SMITH’S Auctions is entering its final week of taking in for October 1 and 2’s Antiques and Collectables sale, with the last day for entries on Friday, September 11.

Smiths is already full for books, ceramics, furniture and paintings but still has space for silver, jewellery, watches and collectables.

Last week saw Smiths accept a varied selection of items for October. Among the highlights is a Horseman bracket clock which, subject to further research, is expected to be consigned with an estimate of £5,000–£7,000.

A beautiful matching set of opal and diamond jewellery has also been consigned, comprising a ring, necklace and pair of earrings. The ring and necklace are each estimated at £1,000–£1,500, while the earrings carry an estimate of £300–£500.

The silver section has proved equally strong, with several groups of items accepted, including a substantial cutlery set estimated at £4,000–£5,000 and a set of silver and mother-of-pearl handled cutlery estimated at £300–£500.

Smiths has also received several attractive pieces of costume jewellery, which are generally entered with estimates in the region of £20–£40.

A varied selection of collectables has also been consigned, including fountain pens, Guinness posters, buttons and badges, demonstrating the broad range of items currently coming through the saleroom.

Recently consigned was a rare Boer War prisoner of war trench art slate plaque engraved with a portrait of the then South African President Paul Kruger and engraved with the words ‘St Helena 1900’ with possibly the signature of the soldier who made it.

During the Second Boer War, the British government used the remote island of St Helena as a place to hold thousands of Boer prisoners of war captured in South Africa. Camps were established in different parts of the island, and at its peak more than 5,000 Boer prisoners were held there.

St Helena’s isolation made it an ideal location for the British authorities, as escape was extremely difficult. Many of the prisoners used their spare time to make practical and decorative objects.

Skilled craftsmen produced beautifully carved wooden boxes, walking sticks, picture frames and other decorative items, often decorated with detailed patterns, inscriptions or symbols connected to the Boer people and the war.

These items were sometimes sold or exchanged and provided the prisoners with both an occupation and a way to preserve their skills and identity while in captivity.

Today, surviving examples of this prisoner-of-war craftsmanship are an important reminder of the personal experiences of the men held on St Helena during the Boer War.

The slate plaque is around 6cm square and skilfully engraved, Smiths are hoping that it will appeal to military collectors and dealers, with its very reasonable estimate of just £60-£80.

Smiths has chosen to limit its drop-in valuation sessions to jewellery for several practical reasons, including the relatively small amount of space required to store jewellery.

Final entries are invited until Friday, September 11 by appointment, with drop-in jewellery valuations available every Tuesday.

To discuss your items or arrange a valuation, you can contact the Smiths team on 01531 821776 or visit www.smithsnewentauctions.co.uk.