The top price did come among the furniture but for a much in-demand item – a Regency gilt-framed convex wall mirror in original unrestored condition which arrived at the saleroom in pieces. On reassembly, it was found to be missing some fittings but it still took a trade bid of £2300.
A strength of the sale was a single collection of antique pistols. A flintlock pistol by the great Joseph Manton sold to a collector in the room at £2200. Other notable prices in the collection included the £2000 taken for two George III Sea Service pistols and the £1100 raised for a pair of flintlock pistols by Wheeler of Dublin.
Another niche market, that of philately, was well catered for. From a local deceased estate came a collection of stamps which included several Penny Blacks. The set took £2100.
Jacobs & Hunt, Petersfield, July 13
Buyer’s premium: 15 per cent
Niche markets are a cause for optimism at best-attended sale
A RECORD turnout on July 13 gave the Hampshire auctioneers Jacobs & Hunt reason to hope that the market is finally beginning to perk up although it was more specialist items, rather than general furniture, which were of most interest.
