Island Life Magazine Ltd April/May 2012 | Page 94

ANTIQUES Mini Cooper comes under microscope at auction A 19th century microscope and a 14-year-old Mini Cooper were among the items that attracted huge attention at the Island Auction Rooms, Shanklin. The microscope by John Bleuler of London was contested by the internet, phone and in the room and went way past its £400-600 estimate. It finally sold to a West Country collector for £2,200. Among the ‘vintage’ items was the 1998 reg Mini Cooper, in the classic red and white colours. From a deceased estate, and valued at around £2,000-£2,500 the interest went through the roof. Contested by phone bidders and three or four in the room, it flew past the estimate and ended 94 www.visitislandlife.com up with two slogging it out - eventually selling for £3,850. Another result showing quality furniture sells well was a Queen Anne Bureau contested and bought by a Bristol dealer for £2,900. A date for the diary for Isle of Wight collectors is April 17 when Island Auction Rooms will have a specialist Isle of Wight Collectables sale - already having over 100 lots of IW Pottery - a single academic collection. Other items will include IW books, glass, pottery, ephemera. Entries for this sale are still invited 01983-863441.