ZULU ARTEFACTS TO BE AUCTIONED. The sale date is January 22, 2014 – the 135th anniversary of the Battle of Isandlwana .

Last edited by Admin on Sun Feb 02, 2014 7:38 pm; edited 3 times in total

Does anyone remember the magnificent collection of Zulu artefacts from the late David Smith's collection, which the AZWHS put on display a couple of years ago? David's partner has now decided to sell the collection, and it was consigned last week to Wallis and Wallis, the auctioneers. It was probably one of the largest and best collections of Zulu and other southern African artefacts in a private collection, and consisted of dozens of spears, shields, knobkerries, staffs, decorated sticks, snuff-boxes, powder-horns, bead-work and status necklaces. The exact date of the sale has yet to be finalised - it will take some time to prepare a catalogue - but it is hoped it will take place in January next year.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

https://www.1879zuluwar.com/t4437-zulu-war-exhibition-anglo-zulu-war-society-17th-18th-october-2011

Posts : 1093 Join date : 2009-01-14 Location : East London

That's a shame. Let hope most of it stays in the UK.

Posts : 2308 Join date : 2010-07-02 Age : 44

Wow!!! That should be an interesting auction. Old 90th will be kicking himself, what with him being over there and the auction over here!!!

Posts : 1261 Join date : 2010-04-12

Thats going to be some auction. Could possibly be purchased by a museum. Bill you will need a bigger display cabinet!

Subject: Zulu Artifacts to be auctioned Tue Jul 09, 2013 9:05 am

Impi Old 90th is indeed kicking himself that its over there , that maybe the kick in the backside I need to get my passport renewed ! . I'm sure I'll be browsing the auction as I signed up on their site last year , I may have to start saving , things may get a little tight around xmas ! . I did see a powder horn or two that I took a fancy to . Rolling Eyes

. Will be an interesting brochure that's for sure .
90th.

Subject: zulu artifacts to be auctioned Tue Jul 09, 2013 9:09 am

Chard I think poor old Bill will need a '' Bigger Museum '' . ! . Wonder if Martin will stock up with some items for his '' Study '' ?????. I'm sure a few on here will be raiding there Bank Accounts or giving the Credit Card some free reign ! .
90th.

Subject: Zulu artifacts Tue Jul 09, 2013 1:32 pm

Hi 90th.

Stock up with items for my 'Study'? I can hardly move in the place at the moment, so even if I could afford to obtain some items, I doubt I could get anything else in there.

Ummm, I might have to resort to your idea mate, and shift out Mrs Shifter and all her collection of teddy bears, etc, then I can have the rooms to myself and put all sorts of things in them. Now let's see, where did I put that tent, oh! on second thoughts, hang on a moment, I don't think Mrs Shifter would appreciate being in a tent in the garden, I rather think I would definitely get the 'Medusa Stare' Shocked

LOL.

Posts : 1261 Join date : 2010-04-12

Is there a reason as to why it's being sold off?

Chard its just possible that this may give you a clue.

Admin wrote:: Does anyone remember the magnificent collection of Zulu artefacts from the late David Smith's collection, which the AZWHS put on display a couple of years ago? David's partner has now decided to sell the collection, and it was consigned last week to Wallis and Wallis, the auctioneers. It was probably one of the largest and best collections of Zulu and other southern African artefacts in a private collection, and consisted of dozens of spears, shields, knobkerries, staffs, decorated sticks, snuff-boxes, powder-horns, bead-work and status necklaces. The exact date of the sale has yet to be finalised - it will take some time to prepare a catalogue - but it is hoped it will take place in January next year.

Posts : 2308 Join date : 2010-07-02 Age : 44

But there's normally a reason for selling, being the largest collection outside of SA there must be a good reason. Surly it could be offered to a museum. these artefacts could end up all over the world!!!!

impi
Your probably right, it will be split up. As for offering to a museum? Its a collection worth a considerable amount of cash, not many altruistic people around these days. Particularly as its not British history per se, most of it is more South African interest. With the exception of course of a few pieces. Seeing as there is a strong Tenteden connection through David and Adrian to the Natal Heritage boards I would assume that they, Amalfi, will be aware that there are important Cetswayo artifacts going on the market. Personally I would be very interested in the medal collections and the Cetswayo personal items.

