The highlight was an elegant Regency rosewood work table, 20in (51cm) wide. With crossbanded top, brass lion mask ring handles and three fitted drawers, it was raised on square tapered supports with satinwood stringing and brought a double estimate £4000.
One of the most keenly contested works was a late 19th century 20in (51cm) French mantel clock in the form of a lyre. With a circular white enamel dial decorated with floral swags and the case with floral ormolu mounts on a blue porcelain ground, it was pursued by six telephone bidders to £3400, way past the £400-600 expectations.
Also exceeding expectations was a 19th century games compendium in a burr walnut rectangular box, with the retailer’s label Edward and Jones, Regent Street, London.
The extensive set included leather draughts and a backgammon board, ormolu cribbage and bezique scorer, ivory chess pieces, dominoes, dice and dice shakers. In excellent condition, four telephone bidders contested this work to £2400.
Elsewhere, an antique pewter lidded measure with thumbpiece and scroll handle left its £80-120 estimate standing when collectors took it to £680, while demand for dressers saw an antique elm example bring £2600 from a Wiltshire buyer.
Brightwells, Leominster, February 6,7
Buyer’s premium: 15 per cent
Herefordshire buyers’ top choices show they think small is beautiful
THE smaller items among the quality furniture, clock and collectable entries proved the most commercial lots at this 846-lot Herefordshire auction at Brightwells on 6 and 7 February.
