Auctioneer Robin Fisher was aware of its appeal when he was offered it from a Cheltenham Regency home just 50 yards from his office – as well as its intrinsic quality it was fresh to the market because the elderly owner was moving into a nursing home – and the £1500-2500 printed estimate simply indicated that it was there to be sold. Measuring 6ft 11in (2.11m) wide, the slightly raised back had fluted decoration and the three moulded drawers had brass escutcheons and handles. Cotswolds dealers pride themselves on the quality of oak they offer but they were beaten on this occasion by a rival from outside the area who, prepared to do a little restoration and cleaning, went to £10,000 to secure it.
Elsewhere among the 630 lots a couple of more quirky items caught the eye.
The catalogue cover illustration was of a 19th century mantel clock in the form of a foundry steam hammer with the French striking movement being the hammer falling on the anvil. Estimated at up to £900, the 17in (43cm) piece went to a local clock specialist at £1650. Also going well above hopes in an 80-lot militaria section was a 19th century cast cannon on carriage. Estimated at up to £300, the cannon, with its 2ft 4in (71cm) barrel sold at £700.
Early oak specialists touch base at £10,000
UK: EARLY oak remains one of the most selective markets but when a piece is right, like this 17th century dresser base, right, offered at the Cheltenham branch of Mallams (15 per cent buyer’s premium) on December 14, it will bring specialists running.
