RIPON, UK – Ancient Greek drinking vessels were among the items auctioned off by Elstob & Elstob in a fine art, antiques, and jewelry sale in Ripon, North Yorkshire on April 18, The Northern Echo (TNE) reported, adding that the auction was one of the few not postponed or canceled due to the measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

While the auction room was closed to the public, live bids were made online, TNE reported. The auction was “Elstob & Elstob’s first totally online auction,” The Yorkshire Post reported, adding that a signed Tiffany and Company Tiger Orchid brooch from 1890 sold for £50,000 (about $61,775).

The auction co-director David Elstob told TNE, “We have decided to carry on with sales as long as possible,” noting that strict social distancing was in effect for the staff on the day of the sale.

Elstob noted that the company has “been moving towards online sales for some time and have been investing heavily in state-of-the-art technology,” TNE reported.

The items up for auction could be viewed “in an online catalogue with high-quality images and detailed descriptions,” Elstob told TNE, adding that “we are also producing videos of popular lots and our experts are readily available for internet-based or telephone consultations on request.” 

Art Deco items by the renowned designer René Lalique were also in the large collection of glassware up for auction, TNE reported, adding that “at the other end of the historical spectrum, are two glass pieces dating back to the 1st-4th Century BC,” including “a rare Greek oinochoe – a vase resembling a little pitcher from which wine was poured into cups.”

According to Elstob & Elstob’s website, the oinochoe was estimated at £1,200-£ 1,800 ($1,483-$2,225), but unfortunately remained unsold at the auction as did the other rare Greek item, a Hellenistic core-formed glass, amphoriskos, a small jar with two handles, used for perfume, estimated at £1,500-£2,500 ($1,854-$3,090).

More information about the auction is available online:https://www.elstobandelstob.co.uk.