Wilk hunting cartoons and a rare gun made in Whitehaven are just some of the highlights in Mitchells Country Sporting Sale next week.
The most valuable lot in the Cockermouth sale is likely to be a pair of AYA No2 20 bore sidelock ejector shotguns with an auction estimate of £3,000-£3,500. Of local historical interest is a rare Victorian W Horton of Whitehaven muzzle-oading percussion shotgun, one of only a handful known to be in existence. William Horton worked as a gun maker in Whitehaven from 1857 until 1864 when he moved to Glasgow. Auctioneers have given the shotgun a conservative estimate of £200-£300 however it could sell for considerably more given its rarity.
Amongst the sporting artworks for sale are two Wilk cartoons by the Keswick illustrator John ‘Wilk' Wilkinson (1906-1994) who was renowned for his caricatures of Lakeland characters.
One of the cartoons shows the Blencathra Foxhounds and a sporty lady vexed at the slow progress of the hounds which has an estimate of £250 to £300. Another showing Stan Elwood of the Black Coombe Beagles titled “Make way for the Mayor of Troutbeck” has an estimate of £180 to £220.
The sale will take place April 26 to 28.More details at www.mitchellsantiques.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here