2015 Bonhams Oxford Carriage Sale Results (Press Release)

1835 Travelig Landau Bonhams
1835 Traveling Landau by Adams & Cooper © Bonhams

Bonhams sold an ex-Royal Mews Traveling Landau for $376,000 at its first ever Carriage Collection Sale in Oxford on March 7, 2015. Bonhams Private European Collection of Victorian Carriages and Coaches had a white glove result with a 100% sell-through rate achieving a total £1,147,765. The top result, the ex-Royal British Mews Landau commission by King William IV in circa 1835 sold for £247,900 ($376,000).

Bonhams Auction of Victorian Carriages and Coaches

Bonhams first ever Carriage Collection auction was a white glove Sale, achieving over £1.1 million for the British auction house. The ex-Royal British Mews Landau commissioned by King William IV was the star lot of the auction, with the winning bid coming in online from a North-East Asian bidder, selling at £247,900 ($376,000).

Bidders from across the world took part in the auction, vying enthusiastically to take home part of the vast single-owner collection of Victorian Carriages, Coaches and related memorabilia.

“Today’s Sale saw a packed auction room, 100% sold, international bidding, and many items soaring far above estimate to achieve over £1.1 million for the Sale,” said Rob Hubbard, Bonhams Motoring Specialist and auctioneer of the Sale.

“Utilizing our international client base and skilled team of specialists, we were able to achieve some great results. The first auction of its kind for Bonhams, it attracted attention from clients all across the globe, with bids coming in from Australia, Mexico, the US, Europe and the Far East – we’re delighted with the results.”

Top Results from the Bonhams Carriage Sale

1835 Travelig Landau Bonhams
© Bonhams

The ex-Royal British Mews Landau commissioned by King William IV was the star lot of the auction, with the winning bid coming in online from a North-East Asian bidder, selling at £247,900 ($376,000). Traveling Landaus were designed for comfort on longer journeys and extended tours. This traveling Landau with coachwork by Adams & Hooper of London was delivered to the Royal British Mews in 1835 during the reign of King William IV.

Further highlights include an 18th century sled, racing past its estimate of £7,000-10,000 to achieve £31,050; two 19th century coaches from rival champagne houses Veuve Clicquot and Moët & Chandon, achieving £34,500 and £26,450 respectively; and a Park Drag, circa 1880, with Coachwork by Holland & Holland, selling at £79,900.

Bonhams Motoring Department will hold over 20 international Sales in 2015, with three auctions still to come in March: The Amelia Island Auction (Florida, 12 March); the inaugural Goodwood Members Meeting Sale (Chichester, 21 March); and the Mercedes-Benz Sale (Stuttgart, 28 March).