1. 2001: A Space Odyssey 3D poster – £620
A lenticular poster for ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ – £620 at East Bristol Auctions
The series of lenticular posters made to promote the release of 2001: A Space Odyssey in 1968 hold a special place in the hearts of movie memorabilia collectors. The Stanley Kubrick classic is one of just a handful of films to use the technology in a major ad campaign.
Given the expense of a three-dimensional printing process, print runs were very small. Three sizes of lenticular were produced in different designs – the largest at 23in x 2ft 9in (58 x 82cm) is particularly rare. This example, measuring a more typical 10 x 13in (26 x 34cm) and depicting a space station and astronauts, sold via thesaleroom.com for an unexpected £620 (plus buyer’s premium) at East Bristol Auctions on December 28. The estimate was £30-50.
2. 18th century bear jug – £2800
Bear jug from c.1760 – £2800 at Dickins.
Bear jugs like this one offered by Dickins in Middle Clayton, were made by the stoneware potters in Nottingham in the mid-18th century. Bear-baiting – a popular form of entertainment from the Elizabethan era until it was banned in the 19th century – was their ultimate inspiration but the jugs themselves took on a distinctive folk art form.
Typically naively-modelled and applied with shredded or granulated clay to simulate fur, the removable head acts as a cup.
This characterful 10.5in (26cm) high example, c.1760, holding a cup between its paws has the damage common to many pieces, including a missing ear. It sold via thesaleroom.com at £2800 (plus buyer’s premium) at the auction on December 30.
3. Ben Nicholson print – £3000
'Abstract 1936’, a coloured lithograph by Ben Nicholson – £3000 at Wotton Auction Rooms.
The series of abstract compositions created by Ben Nicholson (1894-1982) following his 1934 meeting with Piet Mondrian are ranked among the most significant steps in English Modernism.
While original works from this period are rarely seen at auction, prints executed in the 1970s and early 80s are more accessible.
This 2ft 1in x 2ft 8in (66 x 80cm) coloured lithograph, titled 'Abstract 1936’ with a signature verso was from an edition produced c.1973. At Wotton Auction Rooms in the Cotswolds on December 28, it sold via thesaleroom.com at £3000 (plus buyer’s premium).
4. Rare Tudor watch – £51,100
A rare black dial 7031 Tudor chronograph – £51,100 at Hansons.
Testament to a vibrant market for vintage Tudor wristwatches, a very scarce Oysterdate - the reference 7031 or ‘Homeplate’ – proved the star of Hansons’ Christmas auction at Bishton Hall, Staffordshire. It came for sale on December 18 from a Nottinghamshire private vendor and was in excellent condition.
Launched in 1970, the reference 7031 is the most desirable of the Tudor chronographs. They take their name from a series of colourful dial designs with number markers shaped like the home plate on a baseball field.
This example at Hansons’ Christmas auction at Bishton Hall, Staffordshire on December 18 with a black bezel and dial was spotted as a rare variant: less than a dozen black dial 7031s are known.
Six international phone bidders competed against the internet with the watch finally sold to a French collector via thesaleroom.com. The hammer price was £51,100 (plus 20% buyer’s premium) – many times the estimate of £3000-5000.
5. Liverpool delft soup bowl – £900
A Liverpool delft soup bowl depicting the capture of Porto Bello in Panama – £900 at Hansons.
The capture of Porto Bello in Panama from the Spanish by a British naval force in 1739 was celebrated throughout Britain and America. In addition to the naming of the Portobello Road in London and the Portobello district of Edinburgh, souvenirs depicting Admiral Vernon and his fleet were popular fodder for potters, glassworkers and enamellers.
This 9in (22cm) Liverpool delft soup bowl painted in underglaze blue with a battle scene is broken and repaired but nonetheless sold via thesaleroom.com for £900 (plus buyer’s premium) at Hansons on December 18. The estimate was £80-120.
