A SHOP mirror display showcasing gun cartridges was the top seller at a recent Somerset collectors’ auction – which also included autographs from Hollywood icons including Richard Burton and Judy Garland.

The advertising mirror drew a good deal of pre-sale interest ahead of the Greenslade Taylor Hunt auction at the Somerset Auction Centre, at Junction 24, North Petherton.

The Kynoch Ltd mirror, in its original oak frame, saw bids well ahead of the guide price with a final sale price of £1,300 – the top price of the day.

Elsewhere, a collection of 20 assorted silver coins from the 1970s, featuring wildlife conservation themes, also attracted plenty of interest and sold for £800.

And another coin collection, with examples from Jersey, Guernsey and Gibraltar, made £900.

Sovereigns continue to be sought after and a run of these performed well, topping at £735.

Also popular was an extensive autograph collection built up by two crew members on Cunard trans-Atlantic passenger liners, including the likes of Judy Garland, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and Charlton Heston, which sold for £430.

READ MORE: Iconic Aston martin brought back to life by Somerset motoring experts
READ MORE: Why a teapot caused a stir and sold for £1,200 at Somerset auction

A poignant set of Great War medals including a British War Medal and Victory Medal plus a condolence letter on the death of the recipient Sergeant Herbert Stanley Sewell in France in 1917 also featured in the sale and went for £350.

His commanding officer wrote to Sergeant Sewell’s mother: “It has been my misfortune to see many good fellows go down. Never one whom I shall miss more or for whom I had a warmer admiration or greater affection… Your son was the NCO on duty in the line on the afternoon of the 3rd. He was visiting the posts, under very heavy fire, with his Officer, when a heavy shell dropped near them and both were killed at once…”

The advertising mirror was the top seller at a recent Somerset auction

Sgt Sewell, who died on April 3, 1917, is buried at Sains-en-Gohelle.

Another military-related item – a second edition of The History of the Grecian War translated by Thomas Hobbes, 1676 – went for £320 despite signs of wear.

Looking ahead, collectors will not have to wait long for the next similar sale, which takes place on Wednesday, April 29, from 11.30am.

For more information and to consign items please contact the saleroom on 01278 410250.

READ MORE: Antiques & Collectibles news from your Somerset Leveller