A c.1880 German lidded tankard was probably made in Erbach, home of the ivory carvers’ guild established a century earlier by the local ruler.
It was carved in high relief with Renaissance-style battle scenes, the handle as a male captive and the surmount as Hermes.
Despite the absence of an American market for these pieces, the 16in (41cm) tall tankard doubled the top estimate, going to a European dealer at £10,000.
Best of the clocks was an 1893, 8¼ in (21cm) high ‘giant’ carriage clock with a backplate marked Drocourt and numbered 24988. Of particular appeal alongside the repeating movement were side panels painted with allegorical subjects. Estimated at £3000-4000, it sold to the UK trade at £13,000.
UK dealers were also active among the furniture offered, and took the best two pieces along with much else. A c.1740 giltwood pier table, 3ft 5in (1.06m) wide, carved with a central mask, C-scroll and egg and dart decoration was offered with an associated Japanese 10-drawer lacquer cabinet inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
It went six times above top estimate at £30,000.
A c.1810 rosewood, ormolu and brass mounted writing table in the manner of John McLean took £15,000 against top hopes of £6000.
