The Cotswold Auction Company’s final books auction of the year definitely saw the light fantastic with a first edition of Terry Prachett’s novel of the same name ‘The Light Fantastic’, published in 1983, with a bright, clean dustjacket, selling for a ‘heavenly’ price of £620 – somewhat more than anticipated by the vendor!
Travelling back in time another 100 years a first edition of Charles Dickens’ ‘Martin Chuzzlewitt’ in its original form of paper wrappers in 19/20 parts realised £600. While a quantity of Folio Society and Private Press books soared above estimate to realise £300.
Topography is a huge and collectable subject and four wonderful elephant folio volumes of John Hutchins ‘The History and Antiquities of the County of Dorset’, published in 1861, illustrated throughout with engravings, plates and maps, is returning to Dorset after reaching a hammer price of £530. These fascinating books were sold with ‘Some Dorset Manor Houses’, by Sidney Heath and W. de C. Prideaux.
A rather famous mouse was seen hiding in the saleroom but quickly spotted by keen eyes! A splendid lot that sold for £350 was a collection of books, and a signed print, on and by Terence Cuneo who always hid a tiny mouse in all his works.
Book cataloguer Jenny Low was pleased with a near 100% sale rate showing that books are still a strong market in these difficult times.
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Beatles for sale! An autograph book that belonged to a gentleman who was manager of the Savoy Hotel in Cheltenham during the late 1950’s through the 60’s and ‘70’s was without doubt the one lot that didn’t need a little help from a friend! One page was signed by all four of the Beatles on a visit to Cheltenham in 1963 – telephones were booked from as far afield as Australia as well of course, bidders on the internet. Six telephones were in action with the final bid reaching £2,700. There were also signatures from Indian and local cricket teams. Other famous names from that time included Max Bygraves, Beryl Reid, Spike Milligan – a plethora of fame!
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Included in the Medals and Militaria section was a fine run of Gallantry awards to men of the Gloucestershire Regiment.One, being A Distinguished Conduct Medal to Lance – Corporal A.J. Hornegold who served with the 1/5th sold for £800 against a £500-600 pre sale estimate. Hornegold received his award for bravery and leadership near Landrecies on 4th November 1918. Although wounded early during the action, he continued to lead his section throughout the engagement.
Also offered was a Great War Military Cross to Captain N.M. Chivers who served with the Gloucestershire Regiment.Captain Chivers received his award for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. The decoration sold for £420 against a pre sale estimate range of £400-500.
Medals and Militaria Specialist Henry Meadows consigned three collections in this sale, the top price being £800 for an officer’s coatee of the IV Light Dragoons
