As the nights grow longer and the air chills, there's no better time to delve into the strange and macabre. In celebration of Halloween, we’re thrilled to spotlight some of the most curious treasures recently unearthed at our auctions. These pieces, imbued with mystery and dark charm, remind us that the world of collectibles often holds more than meets the eye. From ghostly art to relics of bygone eras, these items evoke an eerie fascination that lingers long after the hammer falls.

In a world filled with the ordinary, these objects invite us to embrace the weird and wonderful, to celebrate Halloween not just with costumes and candy, but with treasures that stir the imagination and give a nod to the mysterious.

 

Recent Sale Highlights

Above, Left to Right: Lot 1181, Lot 1440, Lot 1119 and Lot 173.

 

Lot Number: 1181
Arts and Crafts hand-stitched leather and hide lantern, circa 1900, of cylindrical form with strap cage and hide panes. The domed cover features three covered vents. Dimensions: H35cm D23cm. Sold: £550.

Lot Number: 1440
Maitland-Smith - four drawer chest in the form of a stack of leather-bound books. The top drawer bears a metal label inscribed 'Maitland-Smith', resting on turned feet. Sold: £300.

Lot Number: 1119
Rachel Talbot (British, 1980-): 'Water Meadow Merriment', limited edition bronze sculpture, modelled as a hare in boating attire, upon a polished marble base. Dimensions: H37cm. Sold: £600.

Lot Number: 173
Late 19th century Alice in Wonderland card game, comprising forty-eight pictorial cards featuring various colour illustrations from Sir John Tenniel's original designs by Miss E. Gertrude Thomson. Manufactured by Thomas De La Rue & Co. Ltd., includes slip case with cover. Sold: £300.

 

Above, Left to Right: Lot 1166, Lot 1208 and Lot 1102.

 

Lot Number: 1166
Coalbrookdale - black painted cast iron 'fern' pattern garden bench, decorated with trailing fern leaves, with mahogany slatted seat. Sold: £420.

Lot Number: 1208
19th century Continental carved, gesso, and painted figure of a putti, probably German. Dimensions: H38cm. Sold: £260.

Lot Number: 1102
Skulls/Horns: Asian Wild Water Buffalo (Bubalus arnee), set of young adult horns on upper skull. Dimensions: W96cm. Sold: £120.

 

Above, Left to Right: Lot 2065, Lot 206, Lot 314 and Lot 3080.

 

Lot Number: 2065
19th/early 20th century silver rose cut diamond set skull stick pin. Sold: £340.

Lot Number: 206
Bronze figure, modelled as a thinking man skeleton, signed "Mils," with foundry mark on the seat, raised upon a square marble base. Overall dimensions: H15cm. Sold: £70.

Lot Number: 314
Darren Yeadon (British, 1970-): 'Ghost', Carrara Venatino marble sculpture, signed with monogram. Dimensions: H68cm.
Provenance: Purchased by the vendor from Staithes Gallery in 2020. Sold: £220.

Lot Number: 3080
17th DCO Lancers Victorian NCO silver pre-1890 arm badge; early die-stamped skull and crossed bones, stamped with Victoria head and lion; two loops verso. Sold: £220.

 

Do You Have Similiar Items?

If these unusual finds have sparked your interest, do you have similar items to sell? Contact us for a free valuation and let us help you uncover the hidden treasures in your collection. There's no better time than now to embrace the strange and spooky.

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