The White Glove Sale – The Complete Dr. Anne Shannon Collection of 295 Lots Sells at Auction
31st October 2018
A unique 295 lot private collection of 19th & 20th Century jewellery was, in auction terms, a White Glove Sale, with 100% of the Dr. Anne Shannon Collection of Jewellery sold.
Ahead of the sale, Woolley and Wallis hosted eminent jewellery specialist John Benjamin in a talk exploring the collection. Mr Benjamin was also in attendance throughout the sale with the Shannon family. The rare collection was amassed over the course of fifty years by jewellery enthusiast and retired doctor, Anne Shannon.
W&W Jewellery Specialist Marielle Whiting with Dr. Anne Shannon, Mr Shannon & John Benjamin
For most of the day the saleroom was standing room only and numerous telephone and online bidders brought international interest from across Europe and United States. Collectors, keen to add the unique pieces to their repertoire, filled the room along with acquaintances of the Shannon family, showing clearly that interest in the arts and crafts jewellery market is still very strong in especially for makers such as Georg Jensen, Omar Ramsden, Melillo and Giuliano.
A stunning gold bracelet set with chrysoprase cabochon which was made in 1931 by Omar Ramsden for his wife Anne made the top price following spirited bidding between the telephones and two interested parties online. It was finally secured for £27,500.
The Georg Jensen section was equally impressive. A silver and amber pendant made c.1909, design no. 46, with maker’s mark and set with an oval dark brown amber cabochon realised £6,500 and a silver and lapis lazuli foliate pendant, made c. 1920 with maker’s mark realised £2,500.
Among other highlights was an intricately worked pair of gold Etruscan revival earrings attributed to Melillo, circa 1870 depicting putti riding doves which sold for an £21,250.
A 'white glove' auction is a rare event. This nomenclature relates back to the 19th century when the auctioneer was presented with a pair of white silk gloves at the end of an auction where every lot sold.
