The highlight was a privately consigned Regency tortoiseshell veneered two-compartment tea caddy. These saleroom favourites regularly bring £1500 or so, but this unusual example – with tortoiseshell basketwork pressed panels divided by silver, rather than brass wire, brought £4500 from a London dealer.
A 115-lot consignment from a local deceased estate provided all of the Oriental entries of cloisonné enamels, ceramics, paintings and a 15-lot selection of opal jewellery. Foremost was a large pair of Meiji cloisonné oviform vases decorated with chrysanthemums on a dark blue ground. Irreparable damage prevented them reaching their £2000-3000 estimate, but they found a buyer at £900.
The biggest money in the furniture was reserved for an unusual late 17th century solid yew twin-flap oval gateleg table. Unlike most such tables, this heavy example had a panel at each end. While there were some minor repairs to the surface and the hinges had been replaced (the original hinges were left), it was in good original condition and sold to the trade at £3200.
Doubling expectations was a 17th century cast iron fireback with double-headed eagle crests, 2ft 71/2in by 3ft 3in (80cm x 99cm). Dated 1633 and initialled WMB, it was secured by the architectural trade at £600.
Also of note was a Victorian majolica Christmas game pie dish from a local house clearance. Although it could not be traced to the Minton factory, its subject matter – holly branch handles on a blue basket ground resting on twin log feet and the lid depicting a fox holding down a swan – saw it double the estimate to bring £2800 from a dealer.
Another ceramic entry to exceed expectations was a globular slipware vase in good condition by Cornish favourite Bernard Leach. Two local collectors went head to head for this vase until it was clinched at £2000.
Lays, Penzance, September 27-28
Buyer’s premium: 10 per cent
Rare tea caddy provides a spoonful of reassurance
THE nationwide buyer-base of Lays auctioneers was reflected by concerns far beyond the Duchy – Bath dealers, for instance, were particularly worried about selling on to American clients. However, a £213,076 total from 1906 lots was proof enough that business is still there to be done.
