Davenports, even quality pieces like this with raised folding stationery rack with carved vine and fruit decoration and a hinged writing surface, have been very hard to sell in recent years.
However, the Jerusalem inscription to the writing surface on this example, which was consigned, appropriately enough, by a Gloucestershire vicar on his retirement, prompted private and trade bids and it finally went to London at a stunning £6200 against £2000-3000 expectations.
Another good price was taken by the top-selling lot, a decorative set of five Arts and Crafts painted demi-lune panels representing the Arts and Sciences which went to a furniture dealer at £8000.
Demand was also steady for a consignment of modern quality interior furnishings secured by private buyers, interior decorators and the trade.
Among these entries was a pair of mahogany fluted column table lamp bases that fetched £140, and an Italianate painted wood column table lamp that brought £300.
‘Jerusalem’ davenport sees £6200
MALLAMS 463-lot Gloucestershire auction on June 28 (15% buyer's premium) included one of the Victorian olivewood pieces inscribed Jerusalem which have made a couple of startling prices of late.
