Typical was the set of six Italian silver plates by maker Fratelli Broggi from 1934-1944, that changed hands for $1584 (including buyers premium), and a rare and unusual 85-piece sterling silver and gilt fish and dessert service for 12 from B. Muller & Son, Chester, dated 1904, which brought $6912.
An 1867 Victorian sterling silver tea and coffee service by Daniel Charles Houle of London created plenty of interest and was knocked down for $4032, while a an 1820 Thomas Dick of London Georgian three-piece sterling silver tea service sold for $1728.
An early 1900s six-piece American sterling silver tea and coffee service, from Mt Vernon Company Silversmiths in New York, was another item to bring a good price – going to the successful bidder for $2592 – while a fine pair of sterling silver commemorative goblets celebrating the 300th year of the laying of the foundation stone at St Paul’s Cathedral in London changed hands for $1152.
Another large sterling silver cutlery collection (58 pieces), by various makers from 1813 to 1846, sold for $5376.
Among the furniture to go under the hammer was a 1950s Schulim Krimper designed sideboard (containing radio, record player and speaker) that sold for $4800, while a late 19th century fine rosewood Louis XV style Vernis Martin vitrine that sold for $6000.
Unusual items to attract strong buyer attention included a 19th century Qing Dynasty Chinese coloured and carved decorated tusk, which changed hands for $12,000, and Swiss limited edition L’Epee Bambou carriage clock that brought $2640 on a $600-$800 estimate.
A Paul Philippe (1870-1930) ivory figure of a standing female nude was another good result with the successful bidder paying $4800 for the privilege.
Royal Worcester was popular with an 1897 signed Royal China Works (Grainger & Co) vase selling for $3600 and a 1917 Jas Stinton signed covered vase for $1800.
Other Royal Worcester of note included a 1906 John Stinton signed covered pedestal vase, which changed hands for $3720, and the auction catalogue cover piece (a cup and saucer) for $480.
Philips Auctions jewellery auction on the following night reinforced the importance of buyers physically attending the sale with the excitement in the room driving the bidding for the Patek Philippe Golden Eclipse wristwatch to $8760 on a $3500-$5000 estimate.
Other jewellery items to fare well included a three-carat solitaire diamond ring, which sold for $12,000, and a beautiful opal, diamond and pearl necklace that changed hands for $5400.
A Tiffany & Co diamond set atlas bangle was bid to $7800, more than double its catalogue estimate, and an emerald solitaire ring sold for $9000.