Walnut veneered, inlaid with
stringing and retaining what appeared to be original brasses, the 10in (25cm) wide desk might have been missing its base but was a rare find in any condition. It was estimated at £400-600 but made £4000 (plus 15% buyer’s premium).
The failure of a number of entries with five-figure potential left this as the top price of the sale, but two Victorian pieces also did well. Sold at an unexpected £2600 was a c.1840 window seat, 4ft 6in (1.37m) wide, with upholstered scroll ends and a dipped back and four simulated rosewood supports carved with petals and terminating in brass castors. Making £2000 against similar expectations of £400-600 was a later 19th century rosewood footstool, 3ft 4in (1.01m) wide and heavily carved with scrolls and foliage.
Premium paid for walnut bureau is far from miniature
There is always a premium placed upon unrestored Georgian walnut. There is equally a premium to be paid for miniature pieces. Combine the two and it explains the level of competition achieved for this 18th century miniature bureau at Woolley & Wallis’s July 15 furniture sale.
