Such was specialist Christina Trevanion's opinion of the white metal and enamel Swiss singing bird box that sold for £5200 (estimate £1500-2250) at Halls (15% buyer's premium) of Shrewsbury on November 10. A typically deluxe product from one of the Swiss jewellers c.1880, the 33/4in by 21/4in (9.5 x 5.7cm) box was finely decorated with repoussé scrolls and flowers to the sides and floral displays of enamels that flanked a central oval scene of a chateau on a mountain lake. It had only minor chips to the top and underside of the cover.
Christina Trevanion - this was her debut sale as auctioneer of these biannual events of jewellery and silver - also hammered down a 1920s diamond-set bracelet spelling the word Jewell at £1000 and a beautifully carved hardstone cameo brooch/pendant, c.1870 at £1400. The latter, in a fitted Wartski box, had a surround of 38 old cut diamonds and two pearls and the subject was an attractive classical maiden.
Top price in the small silver section went to an Art Deco five-piece tea and coffee service made by B. Gordon, Birmingham in 1932, which made £1200 (estimate £1000-1500), and star of the miniatures section was a pair of miniatures of the Marquis and Marchioness of Antrim by William Singleton c.1780, which are returning to the family at £1800 (estimate £1000-1500).
