World renowned auctioneers, Mullock Madeley, of South Shropshire, made the coup at their recent antique and modern fishing tackle sale (November 20) at Ludlow racecourse. The extremely rare early model, a Roller Back Coxon Aerial, from John Forrest of London was pre 1st World War and retained a lot of people still bidding, at £ 5,000, among a packed sale room. Mullock Madeley fishing specialist John Stephenson, confirms authenticity: “We know it’s a record because it was only a couple of months ago that a similar Coxon Aerial sold for a previous best of £ 3,800. It is clear that quality and rarity set their own price,” says Mr Stephenson who had hoped it might achieve £ 5,000 against a guide price of £ 3,000/4000. John Mullock enthuses, “it was a sterling sale all round with trade very strong throughout; to take a new world record was quite breathtaking. The Frank Sawyer collection generated flying bids with many fresh to the market wanting a bit of the Sawyer history for themselves.” Support delighted the Sawyer family – a highlight being Frank Sawyer’s brass microscope – bought by his mother in 1935 – it sold for £ 1,000.” The auction saw the market for unusual fixed spool thread-line reels strengthen, with five Dingley of Alnwick, dry fly reels with original dark lead finishing, trebling their guide price to realise £ 980. Mullock Madeley will next be in action for its major sporting auction on December 1 and 2 at Ludlow, Shropshire, more details 01694 771771 or visit www.mullockmadeley.co.uk. |