Subject: Zulu Artifacts To Be Auctioned !! Wed Jul 10, 2013 11:51 am

Hi Springbok.
Do you mean Campaign Medals ? , I dont think there are any in the collection that's being sold . I'm under the impression it's Zulu Artifacts only . Eng 1 / 31 Mad

We need a couple of quick wickets !
90th. Salute

Sorry was under the impression that all the photos were of the collection. Now re reading it I see part of the photos were of the AZWHS collection.
Unless there is provenance on the balance there isnt much value in terms of history. I think martins wifes 'Tatt' is safe.

Cheers Salute

But it will give some people a chance to own a bit of Zulu War History!!!! If they bid that is...

An update on the David Smith Collection sale. Ian Knight has apparently been helping Wallis and Wallis to catalogue the material, and W+W have released a few teaser photos of some of the choicest bits. At this stage it is anticipated there will be around 150-200 lots in all, and the sale is provisionally scheduled for January, around the time of the anniversary of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Possibly the most important auction relating to the History of the Zulu war.

Looking Good, they have their work cut out listing that lot!

Posts : 627 Join date : 2009-01-20 Age : 45

I bet old 90th will need deeper pockets? Very Happy

Subject: Zulu Atrifacts to be Auctioned Mon Aug 12, 2013 8:20 am

Hi sas1.
Yep ! Rolling Eyes

90th

I had better warn MrsD that she wont be getting much for Christmas this year!!

Very Happy

Posts : 1093 Join date : 2009-01-14 Location : East London

Get her a nice Zulu spear!

great thinking she did mention we should improve security ion the house as their had been burglaries in our area!

Couple of nice object de art knecklaces, and those shields make great brollies.

Subject: Zulu Artifacts To Be Auctioned Mon Aug 12, 2013 2:03 pm

Hi Sergio,
A bit messy if your called upon to use a spear , especially a stabbing one ! , get a nice solid Knobkerrie instead ! . LOL.
Cheers 90th. agree

90th - your not thinking it through - If i gave Mrs D a Knobkerrie -for xmas she would be very disappointed - how would she have the strength to swing it - far better to give her something to stab someone with lol.

I shall just make sure I am not in stabbing distance when she opens it!!

Posts : 1603 Join date : 2009-09-21

How do these auctions work!! is there an on-line facility to bid, or do you have to attend?

Both Dave - All the major auction houses have websites and the facility to leave absentee bids - I always prefer to attend if I can - as it gives you more flexibility.

Cheers
Sergio

Further to my previous post - Wallis and Wallis have informed me that the auction will be viewable on the-saleroom.com - where you will have the capacity to bid on line. Hopefully there will be enough items that we wont be bidding against each other - we know how deep 90th's pockets are:D and if Tasker gets in on the act we could be in trouble.

Just a note i have found the postage charges of some of the smaller auction houses on here to be quite high so make sure to check in advance.

regards

Sergio

Subject: Zulu Artifacts to be Auctioned Wed Aug 14, 2013 10:46 am

Hi Sergio .
I may have to turn up to save on postage ! LOL. agree

Cheers 90th. Salute

lol Gary - what you save in postage will probably be spent on beer !!
A forum dinner after the auction might not be a bad idea though!!

Posts : 1603 Join date : 2009-09-21

So if you attend and place a winning bit, can you take the item away with you as soon as is pay for? or is there a waiting period before collection.?

you can pick it up as soon as you have paid

Subject: Zulu Artifacts to be auctioned Thu Aug 15, 2013 6:44 am

HI Sergio.
Joker

. You may be right , all the savings would certainly go on Beer ! Very Happy

. But it'd be a great dinner wouldnt it ? .
90th.

