A Humble Christmas Tree Garners Surprising Auction Bid
The 3-foot tree, featuring 25 branches, 12 berries, and six miniature lantern holders, was estimated to sell for just 60-80 £ ($76-$102 USD) at Hansons Auctioneers in Oxfordshire, South East England. However, a worldwide bidding frenzy yielded an unexpected outcome, far surpassing the initial estimate.
"The Christmas magic lives on! The world's most humble Christmas tree now has a new home. We're delighted to bring joy to buyers and sellers alike."
The tree was brought into Dorothy Grant's home in Leicestershire, East Midlands, England, in 1920, when she was 8 years old. The auction house reported that she was "very excited" about the addition to her family's holiday decorations. In an effort to mimic snow, Dorothy adorned the tree with wool to create a snowy effect, as glass ornaments were considered luxurious at the time due to World War I rationing.
Dorothy cherished the tree until her passing at the age of 101 in 2014. Upon her death, the tree passed to her 84-year-old daughter, Shirley Hall.
"It's incredible how it could have sold for just a few cents and now it's selling for thousands of dollars. I think it's all due to nostalgia," said Hanson. "Dorothy's story resonates with people."
The simplicity of the tree and the memories it evoked offered a humble nod to the traditional celebration of Christmas. Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, added, "Dorothy loved this tree. Over the decades, it became a staple of family gatherings. The fact that it brought her such joy is a simple, humbling experience. It reminds us that the spirit of Christmas doesn't require extravagance."
It's believed the tree was likely created for a high-end department store in London, mirroring the first wave of mass-produced artificial trees sold by Woolworths. However, Hanson noted, the tree's distinctive red coloring on the wooden stand sets it apart from previous Woolworth's offerings.
Shirley elected to sell the tree in memory of her mother and preserve its legacy as a reminders of the 1920s - a decade that saw its fair share of prosperity and adversity. Similar trees have also garnered attention and high bids in the past. For instance, another tree was purchased in Scotland for 6 pence - or 8 cents - in 1937 and later sold for $190 USD in 2019 at Hanson's Auction House. Another example was discovered in Derby and sold for $533 USD in 2017.
"Dorothy's tree was truly exceptional," pointed out Hanson.
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