Lawrences’ Winter Fine auction spanned four days and comprised 2700 lots so it was a joy to see that the week’s highest price was reserved for the very last lot.
Following on from the pictures auction, works of art, clocks and furniture finished off a busy Friday (20th). A French gilt metal and glass mantel clock featured a winged god in a chariot pulled by swans: this elegant piece made £2800.
A bronze of the infant Hercules with serpents was based upon a known variant by Francesco Fanelli (1590-1653) and this attracted many bids to make £8780.
With a provenance from Limington House in Somerset, a Regency rosewood breakfront wardrobe, nearly 250cm wide, made just over £3000, selling in line with expectations, and an 18th Century Dutch marquetry bureau bookcase far exceeded hopes and made £14760.
From further afield, a Chinese export black lacquered cabinet on stand made £3900.
The day concluded with a small selection of rugs and carpets that included a large, room-sized Ziegler Mahal carpet from West Iran. Discovered in an out-house by Lawrences’ Director of Valuations Chris Flower during a routine home visit, there were some issues with its condition. However, these didn’t deter two determined internet bidders, from either side of the Atlantic, who ensured that the carpet topped the day with a multiple-estimate £19500 – perhaps a reflection of the strength of the American Dollar against Sterling.
