The success of Dreweatts' 341 lot sale of Furniture, Works of Art, Carpets & Taxidermy on April 14 at Donnington Priory was largely thanks to the high number of privately owned pieces which were fresh to the market - and their realistic estimates.
According to Dreweatt's, bidding was brisk with considerable overseas interest, especially for the furniture which attracted many telephone and internet buyers.
 A stuffed giraffe's head, sold for £4,560 |
Most of the featured Taxidermy lots sold to one gentleman, apparently himself a member of the London Taxidermy trade.
A stuffed giraffe's head sold for £4,560, head and shoulders above many of the other lots.
Amongst the highlights in the sale was a kidney shaped coromandel desk from a deceased estate which sold to a top London dealer for £20,400 against a £600-800 estimate.
Another privately owned piece was a George III oak housekeeper's cupboard, which also went to a London dealer for £7,200 (estimated at £1,000-1,500).
The other outstanding privately owned item to far exceed expectations was an Irish George III mahogany side table which eventually made £28,800 (estimated at £4,000-6,000).
"We were very happy with the sale result, having sold over 82% which in today's market is a figure to be pleased with," said Cristian Beadman, Associate Director for Furniture & Works of Art, after the sale.
 This coromandel desk sold for £20,400 against a £600-800 estimate |
"As far as the taxidermy is concerned, we are delighted to have sold all of the lots."
Meanwhile, a stuffed baboon was withdrawn from the sale because "the vendor has decided to hang on to him."
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