For the first time, they had illusrated all lots – both in the catalogue and on their website – and, in a bid to encourage a cross-fertilisation of buyers, their general and quarterly fine sales were viewed on the same days. “There was some cross-fertilisation but it tended to be the fine art buyers buying at the general sale rather than the other way round,” said specialist Jane Duggleby.
Pictures produced the highest prices, but notable works elsewhere included a signed bronze model of a hunter by John Willis-Good (1845-79).
Willis-Good is known for his equestrian models, and this 14in (36cm) high example had an added attraction, at least for some, in that the saddle was hung with a fox’s mask. Condition was not perfect – one of the horse’s reins and one stirrup were lacking – but the bronze generated private and trade interest from the US, Europe and Britain before selling to a London private buyer at £4000.
Foremost among the furniture was an early 19th century inlaid mahogany serpentine sideboard with a concealed chamber pot recess which was taken to £3200 by the trade.
Clocks included an Edwardian mahogany longcase in good order, which fetched £4200, and a decorative French ormolu mantel clock which took a healthy £1250 from the Yorkshire trade.
Busier sale illustrates a point…
WHETHER it was coincidence or whether they were reaping the benefit from their new marketing strategy, David Duggleby (15% buyer's premium) noted a definite rise in business at their 347-lot quarterly outing on February 23 when buyers were found for 85 per cent of entries.
