A Regency figured mahogany folio cabinet, it was of a type new to specialist Leighton Gillibrand.
The top had leaves that folded open to reveal a plain interior with a brass locking mechanism, and instead of the usual horizontal slide drawers it had vertically inserted sleeve boxes.
The unfolded top provided a surface on which to rest the boxes’ contents. The consensus in the room was that the 3ft 81/2in (1.13m) wide cabinet on brass trolley castors was a one-off commission and probably used to house a special collection of maps, fine prints or Old Master drawings.
Estimated at £800-1200, it had some minor restoration but in its original condition brought £3400 from a local dealer.
If unusual objects are sought after, the demand for practical objects such as linen presses also continues. There were three at this sale with a George III mahogany linen cabinet, 3ft 83/4in (1.14m), securing a double estimate £2400 from the trade.
The Bristol Auction Rooms, Bristol, May 15
Buyer’s premium: 12.77 per cent
Cabinet’s puzzle resolved by dealer’s £3400 bid
UK: QUALITY items eagerly contested, patchy bidding on low to middle-range entries – a familiar countrywide pattern was evident at Bristol but it was a very unfamiliar piece which led the day.
