Sporting guns dominated the top 10 in Mitchells’ Country Sporting Sale last week, with the only exception being a Polaris Ranger 4×4 vehicle, which sold for £1,800.
The highest selling gun was an Alex Blair, Nile Street, Glasgow 8 gauge double barrel hammer shotgun with 36in barrels which made £1,500, one of 20 guns in a private collection auctioned during the sale.
Antique guns included an early 1800s Blake of London brass barrelled flintlock pistol with 8in barrel and 34 cm overall length which sold for £400.
Among shooting miscellany was a very rare 1861 James Dixon & Sons powder flask pattern book which collectors viewing the sale had never seen before.
With an estimate of only £50 to £80, the hammer eventually fell to an internet buyer for £480.
Other valuable shooting miscellany included a silver sandwich tin and flask which made £350.
A collection of musket flints believed to be from the shipwreck which killed Captain John Wordsworth, brother of the poet William Wordsworth, sold to an international buyer for £170.
The highest selling lot in the taxidermy section was a Merlin which sold for £320.
Decorative sporting items included a large modern bronze horse, height 66cm, nose to tail 102cm, which made £320.
In the fishing section, the most valuable rod was a Hardy the Marvel rod Palakona split case trout fly rod, in three sections with two tips, length 7′ 6” which was bought by a man as a 50th birthday present to himself, to be used on his fishing trips. The rod cost him £480.
A small blue boat with oars made £450.
For free valuations of items for the next Country Sporting Sale in October, contact James Moore on 01900 827800.
What’s next at Mitchells?
Entries are now invited for Mitchells Antiques & Fine Art Sale from Wednesday June 10 to Friday June 12 and the Vintage Toy & Model Sale on Thursday July 30.
If you have something you might consider selling at auction, Mitchells offer 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 [email protected]
Valuation services for insurance and probate and house clearances are also available. Contact Mitchells now on 01900 827800 to arrange.
