They were marked for the Sheffield smith George Ashworth, 1798 which (together with a pleasing condition report) did make the £200-300 estimate appear a little lightweight. Indeed they sold to a local dealer, believed to be buying for his own collection, for £1900. A nice example of a classic form – a George II baluster form covered tankard with scroll openwork thumbpiece by Benjamin Cartwright, London 1759 weighing 28oz – sold at £1300.
An obvious cut above the norm in the opening furniture session was an Edwardian kingwood and brass mounted writing table in the French style, 3ft 31/4in (1m) wide, stamped to a frieze drawer for Edwards & Roberts. It provided the top price of the sale when it sold to the trade at £3000.
Coasters clean up nicely at £1900
UK: A SMART pair of George III coasters, 61/4in (16cm) diameter – appealing for their wirework gallery and turned hardwood bases centred by (possibly later) crested central roundels – was unearthed by George Kidner auctioneers during a house clearance, neglected and black with dirt.
