On February 20, a similar sum was generated by a rather different mix of buyers for this William IV mahogany partners' pedestal desk at Tattersalls, Newmarket. It had been consigned from a family trust in north Norfolk to Ely-based auctioneers Rowley's alongside an £18,500 George III mahogany breakfront bookcase by Henry Walker of Lancaster.
In addition to its obvious attributes, the desk carries two paper labels to the frieze drawers for John Hilliam, Cabinet Maker and Upholsterer, High Street, Stamford, one inscribed in ink 16 July 1833. Hilliam is recorded working in the Leicestershire stone town between 1828 and 1841.
Estimated at £7000-10,000, his desk sold to a London dealer at £39,000 (plus 17.5 per cent buyer's premium) against underbidding from the room and 12 telephones.
