Lights, Camera, Action: Bonhams’ September 16, 2025 Downton Abbey The Auction Sales Event

The historical drama Downton Abbey debuted in the UK on September 26, 2010 and became an immediate sensation. Just a few months later, on January 9, 2011, the PBS network in the United States began running the program as part of its Masterpiece series. Downton Abbey would go on to run for 52 episodes over six series, win prestigious awards including a Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy, have an estimated fan following of 120 million global viewers, and earn its place as one of the most celebrated programs in the history of British television. Bonhams of New Bond Street in London is offering its 267 lot Downton Abbey The Auction on September 16, 2025. The sale offers a full range of props, outfits, accessories, furniture, and other materials featured in the beloved series. Here are some highlights from this highly anticipated sale that caught the eye of the Auction Daily team. 

The top lot in this star-studded sale is #0173, a 1925 Sunbeam 20/60hp Saloon vehicle, which is estimated at £25,000 – £35,000. 

• This automobile debuted in the second season of the program and appeared through the fifth season and in all three related movies. This extraordinary example is in fine, running condition without restoration, except for a repaint. According to Bonhams, it is probably one of 45 extant today. It was made by one of Britain’s most elite manufacturers at the time, and was considered a competitor to the 20hp model produced by Rolls Royce. However, its sticker price was 25% less than the Rolls Royce model.

Recognizable outfits worn by the cast members over the years are well represented in this auction. 

• For the ladies, all eyes will be on lot #0124, the wedding dress and accessories worn for the marriage of Lady Mary Crawley to Matthew Crawley in Season 3, Episode 1. It estimated at £3,000 – £5,000. The lot includes a 1920s-era themed chiffon dress with a decorative tabard overlay and pleated sash, satin Mary Jane style shoes, a sparkling tiara, tulle veil, and a faux bridal bouquet. This ensemble was designed by BAFTA nominated designer Caroline McCall and sewn by seamstress Jane Law, who has also produced costumes for high profile media franchises including Mad Max and Jurassic park. 

And for the gentlemen, three’s a charm with lot #0076, a three piece summer suit and accessories worn by Lord Grantham in Season 5 and Season 6, Episode 7. It is estimated at £600 -£800. The collection includes a matching herringbone jacket, waistcoat, and pants; a striped cream shirt; maroon tie; white collar; faux gold cufflinks and studs; brown socks and shoes; and a brown felt hat. According to Bonhams, this outfit, worn by the patriarch of the Crawley family and the co-owner of the Downton Abbey estate, was the most important in this character’s wardrobe. 

Furniture and props integral to the series’ storyline are another key category in this early fall sale. 

• Lot #0002, The Downton Abbey bell wall first seen in Season 1 in the Servant’s Hall, is estimated at £5,000 – £7,000. This key prop appeared throughout the entire run of the series and was created by the production company’s model makers. The wall in the form of a large black board measuring 300cm x 12cm x 85.5cm. It has two rows of ten bells mounted to it, with each bell labeled with a specific room or area in the estate. When a bell rang, staff were notified of the help request, and its location, and could act accordingly. This bell wall was instrumental as a communications hub, as well as a dramatic catalyst, throughout the series. 

Lot #0006, a communal work or dining table used for Season 5 onwards, is estimated at £800 – £1,200. This long, sturdy, and solidly constructed piece, designed to have an 18th century style aesthetic, measures 259cm x 98cm x 74cm. It is made from pine and was used as a prop in the Servant’s Hall. This table has a distinctly homemade, rustic presentation to it. 

Decorative arts and household items featured throughout the series are certain to catch the eye of Downton Abbey enthusiasts worldwide. 

• Lot #0184, a late 19th / early 20th century croquet set which appeared in the film Downton Abbey: A New Era, is estimated at £1,000- £1,500. The grouping includes game mallets and balls, ten wickets, two center pegs, and a hoop mallet. These elements are all presented on a turned wooden stand with a black painted tin drip tray and a decorative cast iron shelf designed to secure the game balls. The mallets are 94 cm tall and the stand measures 49 cm x 49 cm x 90 cm. 

Lot #0063, a walking cane used by Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, is estimated at £500 – £800. This item, one of two produced, is made to resemble one from the early prewar period. It measures 13cm x 2.5cm x 95.5cm and features a black, tapered wooden shaft; a white metal handle decorated with stylized plant forms; and a white metal end tip.  

This exciting sale rounds out with series related ephemera, preparatory sketches, set dressings, and other production related materials. 

• Lot #0001, a signed script of Downton Abbey Season 1, Episode 1, is estimated at £600 – £800. This unbound, shooting script was produced by Carnival Film & Television Ltd in 2010 and includes about 42 pages of double-sided mimeographed copy. Its cover page is autographed in black ink by the members of the cast and crew of that episode. This debut aired on September 26, 2010 on IVT in the UK to an estimated 9.25 million viewers. 

For more information on Bonhams’ September 16, 2025 Downton Abbey: The Auction, please see https://www.bonhams.com/stories/40280/downton-abbey-auction-and-exhibition-at-bonhams-iconic-series-highlights/.