She wasn’t naked… but they fought over flower girl

AN Italian flower seller gave antiques experts a shock when bidders fought over her… even though she wasn’t naked.

The pottery figure was made by art deco firm Lenci in the early 1900s. “Lenci is famous for its nude girls,” explained auctioneer Philip Allwood, “and a clothed flower seller isn’t really what you expect of the company, which – along with the matter of a few chips – is why we put on an estimate of £30 to £50.”

But fierce bidding between two local dealers at Friday’s Moore Allen & Innocent general antiques sale in Cirencester took the final price to a staggering £780. “We were surprised and delighted,” admitted Philip. “It was obviously the rarity value of a Lenci girl with her clothes on that took the bidding so high.”

There was also stiff competition for an early 20th century advertising gimmick in the shape of a Turk sitting on a cushion bearing the trade name Maison Lyons Turkish Delight.

Valued at around £100, the papier mache figure eventually sold for £280 after a battle between a telephone bidder from the Midlands and a local collector in the room.

Speaking of Delight, there were smiles all round after a handsome rocking horse was sold to a local collector and auction regular for her grandchildren for £980.

Made by Collinsons of Liverpool in around 1900, the horse had retained its distinctive original paintwork. Horsehair mane and tail, tack and saddle had all been sympathetically replaced, but the toy had lost none of its original charm.

“It was a lovely piece and it’s going to a good home. It great to think that over 100 years after it was made this rocking horse is still bringing joy to children,” said Philip.

“Over all it was a very strong sale,” said Philip. “The auction made 25 percent more than the auction this time last year. It shows that the demand for antiques is currently high and anyone thinking of selling through auction can be confident that now is a good time to do so.”

Antiques auctions are held twice a month at Moore Allen’s Norcote salerooms, and the company offers a free valuation service. For more information about buying or selling antiques call 01285 646050.

A Lenci Italian pottery figure of a young flower seller, which made £780.	A Turkish Delight advertising gimmick from around 1900, which made £280.
	A Victorian rocking horse, which achieved £980.