Fine-art auction today

Press, 13 April 1978, Page 2

Fine-art auction today

Collectors of antiques will have almost 300 items to choose from at this morning’s fine-art auction at the Horticultural Hall. McCrostie’s will offer a wide variety of furniture, paintings, and objets d’art, including a Van der Velden water-colour, and a George H loving-cup. The Van der Velden, titled “Flight,” is a study of a rock pigeon and is expected to be'of interest to collectors. Although it is not in oils, for which the painter is most famed, McCrosties describe it as an unusual piece which could fetch a “Good price.” The George II loving-cup was made in 1757, of sterling silver, and is described in the auction catalogue as extremely rare. George 111 sterling silver is relatively common, the auctioneers say, but the loving-cup is “almost a Sotheby’s piece.” Among the 47 lots of furniture is some very early colonial work, and a variety of Georgian writing bureaus and chests.

One of the premium pieces is described as a midnineteenth century lady’s writing table in French burr walnut. There is also an early Victorian dressing table in Cuban mahogany. An unusual feature of this is the cheval mirror, which is not often encountered on a dressing table. The auction will begin at 11 a.m. According to McCrostie’s, more than twothirds of the 293 lots will be offered without a reserve price.