Mitchells of Cockermouth holds sales of sporting antiques twice a year, and last weekend’s was its most successful ever.

The auction at its premises in Station Road on Saturday set a new house record of more than £50,000 in sales – around £15,000 more than its previous record.

Auctioneer James Moore put the success down to two factors – the high quality of lots being sold and a great turnout of bidders on the day, not only in the sale room but also online and over the phone.

And the highest selling lot of the day was a magnificent Mallochs of Perth cast salmon weighing over 48 pounds, now on its way back to Scotland. Its original estimate had been between £1,800 and £2,000. But after a battle between two people in the room and three telephone bidders, the price was pushed far beyond the estimate and it was sold to one of the phone bidders for £5,200.

The second highest price was fetched by a 111-year-old shotgun, which sold for £4,300. It was a Fredrick Beesley 12 bore sidelock gun from 1906 and was sold with its original leather, oak and brass cornered case.

Other notable weapons were a Beretta 12 bore shotgun, which sold for £2,500, and a Cogswell and Harrison 16 bore shotgun with its case, which sold for £1,200.


Vintage air pistol An old air pistol proved to be one of the big surprises in the gun section. It dated from early in the last century and owing to its poor condition it was expected to fetch only £30 to £50.

But after a flurry of internet bidding the hammer eventually fell at £170.

Other surprises included the pair of near life-sized cast metal stags standing at almost 5ft tall, which also sailed past their estimates and sold for £1,250 each.

Two very collectable vintage traps, both in excellent condition, also attracted a lot of interest among online bidders, and sold for £170, way above their estimate of £15 to £25.

And a 15 carat gold brooch in the form of a swallow, which was estimated at £50 to £80, sold for £180.

Hunting memorabilia included four large coat buttons and eight waistcoat buttons “Mrs M Lawson’s Beagles” of Brayton Hall in Aspatria. They went to the same buyer for £200 and £260 respectively.

Five hunting cartoons by John William Wilkinson, known as “Wilk”, fetched prices ranging from £90 to £580. Hardy Perfect fishing paraphernalia also did well, with an early 4in alloy fly reel making £580 and a later 3.75in fly reel going for £240.

The fishing section also featured an 8ft boat with trailer, which was sold for £300 to a grandfather for his grandchildren to use on Buttermere.

Mitchells next sporting sale will be on October 7 with a closing date for entries of Friday, August 25. For a valuation with a view to a possible sale contact James Moore on 01900 827800.