Sporting art by one of Britain’s finest wildlife artists and a large fishing section including a private collection of Hardy fly reels are just some of the highlights in Mitchells three-day Country Sporting Sale this month.
The sale, at Mitchells’ Cockermouth saleroom, takes place from Wednesday October 9 to Friday October 11.
A particular highlight among the sporting art is a fine watercolour gouache by one of Britain’s foremost wildlife artists Nigel Artingstall, Highland Red Stag, measuring 50 x 69 cm which is expected to sell for £800 to £1,200.
Fishing
The sale also features a particularly large fishing section with plenty of good quality Hardy items for sale. including a single owner collection of 17 Hardy fly reels which should fetch £40 to £180 each and a Hardy split cane Phantom trout fly rod measuring 8ft 6in with an estimate of £80 to £120.
Shooting
The gun section includes a number of good quality flintlock guns with estimates ranging from £300 to £1,200 among a wide selection of shotguns and firearms.
A highlight amongst the shooting accessories is a Purdey cartridge magazine, constructed in leather and oak with brass corners with the capacity to hold approximately 500 cartridges which is expected to sell for £300 to £500.
A fine collection of stalking related books by Augustus Grimble and Frank Wallace are also for sale.
Hunting
Hunting enthusiasts are sure to bid for a Tup horn handled walking stick with carved fox and hounds presented to Mr Iredale, master of the Melbreak Foxhounds from M H Hardisty, Melbreak Huntsman Harry Hardisty, with an estimate of £70 to £100.
Taxidermy
Taxidermy includes a fine 27.5 lb salmon, caught on the Spey in 2004 and cast by Workington taxidermist Peter Scott with an estimate of £500-£800.
Other taxidermies include a fine African warthog estimated at £200 to £300 and a Cape Buffalo skull mount from the Okavango swamp valued at £180 to £220.
A fine Peter Spicer fox mask from Mr Curwen’s foxhounds is estimated at £150 to £200 and a Major Mitchell Cockatoo in a glass dome should make £200 to £300.
When does Mitchells Country Sporting Sale take place?
The first day of the sale on Wednesday October 9 will include guns and ammunition.
Day two, on Thursday October 10, will feature shooting accessories, taxidermy, ceramics, books and pictures.
Fishing rods, reels and tackle will be sold on day three of the sale on Friday October 11.
Where can I see the lots in Mitchells Country Sporting Sale?
An illustrated catalogue can be viewed online at www.the-saleroom.com/Mitchells where salegoers can also register to bid live online during the auction.
Alternatively lots can be viewed in person at Mitchells town centre saleroom in Cockermouth on Monday October 7 from 10am to 5pm, Tuesday October 8 from 10am to 7pm and throughout each sale day.
A printed, text only catalogue is available from the saleroom. Anyone requiring further information about these and other lots featured in the auction should contact James Moore on 01900 827800.
What’s next at Mitchells?
Entries are still open for Mitchells Woodworking, Engineering & Workshop Sale on Thursday October 31.
Contact David Dunlop for free valuations and entries.
The Maritime & Transport Sale on November 7 is also open for entries, so if you have something to sell on a maritime or transport theme contact Claire Machin for free valuations and entries.
Free valuations at Mitchells
If you want to find out what something is worth, Mitchells do free valuations by appointment at their Cockermouth saleroom and home visits by arrangement, including in the South Lakes and Furness.
Alternatively, you can email your valuation request and photographs to info@mitchellsantiques.co.uk. Contact Mitchells now on 01900 827800 to arrange your free valuation!
