A game table was the surprise hit of the day at a large and varied art and antiques sale held in Maine at the close of January 2012.
Over a third of lots left their estimates behind, and fewer than one lot in six went without a buyer, thanks to keen bidding on the phone and over the web as well as from those present.
Auction House Owner and Auctioneer Kaja Veilleux had felt confident from the start: "We could feel that this was going to be a very successful sale even as the first few items came to the block.
"There was passionate bidding for a great many lots, and a large number of live participants remained in the gallery throughout most of the sale."
On highlight was Grandma Moses's oil on board painting Out for a Slide which achieved $12,650.
Collectors intrigued by this unique artist who only began painting, self-taught, late in life because painting was one activity which didn't strain her arthritic hands too much will be interested to learn that we have an autographed photo of her available.
 Italian slate top game table with micro-mosaic |
A still life of peaches in a Chinese bowl, (oil on panel painting) by Gillis Hulsdonck was the pick of its section, selling for $97,750.
One of the sales most intriguing antiques was an 1880 Italian Slate Top Game Table with micro-mosaic decoration of Roman landmarks.
Created by New York's R J Horner, it features a game board of marble samples. The outside border is made from semi-precious stone and is set on a beautifully designed red walnut base.
Bidders scoffed at the low estimate, and the table sped past its $10,000-15,000 listing to sell for $92,000.
The result reminded us of the fascinating story of a roulette table built by inventor Hiram Maxim to resolve a dispute.
