Decorative sellers offset downturn of Continental furniture

Among the most sought after of these was a 19th century, folk-art leather draught screen.

The 5ft 11in x 6ft 4in (1.8m x 1.9m) four-fold screen was painted with 17th century-style figures, animals and flowers. It needed some attention, but a dealer secured it at £1250.

A period 17th century piece also sold on its decorative appeal – this was a 12in x 8 1/4in (30 x 21cm) stained glass panel depicting a Venetian soldier, which went to the trade at £850.

From the same source, a second Continental stained glass window, measuring 2ft 1in x 18in (63 x 46cm) and showing a lion rampant, fetched £620, also from the trade.

A slightly more disappointing £5200 furniture trade bid was tendered for the star turn: an 18th century South German walnut and ivory inlaid cabinet consigned by an Oxford private vendor.

“It would have made a lot more money a few years ago,” said Mallams’ specialist Ben Lloyd.

“It was a classic example of its type and I have known it for 20 years. However, at present Continental furniture is just not that commercial.”

Furniture for the garden and patio, however, is very much in demand at the moment.

At Oxford, the ornamental appeal of a pair of c.1880-1900 cast-iron conservatory tables with marble tops and tripod bases in the form of striking snakes fetched £3600.