Consigned by a local family, it had suffered some damage to the reeded edges but its drop leaves made it sufficiently unusual for a London dealer to take it at a double-estimate £5000.
Several sets of chairs all found trade buyers, the finest being six c.1820 yew and ebony-strung open armchairs, with curved bar backs, ring turned supports and later cane seats on turned and tapering front legs. Despite restoration and replacement parts, the group brought £3800.
Among the works of art was an early 19th century ivory table desk from Vizagapatam. Measuring 211/2in by 10in by 11in (55cm x 25cm x 28cm), it featured black stencil and engraved floral work to the body and fall, which enclosed a fitted interior and went over estimate at £3000 to the trade.
Another unusual offering was a (probably) Tuscan 19th century carved stone well head, 2ft 6in by 2ft 3in by 7ft 1in (76cm x 69cm x 2.16m) with carved figures, eagles, lion and trees to the sides. Mounted in a wrought iron frame, it required a small crane to lift it and commanded a hefty enough £2300 bid from a Gloucestershire dealer.
Appealing to the decorators market, a 19th century China Trade papier mâché chinoiserie work table decorated with figures on terraces within dragon and cloud borders made £1600.
Halls, Shrewsbury, March 9
Buyer’s premium: 15 per cent
Dumbwaiter answers demand for quality stock
GOOD stock furniture was the strength of this 289-lot, £130,000 Halls Shropshire sale on March 9 where the top price was taken by a c.1775 two-tier mahogany dumbwaiter.
