at Sotheby’s this afternoon for £ 126,000 (plus buyers premium of 20%, making a total purchase piece of £152,450) to a bidder, identity currently unknown, who was bidding by telephone.
Jane Austen’s Ring, and Note from Eleanor Austen neé Jackson to Caroline Austen ©Sotheby’s
An announcement was made prior to the sale to the effect that tests have revealed that the stone in the ring is in fact a natural turquoise, and not odontolite as previously thought.
The first edition of Pride and Prejudice sold for £ 18,000:
Pride and Prejudice, First Edition, ©Sotheby’s
The first edition of Mansfield Park sold for £4,200
Mansfield Park First Edition ©Sotheby’s
The first edition of Emma was unsold, and bids up to £7,500 were received for it.
Emma, First Edition, ©Sotheby’s
The first edition of Northanger Abbey and Persuasion sold for £3,200
Northanger Abbey and Persuasion First Edition ©Sotheby’s
The Trafalgar Sea Chest sold for £15,000.
Battle of Trafalgar Sea Chest ©Sotheby’s
Some other lots were unsold, notably a collection of letters written by William IV.Hmm…..
Post Script: Some of you have wondered if I was there, and the answer is no, I simply watched the auction online. Some of the comments made by the auctioneer were priceless. He seemed to be fascinated by internet bids, informing internet bidders that it is “against you, Mightly Internet” or “Internet , it is between you and your mouse”. One of the Jane Austen first editions had “some gatherings proud”, and he thought this was an entirely poetic way to describe a Jane Austen novel. Priceless. I can highly recommend watching these auctions online via Sotheby’s website.
5 comments
July 10, 2012 at 10:37 pm
cathyallen
That’s an astonishing amount, but, if I were “In the Money,” I’d certainly have considered it. :-) I’d have thought that the First Editions would generate a little more, but one never knows, does one… I wonder if we’ll ever find out who bought the ring. Do let us know, please, if you find out. Thank you.
July 11, 2012 at 9:50 am
jfwakefield
I will, I do hope that, whoever the buyer is, they will do a very generous thing and make it available to us to view…somewhere….
July 11, 2012 at 3:57 pm
cathyallen
Hear, hear! Let’s take a vote: I vote with you! :-)
July 12, 2012 at 4:33 am
Kristel
Wow. Well, the ring’s well worth the price. Wonder if she wrote wearing it. :)
July 12, 2012 at 10:24 am
jfwakefield
Most probably,as its not large enough to cause any impediment to writing easily. Ah,I would had loved to have owned it…..