Blog Posts

Simpson & His Donkey Sells for $257,000 Last Night

24/3/2015

International Art Centre has smashed records again, this time with a version of 'Simpson and His Donkey' by Horace Moore-Jones. The unknown buyer bid $257,950 including buyers premium against much competition in the room and on the phone. This iconic image is one of around 7 known versions Moore-Jones painted. A much larger version is on exhibition at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The last one to sell at auction was around Anzac Day in 2007 fetching $120,000 AUD. Webb's then sold one in 2008 (with the similar dark background) which fetched $120,000 NZD. It looks like WWI items are really what the market wants during the centennial year of the start of the Great War.

Picture from the NZ Herald story link here.

Josh Williams New Director of Antiques

9/3/2015

As previously mentioned we would like to now officially introduce the new addition to our growing company. Josh Williams has joined us as Director of Antiques. His previous role was Auction Manager of Webb's a role that was dis-established in late 2014. Josh defines himself as a specialist-generalist and his knowledge of decorative and applied arts is extensive. With a love of Georgian period furniture and sterling silver, items of historical New Zealand interest and mid-century modern, Josh is one of New Zealand’s ‘go-to guys’ for authentication and valuation information in these fields. Josh is also a skilled auctioneer with a natural flair for the job. He is available for appraisals, valuations and can help with any antique related queries.

Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and the Coromandel

2/2/2015

As well as valuing items in Auckland, Antique & Art are now established in the Waikato. Valuations for the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Coromandel are easily available. Please call 021 166 4034 for an appointment - our 0800 number will be following soon...

Exciting New Changes For 2015

26/11/2014

Antique & Art would like to announce some great new changes on the cards for 2015. Due to the axing of the Decorative Arts Department at Webb’s, Josh Williams (who you may have seen on his regular spots on Good Morning on TVNZ) will come on board as a Director. We will be opening an office in the Waikato so that we can expand into the region and include Bay of Plenty and the Coromandel and the middle of the North Island (and further south of course). Early next year we will let you know where our new base will be and where you can find us. All the best for the holiday season!

Webb's Axes Antique and Estate Departments

22/9/2014

Lot 20

I suppose I should also list the catalogue for Webb's latest sale. You may or may not have heard the sad news that Webb's new owners have decided to close the Estate and Antique Departments after almost 40 years. It is an end of an era for the sale of antiques and collectables in New Zealand. Management have closed the department due to lack of financial performance and will concentrate only on art. They are also moving to a Parnell premises at the end of the year. Other staff changes includes the resignation of Sophie Coupland as the Art Department Head which severs the last Peter Webb connection to the company.

Cordy's October Catalogue Out Now

22/9/2014

That month came around fast! Click here for the latest catalogue.

Cordy's September Antique Sale Now Online

26/8/2014

Click the link here to view.

Trade Me Ban Ivory Sales

25/8/2014

Trade Me have announced a ban on the sale of ivory and other items related to endangered animals (this excludes pianos with ivory keys). Effective from September 17th, the ban follows on from a tightening up of the law around the world to stem the trade of illegal items. After the recent talk of the Royals threatening to destroy antique items from their historic collections, the discussion has extended to incorporate old items. The United Kingdom has banned the auction of bird's eggs for a few years and certain items of taxidermy must be licensed to sell. The Antiques Road Show has recently said it will give ivory items less time on screen.

Image: Auckland Museum collection 1956.177.13

Continuity Failure at Downton

18/8/2014

How did they miss that water bottle?

Rare Steiff Titanic Bear Sells for £16,000

10/7/2014

This rare, sad looking, black mohair Steiff teddy bear sold at auction in London for £16,000 this week. 600 of these, in various sizes, were produced in 1912 as a response to the Titanic disaster. In 2012 Webb's sold one of similar size for $40,000 (£20,000). This is largely down from the dizzying heights of the £91,000 paid in London in 2000. That bear was never liked by the original owner so spent his life in her wardrobe, therefore was in fantastic original condition. He was purchased by a Swiss toy museum, so hopefully he now lives in the light.

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