Lutyens table fetches �22,000

A CARVED walnut centre table, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in June 1931 for Crane Bennett Limited of Pall Mall, was the star of the show at a special antiques sale conducted by Neal Sons & Fletcher.

A CARVED walnut centre table, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in June 1931 for Crane Bennett Limited of Pall Mall, was the star of the show at a special antiques sale conducted by Neal Sons & Fletcher.

The auction, which had just under 600 lots, attracted interest from far and wide with the online bidding facility proving useful for those unable to attend.

Russell Cole who runs the saleroom said: “We have had an unprecedented level of enquiries for this auction which attracted interest from all-over the world.”

In addition to the packed Saleroom, around 80 potential buyers had registered via the internet from countries as far a field as Australia, Mexico, USA, The United Arab Emirates and numerous locations in Europe.”

Despite the current economic climate there were many spectacular results, with auctioneers David and James Neal binging down the gavel on a succession of lots making �1,000 or more.

The Lutyens table topped the bill at �22,000 and went to a buyer in the room despite strong internet bidding from a prominent Lancashire dealer. It is understood the table will end up in New York.

Other notable prices included �12,750 for an ivory and cold painted bronze figure of a dancer, while �7,500 was achieved for a smaller figure of an exotic dancer.

A French pen stand achieved �4,000, a barometer �1,100, while an intricately carved late 19th century black forest group of hunting dogs reached �4,000. In the ceramics section a Royal Worcester tazza made �1,020 a figure exceeded by two Thomas Smythe oils each of a chestnut horse which made �1,100 and �1,200 respectively.

The top price in the picture section was for a 19th century oil on canvas entitled Between the Showers by Henry H Parker which went to a London dealer for �4,500. Other notable prices included �1,150 and �1,200 for two claret jugs.

Items in the jewellery section were not to be outdone with �1,250 changing hands for a tri-colour bracelet and the same figure being achieved for a single stone diamond ring.

These figures were surpassed by �12,000 for a crossover style three stone diamond ring which attracted fierce competition in the room.