Highlights of our Fine and Antique Auction – Wednesday 22 July 2026

Our summer Fine and Antique Auction takes place on Wednesday 22 July at 11am, and with 411 lots spanning jewellery, silver, coins, ceramics, paintings, books and furniture, there really is something for every collector. Here we pick out a few of the lots that have caught our eye.

Leading the sale is lot 77, a late Victorian natural pearl and diamond negligée-style pendant brooch (estimate £10,000–15,000). Set throughout with old European and rose cut diamonds — eighty-nine in total — its two articulated knife bar drops each terminate in a natural saltwater drop pearl. The brooch is accompanied by a Birmingham Assay Office Pearl Jewellery Report confirming the pearls to be natural saltwater, of cream colour with a pink-green overtone and good lustre. A rare survivor of the very best of late Victorian jewellery.

The jewellery and watch sections offer further temptation.

Lot 31 is an 18ct gold half hunter pocket watch by Newsome and Co of Coventry, approximately 176.5 grams, offered together with a silver sovereign case (£2,500–3,000).

While lot 108 is a diamond ring with a central stone of approximately 1.5 carats flanked by baguette cut diamonds, marked Platinum and 18ct (£1,500–2,000).

Coin collectors should look closely at lot 153, a Henry I silver penny — possibly a double inscription coin — measuring 21mm and weighing approximately 1.3 grams (£2,000–3,000). Nine hundred years old and a highlight of a strong numismatic section.

Among the silver is lot 179, a George II silver salver by Edward Wakelin, London 1755, of circular form with a rope twist edge, the plate decorated with figures in cartouches and raised on scrolling feet, approximately 855 grams (£550–600).

The ceramics section is led by lot 267, a pair of Royal Worcester porcelain plates painted with peaches, grapes and cherries on a naturalistic ground, signed by Horace Ayrton, 22.5cm diameter (£600–1,000) — classic fruit-painted Worcester at its finest.

Amongst the pictures we would draw attention to lot 351, ‘Landscape in blues’ by Philip Gray, a signed oil on canvas measuring 60 x 60cm (£1,200–1,500), one of several works by the artist in the sale.

The furniture section boasts two exceptional entries. Lot 394 is a Victorian Gothic revival chamber table by Gillows of Lancaster, in the manner of A W N Pugin, the rectangular top with inset gilt tooled green leather above two frieze drawers, stamped “Gillows Lancaster” (£2,500–3,000).

It is followed by lot 395, a fine pair of Regency rosewood and satinwood cross banded card tables, the D-shaped fold-over tops above an anthemion marquetry frieze — a detail close to our hearts — on vase uprights and splayed legs with brass cappings and casters (£2,000–2,500).

Finally, bibliophiles will find a splendid group of Arthur Rackham illustrated books, headed by lot 404, Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens by J M Barrie, 1906, limited edition number 16 of 500, signed by Rackham (£800–1,200).

Sale information

Fine and Antique Auction — Wednesday 22 July 2026, 11am 15 Norwich Road, Cardiff, CF23 9AB

Viewing: Tuesday 21 July, 9am–6.30pm, and on the morning of the sale, 9am–10.45am

Bid in person, by commission or telephone bid, or live online. The full catalogue can be viewed by clicking here.

For enquiries or condition reports, contact us on 029 2047 2444 or auction@anthemionauctions.com.