Hallrule Mansion House auction is generating worldwide interest

Bidders from around the world will be queueing up when one of the most anticipated antiques auctions of the year gets underway on Saturday.
Hallrule auction - sailor's shell valentine. version 2Hallrule auction - sailor's shell valentine. version 2
Hallrule auction - sailor's shell valentine. version 2

Collectable valentines and over 250 lots from Hallrule mansion house, near Bonchester, will feature in Swan & Turner’s specialist sale in its Jedburgh salerooms.

Swan & Turner, part of Harrison and Hetherington, will sell over 800 lots including the residual collection from Hallrule Mansion House and a fine collection of furniture, paintings, china, jewellery and needlework.

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Already creating great excitement with buyers across the global three rare sailor’s shell work Valentines together with a single collection of 25 century sailor’s wool work pictures dating from the 19th century.

The sailor’s shell work Valentines have a romantic and charming history. Polished shells were crafted into beautiful framed pictures and were brought home by sailors as souvenirs for their Valentines.

The value for each is estimated between £600 and £1500, however taking into account the interest already being shown, Swan & Turner says it expects to achieve well in excess of this sum.

Commenting in advance of the sales Frank Forrest, Auctioneer at Swan and Turner said: “This is a particularly extra special sale with some exceptional pieces from the Hallrule collection and independent vendors, and already we have received a high level of interest.

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“Here in Jedburgh we always have a packed auction room and are extremely well supported from people both in person and from telephone bidders.”

Other highlights of this January sale includes the single collection of 19th century sailor’s wool work pictures, featuring examples of warships such as the HMS Good Hope, HMS Emanuel and a selection of three-masted war ship framed pictures making up this desirable collection of intricate needlework.

Mr Forrest added: “We also have two wonderful mid-19th century naïve school portraits, which revealed a letter attached to the back of one of them. The letter was written by a young sailor to his mother - dropping her line, hoping everything was well at home. Items that have such a provenance of such personal and meaningful nature are incredibly enthralling to collectors as they bring the portrait to life, so we are expecting this one to also create a flurry of interest during bidding.”

The items included in the sale from Hallrule include a number of choice pieces of excellent 17th and 18th century oak furniture. There is a rare 18th century mahogany concave estate cabinet, a late 18th century hall coffer on a four drawer base and a 17th century oak wainscote chair.

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And Mr Forrest added: “We are exceptionally excited about the collection of sailor’s items, especially the sailor’s Valentines, which could not be more perfectly timed. What a unique present to purchase for your loved one, giving the gift of romance with a piece of true romantic history that has been passed down throughout the centuries.”

•Commencing at 10am, the sale is being held at Swan and Turner’s sale rooms in Jedburgh on Saturday, January 30. All the items up for sale are available to view online at http://www.swanturner.co.uk and the viewing days are tomorrow (Friday) and on Saturday morning.