Jesus College to auction off College oars

Hand-crafted wooden oars used in the 1930s attract attention at Kensington auction

by Osama Siddiqui

This article is 15 years old

Saturday April 17 2010, 12:22pm

Jesus College has decided to auction off five hand-crafted wooden oars that were used in College races in the 1930s.

The oars, which are painted and inscribed with the names of College rowers, were reportedly made around 1938. Along with the oars, the College is also offering five framed photographs showing College races in which the oars were used.

The oars and the photographs will go up for on auction on April 27th at Christie’s Interiors sale in South Kensington. Other items on the auction lot include a George II Coffee Pot, an early-Victorian gavel, and early nineteenth century glass goblets.

According to Mark Stephen, Specialist in Objects at Christie’s, “The oars are extremely unusual looking and are proving to be popular. It looks as if the oars have been passed around a few dealers over the years before coming to us.”

He added, “They’re old but in nice condition and for people into the country-club look in their homes, will make the perfect addition.”

The oars are expected to fetch between £800 and £1,200.

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