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Strauss & Co's Keerweder triumph

25 Oct 2012

The collection, comprising 662 lots of important Cape and Colonial furniture, paintings, silver, ceramics, metalware, carpets and garden statuary as befitting an original Cape Dutch home, sold for a total of R9,5 million, with a sold rate of 83% by lot and 96% by

Despite the inclement weather which persisted throughout the preview and auction, collectors, neighbours, potential buyers, the curious, the interested as well as art and history aficionados, poured into the estate by the hundred. The warm and welcoming homestead proudly showcased its museum quality collection assembled over twenty years.

Fierce bidding prevailed throughout all three sessions which took place in a packed marquee, with many lots selling way above their pre-sale estimates. Over 600 people attended this historic auction, adding yet another feather to Strauss & Co’s cap. The outstanding success of this sale indicates that historic pieces, in particular of Cape, Colonial and Boer War origin, are highly sought after.

The core of the collection was formed by a large selection of Cape furniture which was snapped up by collectors, agents and decorators alike as were the many Chinese and Japanese ceramics. The highest price paid was for a highly important 18th century Cape armoire sporting silver escutcheons by celebrated Cape silversmith Johan Hendrik Vos, which sold for R891 200, followed by an important Cape stinkwood bible desk which sold for R579 280. The top lot of the auction was JH Pierneef’s Kameeldoring, Kalahari which sold for R946 900.

Director of Strauss & Co and the expert in charge of the auction, Vanessa Phillips commented after the sale: “we are absolutely delighted at the outstanding success of this auction, and honoured to have been entrusted with the sale of the contents of Keerweder.”

Press enquiries and images:
Bina Genovese
bina@straussart.co.za


083 680 9944