Measuring 2ft 11/2in (65cm) from leaf-decorated and beaded bases to butterfly finials, the urns were probably not more than about 50 years old but absolutely in line with today’s decorative tastes. The £3500-4500 estimate seemed punchy but the urns, with three cherub supports and central spiral serpents, sold to the trade at £4700.
Most of the 540 lots were, as expected at Cheltenham, three-figure sales, but an 80 per cent success rate showed lively buying. Best of the furniture was a late Regency mahogany chiffonier with tiered shelf back and brass gallery which more than doubled top hopes at £1900.
Also bringing £1900, a shade below hopes, was a 2ft 4in (71cm) tall 19th century mahogany and gilt metal bracket clock by John Smith of Derby with oval silver engraved dial, acorn finials and scroll feet.
Beauty before age
Top seller at a brisk day’s bidding at the Cheltenham sale held by Mallams (15% premium) on January 31 was a pair of classical style gilt metal and lapis lazuli urns and covers, one shown right.
