The Victorian mahogany pieces, each 221/2in (57cm) wide with seven drawers with turned handles were typically restrained (one is illustrated here) and sold at £4600.
The few silver entries in the 360-lot sale, were led by a 10in (25cm) salver, London, 1809, with raised piecrust edge, moulded shell and scroll border and later engraved decoration. Weighing 15oz, it brought £950. A double-struck king’s pattern ladle, London 1823, 10oz, was scooped up at £160.
Among the collectables was a commemorative teapot in the form of a football with a footballer handle, marked Arsenal, which had plenty of fans and scored a £280 winning bid.
From football to fishing, all bar one of the 94 tackle lots sold with an early reel by J.E. Miller No 28G The Chippendale, 1909 pulling a £250 bid.
W & H Peacock, Bedford, February 2
Buyer’s premium: 12.5 per cent
Wellington chests win Bedford day at £4600
UK: Wellington chests remain a steady favourite in the middle-price range of furniture, particularly when they come as a pair as at this Bedford sale.
