A rare first edition of Charles Dickens’s Hard Times is among a range of antiques now up for auction at Erina.
The historic copy of Dickens’s radical story of social injustice will go under the hammer with an estimated price of $1,500-$2,500.
The book dates back 168 years to 1854, the time of gold rushes in Australia and the Crimean War in Europe.
Previously belonging to noted bibliophile Frederick Perkins (1780-1860) of Chipstead Place in Kent, it was sold at Sotheby’s in London in 1899 and can now be found at Swan Deverell Auctioneers at Erina.
Swan Deverell Auctioneers Director, Hannah Clayton Atkin, said the rare tome was uncovered as part of a deceased estate which included other fascinating pieces also headed to auction.
“I’m delighted by this rare and special find; it even smells wonderfully old book-y,” she said.
“And I’m sure the region is full of similar hidden treasures buried in boxes or forgotten on shelves waiting to be discovered again.”
Another lot up for auction is a Westerwald stein.
The rather unassuming mug came into the auction house as part of a collection of stoneware but Atkin’s expert eye saw something special – a drinking vessel dating to the 1750s.
There are similar mugs in the collection of the British Museum.
The treasures are part of the Swan Deverell Director’s Selection timed online which is accepting bids until June 8.
Swan Deverell Auctioneers opened on the Central Coast in October 2021.
“We offer carefully curated boutique timed online auctions of antiques, fine and decorative art, and luxury goods,” Atkin said.
“Our lots sell worldwide from our showroom gallery in Erina.”
For details go to www.swandeverell.com.au.
Source:
Media release, May 31
Swan Deverell Auctioneers