WOW! What an extraordinary sale we have just had!

Buyers were particularly selective on what they bid but interest on unusual and quirky items was strong, particularly on a Regency Coco De Mer.   Bids in the room went to £2,000 but it was eventually sold on the telephone for £3,000 to the London trade – against an estimate of £800-£1200.

Bidding was again strong for a pair of 18th century Prattware figurines modelled as rams beside a shepherd and shepherdess.  There were some condition issues but rarity pushed the price up and the hammer eventually fell at £1,400 against a cautious estimate of £300-£500.

Selling furniture is a problem that auctioneers have come across over the past couple of years or so.   Ten years ago a Welsh George III dresser would have made between £3,000-£5,000 but prices have dipped so much that, having placed an estimate of £1,000-£2,000 on a good original example, we still struggled to sell the piece.

However, good prices were achieved on other pieces of furniture.  For example, a Wellington chest sold way above the estimate for £1,200.

Jewellery can be tricky in the present market as diamond prices have fallen and, with De Beers cutting back on operations - but with good named pieces still selling - the market remains buoyant.

All in all, after months of putting the catalogue together, it’s back to the grindstone as we are now preparing for our next fortnightly Vintage Sale on Monday, 29th June.