A set of servants bells made £216,300 against an estimate of £7,000 as a Downton Abbey charity sale exceeded estimates by a factor of six.
Bonhams’ Downton Abbey: the Auction, made £1.7 million yesterday, September 16, in London.
The “bell wall”, a wired wooden board labelled for the rooms in the Abbey was the surprise of the sale. It was shown in all six seasons of the show that explores the world of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants from 1912 to 1926.
The sale coincides with the release of a final movie release, closing a saga that was debuted on ITV in 2010.
Also speeding past its estimate was a 1925 Sunbeam shown on screen as Lord and Lady Grantham’s car. It realised £172,500 against a £25,000 to £35,000 estimate.
The seven-seater car was a £950-luxury model when it was released, and was owned by a Lancashire mill owner, who altered its wheels to safely navigate Blackpool’s tram tracks.
The sale was preceded by a free exhibition celebrating the franchise, which notched up a total of 120 million viewers.
Charlie Thomas from Bonhams said: “Over the past month, we’ve welcomed visitors from around the world to New Bond Street to view the exhibition and take part in the sale.
“With every lot sold and final prices far surpassing expectations, the auction stands as a true testament to the enduring appeal of Downton Abbey.”
TV props can be very valuable. In 2023, bar-room scenery from the US sitcom Cheers sold for $675,000.
Downtown Abbey: the Auction raised money for UK children’s charity Together for Short Lives.