Posts : 527 Join date : 2009-02-28

Very nice!

http://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/wallis-and-wallis/catalogue-id-2898944/lot-20614522?searchitem=true

Posts : 2593 Join date : 2009-04-24

My budget won't stretch to what that would go for. Shocked

The sale date is January 22, 2014 – the 135th anniversary of the Battle of Isandlwana and the beginning of the attack on Rorke’s Drift during the Zulu War of 1879.

http://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/local/zulu-artefact-auction-in-lewes-1-5699262

The 'Ulundi ' spear went for 6000 GBP. Cant believe it?????????????????
Plus the add ons are another 25%

Subject: Wallis & Wallis 22 Jan Zulu Artifact Auction Wed Jan 22, 2014 11:57 am

I just saw a heavy two toned knobkerry go for 2,000 GBP's ! , I knew these prices would be inflated but these are Zeppelinish !
OMG .
90th. scratch

I will bet Sergios Missus doesn't know where he is today? Very Happy

Subject: Wallis & Wallis 22 Jan Zulu Artifact Auction Wed Jan 22, 2014 12:13 pm

With these prices poor old Sergio wont know where he is himself ! Rolling Eyes

90th

Lot 96 just went for 4,200 GBP's A zulu two tone hardwood staff with the head in the shape of a fist clutching a ball !
Have you chimed in yet Springy ???? , I doubt it if the other half is looking over your shoulder ! LOL.
Cheers 90th.

I looked at the Ulundi Spear and mentally prepared myself to go to around 1800.00 hell that disappeared so fast I didn't even bother bidding.

Subject: Wallis & Wallis 22 Jan Zulu Artifact Auction Wed Jan 22, 2014 12:23 pm

I shudder to think what the Armitage Isandlwana Letter will go for , I was thinking 4-5 K but 7 or more wouldnt surprise ! Wahhhh
90th.

War shield just gone for 4600.
The interesting prices to come will be 145, the relics display. 151 the pierce medal and 151 Armitage letter. Cant even begin to guess.

Subject: Wallis & Wallis 22 Jan Zulu Artifact Auction Wed Jan 22, 2014 12:59 pm

I was going to bid 200 GBP's on the Snuff container Lot 125 , it went for double .
90th

Subject: Wallis & Wallis 22 Jan Zulu Artifact Auction Wed Jan 22, 2014 1:30 pm

Well the Isandlwana letter didnt surprise me as I thought 7k may be its price ! , that was basically the only item where I was on the mark , many other items were just way out of kilter ! . I didnt bother the scorers , what about you Springy and Sergio ?
90th Shocked

The SAGS went for 575 but the most incredible price was the tray of artifacts for 4000. Hell Im going into business. Not a chance could I buy at those prices, not at R17.50 to the pound.

Posts : 2871 Join date : 2010-06-02

Interesting to hear the auctioneer say at one point that it was an "interesting sale as there was no precedent to go on to judge prices"!

The SAGS was about right wasn't it - plenty of others to judge it by I suppose. The tray of artefacts wasn't particularly inspiring - certainly not £4000 pounds worth in my eyes.

I thought it was interesting that one of the sticks (the one with a carved hand holding a ball) went for £4,200 - way way more than any of the others. Do we know why that was special?

What happened to the Melton Prior picture ?

Steve

Good grief - what a crazy Day Joker

. These prices were ridiculous - some of the stuff was clearly early 1900's and nothing to do with the Zulu war. The Ulundi spear at 6000 almost had me choking. Shocked

What a wasted journey - I picked up one lot - out of 5 that I was interested in - . I mean a grand for a powder horn or a spear scratch

. Frank do you fancy setting up an import business you source them and I will sell them!!.

The other point is I actually took Mrs D to the auction - alright she insisted on coming - to restrict my spending and to get a nice stay in a hotel last night.
Having seen some of the prices at the auction I am now a bit concerned with the way she was eyeing up my collection of Zulu artifacts when we got home this afternoon!!

I am just off to the insurance company to increase the value of my collection by about 20X.

Thank god the medal world hasnt lost the plot.

Sergio

Steve
There was quite a lot didn't come up, possibly another coming soon.
Sergio
Im getting busy in the garage, 4000 for a spear. Hell I was telling Gary about a place in Elands Kraal Zulu land that makes them for R35 a time, that's 2 pound.
Whats incredible is that when Reynolds kit was put up they couldn't get bids without the owner pushing it along.

Crazy old world.

» 22nd January 1879 135th Anniversary.
» The anniversary of 22nd January in 2024
» Artefacts from the Zulu War.