Key Takeaways
- Two Mouseman tables, one from 1935 and one from 1937, were sold at an auction for £36,000 and £42,000, respectively.
- The sale prices exceeded the estimated guide prices of £5,000 to £12,000.
- Each table had four benches, which were sold to the same bidders for between £3,000 and £5,000.
- The auctioneer, Caroline Hawley, expressed excitement at the high sale prices, noting that £42,000 is the highest price paid at auction for a piece of Mouseman furniture.
Introduction to Mouseman Furniture
Mouseman furniture is a type of handmade wooden furniture that originated in the UK. The name "Mouseman" comes from the small mouse carved into the wood, which is a distinctive feature of this type of furniture. Mouseman furniture is highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts due to its unique design, exceptional craftsmanship, and rich history. The two tables that were sold at the auction are a testament to the enduring popularity and value of Mouseman furniture.
The Auction Sale
The auction sale of the two Mouseman tables was a significant event, with both tables selling for prices that far exceeded their estimated guide prices. The 1937 table, which had a guide price of £8,000 to £12,000, sold for £42,000 to a bidder. The 1935 table, which had a guide price of £5,000 to £8,000, sold for £36,000 to a bidder in Hawaii. The high sale prices are a reflection of the strong demand for Mouseman furniture and the willingness of collectors and enthusiasts to pay premium prices for rare and exceptional pieces.
The Bidders and the Sale Process
The auctioneer, Caroline Hawley, described the sale process as "amazing," with both bids going "up and up." The fact that each table had four benches, which were sold to the same bidders for between £3,000 and £5,000, suggests that the buyers were keen to acquire the complete set. The sale process was likely intense, with multiple bidders competing for the rare and valuable tables. The fact that the 1935 table was sold to a bidder in Hawaii suggests that the auction attracted international interest and that Mouseman furniture is highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts around the world.
The Significance of the Sale
The sale of the two Mouseman tables for record-breaking prices is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights the enduring popularity and value of Mouseman furniture, which continues to be highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts. Secondly, it demonstrates the strong demand for rare and exceptional pieces of furniture, which is driving up prices and making auctions like this one highly competitive. Finally, the sale provides a benchmark for the value of Mouseman furniture, with £42,000 now established as the highest price paid at auction for a piece of Mouseman furniture. This will likely have implications for the pricing and valuation of other Mouseman pieces, and may encourage more collectors and enthusiasts to buy and sell this type of furniture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the auction sale of the two Mouseman tables was a significant event that highlights the enduring popularity and value of this type of furniture. The high sale prices, which exceeded the estimated guide prices, demonstrate the strong demand for rare and exceptional pieces of furniture and provide a benchmark for the value of Mouseman furniture. The sale is a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship, unique design, and rich history of Mouseman furniture, and will likely have implications for the pricing and valuation of other Mouseman pieces. As the market for Mouseman furniture continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how collectors and enthusiasts respond to the new benchmark established by this sale.