Earlier this month, a gentleman's 18ct gold Patek Philippe & Co wristwatch, which had an estimated value of R10,000 - R15,000, nearly stopped time (and hearts) at a Stephan Welz & Co auction when it sold for over R1.9 million. And there could be more surprises in store at the company's next auction in Cape Town on 8 April, one of five new Kontemporary Auctions this year that aim to provide greater access into the collectable market.

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A high note of the auction will be an autographed Harmony electric guitar, signed by Ray Manzarek and Robert Krieger from the band The Doors, model number 02814, with an estimated value of R18,000 - R20,000. The guitar comes with an Ashton guitar case, and is accompanied by a letter of authenticity numbered X90349 by James Spence Authentication LLC.
Other lots to watch include a Victorian silver presentation cup by popular British silversmith Robert Hennell II, London, 1873, valued at R10,000 - R20,000, and a beautiful Keshan carpet, which is estimated at R15,000 - R20,000.
There is also the industrial Lola Mundo Chair designed by Philippe Starck for Driade, Italy. Designed in 1988, the chair is ashwood with ebony finish, cast aluminium legs, black-coloured chromium-plated steel hinges and coloured rubber studs, and has an estimate of R6,000 - R12,000.
The Stephan Welz & Co Kontemporary Auction will take place on Tuesday 8 April 2014 at The Great Cellar, Alphen Estate, Alphen Drive, Constantia. Pre-auction viewing is open to the public at no charge, daily from 2-6 April, 10am-5pm daily.
For more information: +27 (0)21 794 6461, www.stephanwelzandco.co.za.
Source: The Times