Mystery surrounds a letter written by world famous ‘Lord of the Rings’ author J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973) which sold for £1.5K at auction in Lichfield this week.
The single page letter dated 1963 on headed paper was addressed to ‘My Dear People’. Tolkien goes on describe his and his wife’s health a ‘disastrous holiday’ and to thank the recipients for their ‘company and kindness’. Accompanying the letter is a Christmas card with photograph of Tolkien flanked by his holiday companions, Wilfrid and Nora.
Discovered amongst the pages of a (non Tolkien) book, the local vendor thought it may have some interest, especially with the advent of the new ‘Hobbit’ film later in the year. It attracted numerous pre-sale enquires when it was offered at Richard Winterton’s Collectors’ sale on 26th January where an internet buyer bidding live online secured it for £1,550.
The three day sale (25th to 27th January) was an excellent start to the New Year. Not only boosted by the presence of David ‘The Duke’ Dickinson (filming his popular ITV show), the sale included an interesting array of desirable and collectable objects.
Notably Lot 375 an Art Nouveau Daum cameo glass miniature vase brought £1k. Lot 482, a rare WWII RAF sector wall clock in distressed condition had been brought into the Sutton Coldfield valuation office one Monday. On account of the well-used condition, it was estimated to fetch £100-150. However, this is a niche market and avid collectors in this field deemed it part of our military heritage and thus highly desirable. An internet bidder pushed the price to £520 to secure it.
The next three-day Antique, Twentieth Century & Collectors’ Sale is 22nd to 24th February and entries are now being invited. Contact Richard Winterton Auctioneers for further details on 01543 251081 or email [email protected]
