People in Angus are scrambling through their attics after an unlikely lot fetched a reported six-figure sum at a local auction.
Onlookers at Taylor’s Auction Rooms in Montrose were shocked on Saturday as bidding for an unremarkable vase and bowl from its regular sale, which were valued at between £20 and £30, went through the roof.
Described as a “Chinese blue and white two-handled vase with six-character mark” and a “Chinese blue and white pot with four-character mark” respectively, the larger piece stands 18.5cm tall.
The auction took place in the firm’s general sale and the porcelain pairing lot number 5007 were among 200 in the sale.
It is not known whether the pair were an original set or whether one of the pieces is of significantly higher value.
The winning bid was believed to be for around £200,000 but Taylor’s did not comment when approached.Were you at the auction sale? Contact the Courier on 01382 575130 or email news@thecourier.co.ukNews of the surprising sale swept social media and prompted people to search their storage spaces.
Lewis Smith commented on Facebook’s Montrose Memories page: “Wonder if they were on granny’s shelf in Montrose… Final bill comes to around £252,000 once you add on the premiums and VAT.
“Someone will be happy… Hope they are local.”
It is understood the final sale has yet to be completed and both the seller and buyer had requested anonymity.
Properly authenticated Chinese porcelain can be of immense value and some sales are contingent on independent valuation.
Taylor’s Auction Rooms held its first sale in January 1974 on Panmure Row, Montrose, with five members of staff.
The family-run business is now one of the leading auction houses in Scotland, selling 4,000 lots every four weeks, with 50 members of staff at its new Brent Avenue saleroom.