News

THE unexpected success of the pair of library chairs discussed above led the way at the Wisborough Green saleroom, but there was keen action, mainly in the three-figure range, across the three days when 1800 lots were offered.

TWO lots stood out among the 600 lots offered at Hampshire. One was an 18th century matched pair of brass barrelled flintlock pistols signed Burnford, London, which, because of a missing ramrod and broken trigger mechanism were catalogued a/f but sold to a collector at a quadruple estimate £1600.

Two very good stick barometers, in the popular 1820s form with bowfront and ebony-inlaid mahogany cases, were among the highlights at Grantham.

THINGS are looking up according to the latest survey from the Society of London Art Dealers.

Sotheby’s are to link up with the Steinmetz Diamond Group to expand their current activities in the retail jewellery market.

“SELLING more lots but for less overall money” was the verdict of Lawrences valuer Howard Page after more than 2700 lots went under the hammer at the Surrey auctioneers’ marathon June event.

To collectors of the so-called castle-top card cases, subject matter is everything. Pictured here is a great rarity.