A lot which escaped the camera possessed an equal quantity of naive charm: a late 18th century needlework sampler worked by one Maria Cooper, 1790 with stylised figures, flowers, trees and a house around the legend Have Faith in God. Samplers are on something of a roll at the moment and this example realised a substantial £2500.
Choice furniture entry to this catalogue was a rather more urbane production: an inlaid and crossbanded satinwood fold-over card table, 3ft (91cm) wide, made in the Edwardian period to the classic Sheraton design.
A mediocre example from the late 18th century would not make as much as this piece which was knocked down for £4000.
Victorian saddler’s well in Bedford
UK: ONE of the more unusual entries to the sale conducted by Wilson Peacock (10 per cent buyer’s premium) at the Bedford Auction Centre on March 2 was this 19th century carved wooden model of a horse, right, with full leather harness, 2ft 4in (76cm) high, believed to be a shop display tool for a Victorian saddler. There is always great interest in such objects for their decorative appeal and social historical interest: this example posted £400.
