Great hammer prices

Million kroner sales

This year’s biggest auction in Bredgade was a great success, producing several magnificent sales. The three highest hammer prices were for a Dutch still life by Floris Gerritsz van Schooten from 1620, which fetched DKK 1,600,000, Hans Christian Andersen’s original manuscript of “De Vises Steen – Et Eventyr”(The Stone of the Wise Men – a fairytale) from 1858, which was sold for DKK 1,550,000 and Danish Skaw painter P.S. Krøyer’s “Nøgen Dreng, set fra højre Side i Løb paa Sandet ud mod Vandet” (Naked boy seen from the right running on the sand towards the water) from 1892, which achieved a hammer price of DKK 1,000,000.

Antiques

In the department of antique furniture, there was particularly keen interest in a pair of large Famille Rose Canton enamel wall lamps from the collection left by the late Arne Schlesch, which went for DKK 320,000, and a pair of East Indian chests of drawers from 1740–50, which sold for DKK 300,000.

Russian and oriental art

There were a number of surprises at the auction of Russian and Oriental art and crafts. A cut-out ivory Chinese seal with a dragon chasing a burning pearl achieved a hammer price of DKK 320,000. A Chinese rhinoceros horn libation cup also fetched DKK 320,000. Another strong contender was Russian painter Ilya Repin’s Portrait of a Boyar, which sold for DKK 200,000.

Jewellery

Judging by the magnificent sales at the jewellery auction, there are definitely going to be diamonds under the Christmas tree this year! The auction’s highest hammer price, DKK 320,000, was achieved on an around 6.00 ct. emerald cut diamond ring from 1990, closely followed by a faceted sapphire ring of around 35.00 ct. from 1950-60, which went for DKK 180,000.

Coins and medals

Our coin auctions, which are mainly aimed at collectors, are nevertheless extremely popular. The highest hammer price was achieved on the Russian Order of St. Stanislas, 1st Class, from 1894-1899, which was sold for DKK 90,000, while the English King Ethelred II’s famous Lamb of God penny from 1009 fetched DKK 80,000.

Modern art and design

One of the surprises of the modern auction was a small study for the painting “Apachedansen” (the Apache dance) from 1918 by the Swedish artist Isaac Grünewald, which was sold for DKK 320,000. Danish furniture design is still selling really well. Børge Mogensen’s unique dining table fetched DKK 220,000, while Kaare Klint’s sectional sofas with matching footstools went for DKK 180,000.

French wines 

The last auction evening in Bredgade featured legendary French wines. The sale of five bottles of Château Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac vintage 1982 smashed all Danish records, achieving a hammer price of DKK 122,000, corresponding to DKK 24,400 per bottle.