“The trade is always suspicious of small pieces of English walnut,” said Aldridges specialist Ivan Street. “They are so desirable and often copied.”
With a crossbanded and quarter-veneered top, five oak-lined drawers with brass handles and a good colour, this example was judged to be the real thing and took a £3100 trade bid.
The market, however, remains selective for routine 19th century furniture with a William IV, rosewood-framed, sofa doing well to double its modest £400-600 estimate to bring £1150.
Wall clocks remain in demand and there was spirited bidding for a 19th century mahogany drop-dial example inscribed H.Bell, Bristol which realised £1100.
Bidders judge George I chest genuine
SMALL, original and honest – these classic qualities took a 2ft 5in x 2ft 6 1/2in (74x 77cm) George I walnut chest to the top of the sales chart at Aldridges’ (15% buyer's premium) 344-lot May 25 sale where it took £3100.
