The four-fold screen, above, with painted glass panels of various Austrian and other landmarks, was entered by a local private vendor.
Initially thought to be French, possibly made for the Austrian market, by sale day it was recognised as Viennese. Against a £2000-3000 estimate, it sold to a Continental buyer at £26,000.
Also selling to a European collector was the French musical sewing box also above – typical of the mother of pearl work favoured by box makers in the traditional Palais Royal area of Paris. This near guarantee of quality – and the presence of a full complement of sewing accoutrements – meant bidding tripled top hopes at £6500.
