The Holts July 2023 sale cycle was another resounding success with bids consistently high and a high percentage of lots sold (88% of the live auction). Taking in the main sale, after sales and the Sealed Bid sale, close to £2.1m was raised. This included some lots sold on behalf of donors to the GWCT via The Holts ‘Charitable & Legacy Lots’ Programme.
There was an equal strength in the market for both the antique and modern side of things. The domestic market, usually accounting for a good 50% of the lots sold was pushed harder by the overseas market this time, with Europe, the USA and the rest of the world buying just over 60% of the lots offered.
It was heartening to see the top five Lots of the auction were all best English guns and rifles by the likes of David Mckay Brown, Holland & Holland and J. Purdey & Sons, the most expensive lot of the auction being Lot 1355, a fine pair of 12-bore round-action ejectors by David Mckay Brown, selling for an impressive £50,000 on the hammer.
Anything that is termed “barn find” in the car world, untouched over scores of years, always attracts much interest. Lot 692 was a time warp cased Colt .36 percussion revolver, dirty and rusty, bit moth eaten, but in a condition like that along with its exciting provenance, it had the moths opening their eyes when it reached £3,000 compared to its estimate of £500 - £800.
The “dealer in death”, Robert Wogdon of duelling pistol fame always generates interest. Lot 465, a Wogdon dueller with much original finish, estimated at £1,000 – £1,500 did not miss when it hit £2,400.
To find out more about donating the whole of the hammer price of a gun or related item to the GWCT please click here. There are no fees for you as the vendor for this service. You can also speak to David Thurgood about this on 01297 306123 or email westcountry@holtsauctioneers.com
To find a valuation day near you please click here.
Holts hold regular valuation days throughout the UK, The days are hosted by members of Holts staff, who will be able to tell you something about the item you have brought along. ‘We are always keen to hear of family or related provenance’; it is often of interest and can have a highly beneficial impact on the value. We will then suggest a realistic catalogue estimate and reserve (if you are minded to sell) together with a likely hammer price’.