The sale of a Victorian chair left an auctioneer in shock after it sold for much higher than the original estimate.
The auction house enjoyed a full day of outstanding results, especially in the furniture section. The auction was held in the Cotswolds, by Moore Allen & Innocent, and achieved sales of around £290,000.
The much sought after armchair was made by William Watt during the 19th Century. Phillip Allwood, the auctioneer, estimated the value between £3,000 and £6,000. However, it eventually sold, after some fierce bidding, for £44,000.
Other items seemed to follow suit, with many far exceeding the estimates on the day. A marble bath, carved in the 2nd Century, was estimated to be worth between £3,000 and £5,000 but actually sold for £11,000.
The third highest priced item of the day was a sewing casket, made during the 19th century in China and fashioned using ivory. The sewing casket was raised on carved feet, with a procession of figures as decoration. A tray carved from sandalwood lay inside the casket, with a selection of accessories, including cotton reels made of sandalwood. The estimate was up to £6,000 but it sold for £7,000.
An antique oak table was also very successful at the auction, and was one of the longest tables that the auctioneers had seen. It eventually sold for £4,800.
Collectors who are considering buying an antique dining table and chairs may find something suitable in an antique store, where they will not have to pay a buyer’s premium.