Considering retiring and selling up, the owner of a Cornish B&B owner consigned the George III, japanned chest on stand, right, to Honiton saleroom Chilcotts (19.5% buyer’s premium) to test the market.
Presumably the reception it received at the March 3 sale will bring more such quality pieces to the Devon rooms. Against a £1500- 2000 estimate, the 4ft 6in (1.37m) wide chest sold to a West Country dealer at £7000.
Other results should have boosted the vendor’s confidence, such as a 19th century French kingwood and gilt-metal mounted marquetry serpentine commode sold for £5200 (estimate £600-800).