The auction was a resounding success, generating a total of ยฃ713,344. An impressive 91% of the lots were sold, with 97% sold by value, reflecting the strong demand and competitive bidding. The star of the auction was a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, stainless-steel automatic chronograph bracelet watch, reference 116500LN, circa 2019. Known as the LN reference ‘lunette noir’ due to its black Cerachrom bezel and white dial, this sought-after piece surpassed its pre-sale estimate, fetching ยฃ20,480.
The highlight of the auction was an extraordinarily rare Meissen group of lovers with a birdcage, which sold for โฌ171,850, more than quadrupling its low estimate. This piece, first documented in the work records of J.J. Kaendler in March 1741, captivated bidders with its historical significance and intricate craftsmanship. Another standout item was a rare Meissen crinoline figure of a lady from around 1737, which fetched โฌ127,400, exceeding its low estimate by over six times.
A remarkable find in the world of antique firearms, a cased 15-bore percussion four-shot superimposed load officerโs pistol, believed to be the only one of its kind, will take center stage at Bonhamsโ upcoming auction of Antique Arms & Armour in London. The auction, which will also include items from the esteemed Per T. Norheim Collection and Modern Sporting Guns, is scheduled to run online from May 13 to May 22 on Bonhams.com
In a surprising turn of events at Bonhamsโ Important Instruments of Science and Technology Sale in London on April 24th, a remarkably rare 15th-century astrolabe soared past its pre-sale estimate, fetching an impressive ยฃ508,400 ($635,000). Jon Baddeley, a specialist at Bonhams, expressed his astonishment at the outcome, stating, โThis is one of the strongest results weโve seen at auction at Bonhams Knightsbridge in the past decade.โ Describing the astrolabe as an “early smartphone of sorts,” Baddeley emphasized its multifaceted utility, noting its significance in timekeeping, navigation, celestial observation, and even decision-making.
Racing aficionados and collectors are gearing up for an electrifying moment at The Bonhams|Cars Monaco Sale, ‘Les Grandes Marques ร Monaco’, on May 10th, as one of the most historically significant Formula 1 cars makes its way to the auction block. The 1957-58 Lotus-Climax Type 12 chassis โ353โ, estimated at โฌ290,000 โ โฌ390,000 ($308,000 โ $415,000), is poised to steal the spotlight, offering enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of motorsport history.
Mika Hรคkkinen, the renowned two-time Formula 1 World Champion and McLaren Brand Ambassador, is set to offer a unique piece of automotive history to the wealthiest car collectors in the world. Bonhams|Cars will present Hรคkkinen’s 2013 McLaren P1 Coupรฉ Validation Prototype 3 (VP3) at The Monaco Sale ‘Les Grandes Marques ร Monaco’. This event, scheduled for May 10, will witness the auctioning of this exceptional vehicle, making it the only Validation Prototype ever to grace such an occasion.
On March 20, 2024, at Bonhams Knightsbridge, a significant literary artifact changed hands as an uncorrected proof copy of “Harry Potter and the Philosopherโs Stone” by J.K. Rowling, dating back to 1997, was auctioned off. The item, which bore Rowling’s inscription and signature, sold for ยฃ35,840 ($45,000), falling within the pre-sale estimate range of ยฃ30,000-50,000 ($37,000-63,000).
A very rare first edition and authorโs presentation copy of Charles Darwinโs groundbreaking work, “On the Origin of Species,” fetched an astonishing ยฃ305,200 ($384,000) at Bonhams Fine Books and Manuscripts Sale held on March 20, 2024. This price surpassed its initial estimate by over double, marking a significant moment in literary auction history. The auction saw a total sale of ยฃ1,308,337 ($1,648,000), with an impressive 93% of the lots sold by volume and an astounding 99% sold by value.
In a remarkable event at Bonhams 19th century and British Impressionist Art Sale today, an exquisite oil on canvas by Vasily Dmitrievich Polenov (1844-1927) stole the spotlight, fetching an astonishing ยฃ1,379,000 ($1,760,000). The painting, titled ‘And she went and told them that she had been with Him as they mourned and wept’, is a part of Polenov’s renowned series, ‘The Life of Christ’. Initially estimated to sell for ยฃ400,000-600,000, the final price far exceeded expectations, marking a significant moment in the art world.
The glamorous city of Monte Carlo is gearing up for an automotive spectacle like no other as Bonhams|Cars prepares to unveil a piece of motoring history at the upcoming Monaco Sale ‘Les Grandes Marques ร Monaco’ in Villa la Vigie. At the heart of the excitement stands an unparalleled 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Coupรฉ, a masterpiece poised to capture the attention of collectors and enthusiasts alike. Crafted with bespoke coachwork by Drogo at Carrozzeria Sports Cars, this exceptional vehicle boasts a lineage intertwined with the most revered names in Italian automotive design. With an estimated value ranging from โฌ2,500,000 to โฌ3,000,000 ($2,730,000 to $3,280,000), it is set to be the centerpiece of the eagerly anticipated Bonhams|Cars Monaco Sale, coinciding with the Historic Monaco Grand Prix.
