We are instructed by the Executors to sell by auction the bronze monkeys of the late Colin Wilson which he attributed to Giambologna.

They were purchased at auction in 1992 in the full knowledge that they had the potential  to be the missing monkeys from the Medici commissioned Giambologna fountain Samson & a Philistine of 1569.

Colin then commenced his extensive research to turn this potential find into an attribution. Once he had established basic key facts he decided it was time to seek the opinion of a leading expert. The monkeys were dismissed as 19^th century animalier bronzes.

Prior to seeing the monkeys my personal knowledge of renaissance bronzes was less than negligible. However, I have seen many 19^th century animalier bronzes and these are not. To date, every experienced and knowledgeable antique dealer that I have shown them to shares this view.

We became involved in 2000 when Colin gave me copies of his research and conveyed some of the negative feedback he was receiving. The story was compelling, some opinions were questionable, but the facts were there for all to see. We agreed to host the research on our website in the hope that further information would be forthcoming and that one day we would receive Colin’s instructions to sell.

By then, Colin had already decided that he would not sell the monkeys until academic acceptance was forthcoming. With so much documented support from learned members of the antiques and art trade, off the record endorsements from renowned experts unable to assist for political reasons; the frustration was tangible. This quest was left unfulfilled and was undoubtedly a contributory factor in his premature death.

A third monkey was then found earlier this year. It is now consigned for sale on 30^th July 2008 in Grantham and will be sold with the Colin Wilson pair.

The monkey was bought by the vendor’s father from their local scrap merchant in Ickleford (Herts) during the 1950’s for a reputed £2.10s.0d.

The vendor’s mother saw Colin Wilson with his monkeys on Carol Vorderman’s ‘Find a Fortune’ and tried several times to get through by telephone without success. A few years later there was a local antique valuation day being held by one of the major London firms. The auctioneers took a photograph of the monkey, but never contacted her again. Their son is now the instructing vendor. By coincidence he is an ex-antique dealer from London who changed careers 10 years ago and moved to within 40 miles of where the Wilson pair appeared at auction.

The three bronze monkeys to be sold in separate lots. The successful bidder will be given an option to purchase any or all of the lots at that price if they wish. At the time of sale opinion is still deeply divided over this subject, therefore as a sale by auction is a sale by description we are selling.

Lot 521 – a bronze monkey

Lot 522 – a bronze monkey

Lot 523 – a bronze monkey

There is no attribution. There is no estimate.

So, just like the dismissed ‘Rembrandt’ sold in Cirencester in October 2007 for £2.2m, the market will have to decide. Are they two of the missing monkeys from the fountain, superb examples of renaissance bronze or is there another twist in the tale?

We will find out Saleday -  Wednesday 30th July 2008.

Read the facts, view the items, make your own decision and we look forward to taking your carefully considered bids.