On Friday 28th March, David Duggleby held its Antiques and Decorative Objects auction, opening with an extraordinary discovery, a hidden hoard of micro-mosaic jewellery and trinkets found in a Scunthorpe flat.

At first glance, the modest one-bedroom home seemed unremarkable, but inside, our valuers uncovered a lifetime’s passion for collecting. Tucked away in cupboards, drawers, and wardrobes was an astonishing array of micro-mosaics, vibrant glassware, and exquisite jewellery, each piece showcasing the late owner’s love for bold colour and intricate craftsmanship. You can read more about these unique finds in our previous blog.

This remarkable find captured widespread media attention, with features in The Scarborough News, The Yorkshire Post, The York Press, BBC News, Yahoo News, The Grimsby Telegraph, The Scunthorpe Telegraph and The Hull Daily Mail. When the collection went under the hammer, it generated strong bidding, with many items going beyond their estimates. Read on to explore some of the standout results from this exceptional sale.

 

Featured Results

Above, Left to Right: Lot 1 and Lot 11.

Lot 1, a late 19th/early 20th-century Italian micro-mosaic mirror adorned with delicate floral motifs and intricate blown glass details, achieved £240. Lot 11, a pair of exquisite micro-mosaic jewellery caskets featuring bevelled glass sides and ornate raised floral designs on a blue ground, sold for £220.

 

 

Above, Left to Right: Lot 24, Lot 14 and Lot 28.

Lot 24, a 19th-century micro-mosaic brooch featuring a delicate floral bouquet within a gilt metal case, sold alongside five other brooches and a pendant for £190. Lot 14, a group of five micro-mosaic paperweights adorned with intricate floral designs and goldstone, accompanied by other mosaic items, achieved £240. Meanwhile, Lot 28, a Grand Tour-style micro-mosaic panel depicting the Pantheon, along with three additional examples, including a striking view of St Peter’s Square, realised £180.

Above, Left to Right: Lot 26 and Lot 27.

Lot 26, a selection of micro-mosaic brooches featuring scenes of St Peter’s Square and Venice, along with other Grand Tour-style mosaics, achieved £260. Lot 27, a stunning micro-mosaic bracelet depicting the famous Doves of Pliny, set within a delicate silver filigree band, was sold alongside a micro-mosaic Dove of Peace brooch in an 18ct gold mount and three additional brooches, realising £240.

Above, Left to Right: Lot 21, Lot 16 and Lot 22.

Lot 21, a collection of thirty micro-mosaic brooches featuring Roma, Paris, and Geneva examples, achieved £320. Lot 16, a diverse selection of micro-mosaic jewellery, including bracelets, clip-on earrings, and stick pins, realised £170. Meanwhile, Lot 22, another group of thirty brooches, all adorned with delicate floral motifs in an array of shapes, including hearts, sold for £260.

The micro-mosaic collection was a real highlight of the sale, with bidders eager to secure these beautifully detailed pieces. From charming brooches and intricate jewellery caskets to stunning Grand Tour panels, each item showcased incredible craftsmanship and a real passion for collecting. The strong results show just how much demand there is for these tiny works of art and it was fantastic to see them so appreciated.

If you have similar micro-mosaic pieces, or even an entirely different collection of unique treasures, we’d love to help you bring them to auction. Whether it’s a single item or a lifetime’s worth of collecting, our team is here to guide you through the process.

Contact us today for a free online valuation and discover what your items could achieve.

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