures approximately 7.9 x 7.9 x 5.0mm, one shoulder diamonds measure approximately 7.2 x 7.2 x 5mm - 1.70 carats, other shoulder diamond measures approximately 7.3 x 7.3 x 4.4mm - 1.50 carats, and all is reset in modern mount.
At the more affordable end of the scale, and with proceeds going to the Princess Alice Hospice, is this pair of vintage drop earrings. They are set with blue zircon and white sapphire mount testing as 9 ct, with post and butterfly fittings measuring 4 x 1 cm. Total weight is 3.8 grams.
In Silver & Fine Art on 28 November, we find this sweet and homely image of two siblings reaching out to hug and kiss their baby sibling goodbye. The mother offers the baby gently, and their grey and white cat happily watches the scene and the comings and going of the front door.
The 53 x 43 cm oil on canvas has been painted by British artist Joseph Clark (1834-1926), who was born near Dorchester, Dorset and studied painting in London under J M Leigh (1808-1860).
In the silver portion of the sale is this 21-cm-high, 1897-gram Edward VII silver twin-handled cup. It appears in the form of the Warwick Vase, on a square base, by William Comyns & Sons Ltd, London 1908. The filigree and detailing is quite something: the handles twist and curve like the roots of a tree, flower heads hang from the lip of the open cup, and a figure’s head graces the front with what appears to be two spears by its side.
And finally we enter the sale of Antiques, Clocks & Antique Furniture on 29 November. Here we find plenty of fine porcelain (including sets, sculptures, individual pieces and more), such as this Royal Worcester figure of ‘the Bather Surprised’ after Thomas Brock. The stunning and serene piece is modelled as a classical female figure, with delicate draping, against a tree stump, blush ivory highlighted in gilt all on a gilded base. It is marks pattern no. 486 to base, and measures 39.5 cm.
When it comes to furniture, it’s difficult to go past this 18th-century ebonised and brass inlaid 8-day longcase clock by George Blagden of Chichester. The piece comes in the form of a bracket clock on a pedestal, with painted moon face dial (giving it a mystical, all-knowing sort of power), alarm dial and date aperture, twin train movement striking on a bell. It measures 230 cm high and comes with original receipt and paper from W F Bruce. The dark finish with gold framing is what brings this historic and noteworthy piece to light.
As a reminder, these Ewbank’s sales will be taking place from 27-29 November. Start your Christmas shopping today!
This article is sponsored by Ewbank’s