A fairly plain but honest, 2ft 10in (86cm) wide example, offered at Brightwells on March 22, was of mixed woods with a cross-banded and roundel inlaid top. In good condition allowing for three centuries of use, and estimated at £400-600, it attracted five phone bidders before selling to a private buyer at £2100.
With huge visual appeal and larger at 3ft (97cm) wide, a walnut and oyster-veneered side table offered at Tennants on March 17 featured a colourful marquetry inlay of acanthus leaves and flowers, to the top, frieze drawers and to the stretchers roundel.
It was catalogued as William and Mary style and estimated at £700-1000. Whether it was its huge decorative appeal or whether more than one bidder thought it had some age, even period, is unclear but it sold to the UK trade at £11,000.
