Wincanton Auctions

GEORGIAN THEATRE PLAYBILL – A COMEDY OF ERRORS - THEATRE ROYAL COVENT GARDEN, 1819 An early 19th-century theatre playbill for the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, announcing a performance on Monday, December 20th 1819 of Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors, with songs and selections from Shakespeare’s plays, poems and sonnets, followed by the melodramatic romance Blue Beard; or, Female Curiosity. The cast list includes a number of notable performers of the Regency stage, including John Liston, the celebrated comic actor; Catherine Stephens, the renowned singer who later became Countess of Essex; members of the Kemble theatrical family including Mrs. C. Kemble; and references to performances by William Charles Macready, later one of the most important Shakespearean actors and theatre managers of the 19th century. Printed on laid rag paper with visible chain lines when held to the light. The imprint at the foot reads “Printed by E. Bladon, 2, Bridges-Street”, the printer associated with the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden. Approx. 35 cm x 21 cm. Condition: Age toning with water staining, particularly to the lower corner, and losses to the edges. Creasing and small holes consistent with age.

A Set of Four Ercol Elm Dining Chairs A set of four mid-century Ercol dining chairs in elm and beech, each with a traditional hoop back and spindle supports above shaped elm seats, raised on tapering legs with crinoline stretchers. Ercol maker’s label present, inscribed “Made in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England.” Condition: Good overall condition with light surface wear and minor marks consistent with age and use. Structurally sound.

CHINESE PIERCED JADE ‘FU LU’ PLAQUE WITH SPOTTED DEER AND BAT A Chinese carved and pierced jade plaque of vertical rectangular form with a floral crest, decorated in openwork with a spotted deer beneath a bat amid scrolling foliage. The stone of jade-green tone with natural russet inclusions. The deer and bat form the auspicious rebus “Fu Lu” (福禄) — blessings and prosperity — symbolising good fortune and official success in Chinese art. Qing dynasty or later. Approx. 5.5cm high. Condition: Natural inclusions and surface wear consistent with age and handling.

AFRICAN KONGONI (HARTEBEEST) SKULL TROPHY A mounted skull and horns of a Kongoni (Coke’s Hartebeest) affixed to a shaped wooden shield plaque bearing the inscription “Kongoni – Kenya – 1937”. Overall height approximately 73 cm. Condition: Skull with age-related deterioration and losses, particularly to the lower section. Horns intact with natural wear. Plaque with surface marks.

Ercol Light Elm Drop-Leaf Dining Table A mid-century Ercol light elm drop-leaf dining table, the rectangular top with rounded corners and twin fall leaves, raised on four tapering legs. The underside retaining original metal support rails and mechanism. Approximate size (extended): 140cm long x 76cm wide x 72cm high. Condition: generally good overall with light surface wear, minor scuffs to legs and edges consistent with age and use. Mechanism operates as intended.

COLLECTION OF VINTAGE ADVERTISING AND CONFECTIONERY TINS AND BOX A mixed group of early–mid 20th century lithographed advertising tins, including examples for Craven A Virginia Cigarettes, Blue Bird Toffees, Bishop’s Move Tobacco, Garden of Allah Dates, Pastilles, and other confectionery and household products, together with commemorative and decorative tins including a coronation example with ER cipher. The lot also includes a Reading Bone Fertilizer Co. “Reading Meat Meal for Hens and Hogs” advertising tin sign.

ITALIAN RENAISSANCE REVIVAL GOLD-GROUND TONDO OF A CELESTIAL CHOIR OF ANGELS Late 19th century, in the manner of Fra Angelico A finely painted devotional panel depicting a celestial choir of nine angels gathered in adoration, several sounding long trumpets, their youthful faces delicately rendered and their robes in soft pastel tones of rose, blue and ochre. Each figure bears a burnished gilt halo and is set against a radiant gold ground engraved with emanating rays symbolising divine light. The composition consciously recalls the mystical angelic choirs of the early Italian Renaissance, particularly the works of Fra Angelico, whose heavenly musicians were celebrated for their serene beauty and spiritual grace. One angel is shown from the rear, drawing the viewer into the sacred space of the celestial choir. Executed in tempera on panel with a gilded ground, the painting reflects the revival of interest in early Italian devotional art during the later 19th century. Presented in a carved and gilded circular frame, the tondo format itself echoing Renaissance domestic devotional panels. Diameter approx. 30 cm.

Anstey Wilson Teak and Brass Sunburst Wall Clock A mid-century style teak and brass sunburst wall clock by Anstey Wilson, England, the circular brushed brass dial with baton hour markers and black hands, signed to the centre and marked Quartz, within a brass bezel and radiating teak spokes. Quartz battery movement. Diameter: approx. 48 cm Condition: general light wear; minor marks to spokes and bezel consistent with age; movement untested.

DIAMOND, SILVER AND AMETHYST PENDANT A substantial silver pendant featuring a large oval checkerboard-faceted amethyst with a vibrant lilac hue, bezel-set within an open circular mount and accented by a single round brilliant-cut diamond of approximately 0.30ct, VS2 clarity and H/I colour. A custom made piece. Total gross weight of approximately 19.58g.

PORTRAIT OF A YOUNG GIRL Oil on panel, depicting a young girl in profile wearing a white dress with red sleeves and a beaded necklace, standing before an architectural interior. In an ornate gilt frame with foliate and scroll ornament. Dimensions: 30cm x 24cm (overall, including frame) Condition: The painting appears in generally good condition with some light surface marks and minor paint flecks. Frame with age-related wear, rubbing to the gilding and small losses. Backboard worn and split with associated age-related marks.