In terms of lot numbers, the major single contribution to Sworders’ anniversary sale (see facing page) on June 19-20 was the estate of the late Annabelle Comery, an inveterate and wealthy collector who had lived on Alderney in the Channel Islands.
The 230 lots included furniture – a Chippendale period carved giltwood overmantel mirror at £5600 – but more typical was the wealth of disparate small items including scent bottles, magnifying glasses, silver wine labels and Meiji okimono often offered in multiple lots.
Best of more than 90 scent bottles, vinaigrettes and cologne bottles was this teardrop-shaped yellow cameo glass scent bottle, right, by Stourbidge company Thomas Webb.