Last Month at Auction: August Edition


September 2026

August was a busy one. Fourteen auctions, 1,413 lots sold and no shortage of surprises along the way. From a silver chocolate box with a royal twist to unsigned paintings that shattered their estimates, August had no shortage of talking points. Classic cars, Daum crystal, diamond jewellery and a Stuart Devlin surprise egg made it a month that covered the full spectrum of what we auction. Here are some of our favourite highlights.

The Period Home

Friday 7 August 2026 | 11:00
Online & Live Broadcast from David Duggleby Auctioneers in Scarborough

The most talked-about lot of the month came from our Period Home sale. An Edwardian silver and enamel Coronation chocolate box, its lid enamelled with portraits of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra and inscribed Coronation Day June 26th 1902, sold for £1,700. The story behind it is remarkable, involving a royal illness, a postponed coronation and a date on the box that was never quite right. We have written about it in full on our blog, and it is well worth a read.

Jewellery

Thursday 13 August 2026 | 11:00
Online & Live Broadcast from Duggleby Stephenson of York

Our Jewellery sale delivered a strong and elegant set of results. An 18ct white gold diamond bracelet, articulated and pierced with milgrain links and totalling approximately 4.15 carats, sold for £4,600, matched by an 18ct white gold unheated oval ruby and round brilliant cut diamond cluster ring, with a 3.07 carat ruby and WGI certificate, also selling for £4,600. Platinum diamond modernist pendant stud earrings, set with two rose pear cut diamonds totalling approximately 2.40 carats, sold for £4,300. 

Affordable Art

Thursday 13 August 2026 | 15:00
Online Automated Auction (Timed)

Sometimes the most surprising results come from the most unexpected corners. Two unsigned oils by the Chinese School, both estimated at just £50-£100, told a very different story by the end of bidding. The Hongs at Canton sold for £800, and Trade Ships off Hong Kong Harbour sold for £1,500. A reminder, if one were needed, that estimates are just the beginning.

The Ultimate Man Cave

Wednesday, 5 August 2026 | 11:00
Online Automated Auction (Timed)

An eclectic single-owner collection packed with classic vehicles, workshop equipment, home cinema components and sporting collectables, all from the estate of the late John Sills. Three vehicles led the way. A 1991 Porsche 928 S4 in Slate Grey metallic, showing just 37,886 kilometres and in exceptional condition throughout, sold for £19,500. A 1937 Buick Special Sport Coupe in deep maroon, Canadian built with a straight-eight engine and an Art Deco interior, sold for £15,000. A 2001 Bentley Arnage Red Label in Black Sapphire metallic with Magnolia leather interior and burr walnut veneers, showing approximately 39,942 miles, also sold for £15,000.

Antique and Decorative Objects

Friday, 14 August 2026 | 11:00
Online & Live Broadcast from Duggleby Stephenson of York

Daum crystal performed with real strength throughout the sale. A Daum pate de verre bowl decorated with figs and lizards in relief led the group at £900. A Daum Kneeling Angel, a glass bowl held aloft by a pate de verre figure, sold for £800. A Daum pate de verre rearing horse from the Chevaux de Marly collection sold for £600, and a Daum crystal eagle with pate de verre head sold for £440.

Silver

Friday, 28 August 2026 | 10:00
Online Automated Auction (Timed)

A characterful selection of decorative silver produced some pleasing results. A late 20th century commemorative silver stirrup cup surmounted by a naturalistically modelled horse's head, engraved with The Queen's Silver Jubilee 1977 and hallmarked London 1977, sold for £750. A Stuart Devlin silver and silver-gilt surprise egg, its textured gilt exterior opening to reveal an underwater scene with two fish and an anchor, hallmarked London 1977 and boxed, sold for £340. A mid-20th century Iranian silver model of a bird with engraved feathers sold for £280.


A Month Worth Remembering

From a royal chocolate box with a date that was never quite right to a Porsche with barely a mile on it, August covered the full range of what auction can offer. If you have similar items at home that you are considering selling, we would love to hear from you. Get in touch for a free valuation today.
Back to discover

What Our Customers Are Saying...

Get News & Updates

Get all our latest news and updates straight to your inbox. Sign up to receive everything you need to know about upcoming auctions, ways to sell, lots we love and much more...

Sign up