Antiques from reality TV’s first business troubleshooter Sir John Harvey-Jones on offer

More than 170 items from their Caemawr estate in north Wales will appear in Hansons’ Antiques and Collectors sale from February 1-4. As well as furniture dating back to the 1600s, paintings, silver, metalware, ceramics and quirky lots also feature.

Hackney-born Sir John (1924-2008) found fame as presenter of BBC show Troubleshooter in the 1990s where he dispensed advice to ailing firms. As chairman of ICI in the 1980s, he doubled the price of the company’s shares within 30 months and turned a loss into a £1bn profit.

Before his business career he had served with distinction in the Royal Navy during the Second World War and with Naval Intelligence post-1945.

Here are five stand-out Harvey-Jones items in the February Four Day Antiques Auction at Hansons in Etwall, Derbyshire.

Gentlemen portrayed

Two oval-framed English School 18th century portraits of gentlemen, c.1719-30, the pictures (pictured top) each 13in (34cm) long, are offered as a single lot with an estimate of £500-800. They are possibly members of the Woodhouse Family of Aramstone, Hoarwithy, Ross-on-Wye.

To bid for the English School 18th century portraits of gentlemen try thesaleroom.com.

Little 'curiositys' love from Hannah

Nineteenth century framed letter addressed to Mrs McCartney and crocheted miniature baby boots, mittens and bonnet, from the John Harvey Jones collection – estimate £40-60 at Hansons on February 1-4.

This 19th century curiosity features a framed letter and crocheted miniature baby boots, mittens and bonnet. The letter is addressed to Mrs McCartney and the reverse reads: Some little curiositys [sic] done by the female orphans in connexion with the Plymouth Brethren Bristol - with Hannah - love. Estimate £40-60.

Visit thesaleroom.com to bid for the framed letter and crocheted miniature baby boots, mittens and bonnet.

Take a Pekinese

An oil painting of a Pekinese dog attributed to British/American artist Maud Earl, from the John Harvey Jones collection – estimate £150-200 at Hansons on February 1-4.

An oil painting of a Pekinese dog with cricket bat and ball, attributed to British/American artist Maud Earl (1864-1943), a woman celebrated for her canine paintings, is estimated at £150-200. The 7 x 9in (19 x 24cm) work comes with an Ackermann & Co label verso.

View the oil painting of a Pekinese dog attributed to Maud Earl on thesaleroom.com.

Putti in your hands

An eight-day John Beaven of Woolwich mantle clock in mahogany, c.1830s, from the John Harvey Jones collection – estimate £200-300 at Hansons on February 1-4.

An eight-day John Beaven of Woolwich mantle clock in mahogany, c.1830s, is guided at £200-300. It features a mahogany case on brass ball feet, steel face with Roman numerals and the case is surmounted by brass putti.

Bid on the John Beaven of Woolwich mantle clock in mahogany using thesaleroom.com.

Pressed into action

Late 17th century joined oak clothes press with lunette carved frieze bearing the initials EB and converted into a wardrobe, from the John Harvey Jones collection – estimate £300-£500 at Hansons on February 1-4.

Furniture on offer includes this late 17th century joined oak clothes press with lunette carved frieze bearing the initials EB and converted into a wardrobe. Measuring 5ft 7in high x 5ft wide x 20in deep (1.71m x 1.52m x 51cm), it has wrought iron hinges, is raised on stile feet and a hanging rail has been added

It is estimated at £300-500.

Check thesaleroom.com to see this late 17th century joined oak clothes press.