Given an estimate of just £200-300, images of the table posted online led to a deluge of interest and confidence that it was a George II period piece dating from c.1735.
Despite the need for considerable restoration (regilding and the replacement of missing mouldings to the frieze) it brought bids from all over the UK and Ireland before settling at £35,500 (16% buyer’s premium) on February 16.
The buyer, who wished to remain anonymous, paid and collected from the Thimbleby & Shorland saleroom the following day.