A routine valuation for a couple from Mid Devon translated into bumper prices at auction for the delighted vendors at the Somerset Salerooms.
The Chinese blue and white vase with Jiaqing six-character seal mark, with extensive floral and foliate decoration, consigned by the sellers captivated bidders and generated plenty of pre-sale attention.
On sale day itself the reach of auctioneers Greenslade Taylor Hunt was apparent as a phone bidder tussled with internet interest to secure the vase.
Despite a hairline crack to the neck of the vase the phone buyer bought the coveted item for £20,000.
“It is tempting to assume that all salerooms are essentially the same but, in reality, that’s not the case.
We have the expertise to identify and properly describe items of potential, a range of dedicated, specialist sales in which to offer them, and the ability to market lots effectively to a targeted, global audience, all of which frequently adds value for our vendors,” said Peter Rixon, Associate at Greenslade Taylor Hunt, who co-ordinated the sale.
The same vendor was also thrilled when another lot – a French brass gorge carriage clock was bought for £2,200.
The wide-ranging sale of selected antiques and collectors’ items featured a vast array of all things collectable, painstakingly catalogued and described.
A single owner collection of Great War embroidered silk postcards was another highlight and realised almost £3,000.
Another instalment of this collection will be offered at the next similar sale on Wednesday, October 29, at the Somerset Salerooms, Junction 24, North Petherton.
Other prices of note included £1,200 for a Tipp & Co tinplate Mercedes 540K ‘Autobahn-Kurier’ from the late 1930s, finished in red with a cream roof and fitted with a smart seated chauffeur figure.
Two Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes medals sold for £520.
A childhood Pippa collection comprising 11 dolls; a quantity of clothing; a boxed Pippa’s Pony and a quantity of furniture and accessories went for £450.
A number of sovereigns each sold well after strong competitive bidding and a Willcox & Gibbs sewing machine made £420.
For more information about upcoming sales or to arrange a valuation please call the knowledgeable antiques team on 01278 410250.