White elephant sold for $45 at auction

Press, 20 August 1976, Page 4

White elephant sold for $45 at auction

A white elephant brought $45 at a fine-art and antique auction in Christchurch last evening. It was the genuine article — in china. A bronze elephant was sold for $37.50. About 200 were at the auction, held at the Winter Garden, to bid for 280 lots. A wide range of furniture, china, brassware, jewellery, and paintings was offered. The auctioneer (Mr Kent Prier) estimated that the articles auctioned were worth $60,000. A Royal Worcester porcelain alone was worth $25,000, he said. Collectors were out in ■ force, and bidding rose as

they sought the name pieces of china and period furniture. An early Victorian 100 table was sold for $l2OO, and 1 walnut chairs of the same ■ period brought $250 each. Royal Doulton and Royal ■ Worcester china was also in ■ demand. A sin vase signed by Harry Ayrton was sold for $550. Bidding at the start of the auction was “ridiculously low,” said one buyer. The first item, a 1911 Doubtful ledger, bound in leather, w’as sold for only $5. Most buyers were content to sit back for the more exclusive lots. Many people wer happy just to watch.