Sotheby’s in London concluded its sale on 28 March with over 1000 participants driving the sale total of Two Great Scottish Collections to $4,768,981), over three times the presale estimate, with successful bids fielded from eight institutions.

There was a fervent interest in the history of Scotland with collectors out in force, eager to acquire items from two remarkable collections which each tell the story of an important family steeped in the nation’s past: the Forbeses of Pitsligo, tastemakers rooted in 18th -century Edinburgh, and the Marquesses of Lothian, an ancient and noble lineage.

The star of the sale was the Fettercairn Jewel – a 16th century virtuoso enamelled gold pendant set with an almandine garnet on the back – which was acquired by National Museums Scotland. This bidding of this piece drove the final price to £236,750, exceeding the pre-sale estimate of £30,000-50,000.

Harry Dalmeny, Sotheby’s UK Chairman, said: “These two collections provoked intense bidding throughout a marathon sale which lasted nine hours and saw a steady stream of auctioneers take to the rostrum. We’re thrilled to have been able to share with both collectors and public alike, through such rich content, as many revelations about the history of Scotland as about the families who assembled them over nearly four centuries.”

David Macdonald, Sotheby’s Specialist in charge of the sale, commented: “Though both collections recently made the journey from Scotland to London for the auction, it’s lovely to think that many of the items will make the journey back home again, especially the Fettercairn Jewel. The response from private collectors, not only Scottish but from all over the world, has been extraordinary, and the fact that a number of institutions were able to secure works was a fitting conclusion to what has been a unique celebration of all things Scottish.”