February saw the first of two regular annual dispersals devoted solely to dolls, teddy bears, samplers, textiles and costume.
Six months ago the booming market for samplers seemed to have reached a price plateau and some have seen a slight dip interest in various rooms in recent months.
This, however, was not the case at all in Edinburgh.
Dating from the 17th century a fine needlework picture depicting The Garden of Gethsemane worked in raised and padded embroidery, coloured silks, purl, metal threads, sequins and chenille brought the top price of the day. Measuring 13 by 10in (34 x 26cm) the religious subject of the glazed picture did not deter buyers, with the successful bidder taking it for £2200.
A later sampler, this time from the 18th century, depicting a lady and child resting below a fruit tree with an angel in the distance, worked in coloured silks, exceeded its £800-1200 estimate. Measuring 17 by 21in (44 x 53cm), the piece fell for £1800.
Nine Victorian miser purses each individually beaded or woven with metal clasps included in a quantity lot, went over estimate.
Other items in the lot included a card silk winder and an ivory bound needle holder, yet it was the miser purses which proved the desirable pieces, pushing the price up to £560.
Phillips, Edinburgh, February 24
Buyer’s premium: 15 per cent
Specialists still seek out samplers
UK: SALES catering for specific collectors’ markets are steadily increasing in the provincial rooms with the Scottish arm of the LVMH empire.
