TRADITIONALLY the January Sale at Brightwells has always seen a strong trade, and 2016 was certainly no exception. With so few sales on at this time of year, and people keen to get out after the cabin fever of the Christmas break, the saleroom was extremely busy on all three view days prior to the sale.

With the first tranche of items from the estate of Liz Perceval (the last descendant of assassinated Prime Minister Spencer Perceval), plus the residual contents of a large north Herefordshire residence, and many other vendors, the 1000 lots on offer included a varied mix.

Despite the wintry conditions outside, a large crowd was in attendance with brisk bidding in all sections.

Highest price of the sale went to a 17th century Flemish Verdure tapestry, decorative pieces which are in good condition are highly prized and as a result it flew past its estimate after a battle between a telephone bidder and two bidders in the room. The room was victorious, when the hammer fell at a very pleasing £6,300. Another decorative piece that was hotly contested for was an interesting 19th century maple and gilt harp, which was finally secured by a private buyer on the telephone for £2,700. Some of the more unusual items also did very well, most notably a 17th century hatchment, which although it had some repair achieved £1,400, selling to an internet bidder.

Other good prices achieved include a diamond hinged bangle, which sold for £1600. Renewed interest in pocket watches was evident, with many exceeding expectation. Lot 182 a William IV pair cased pocket watch trebled its estimate, despite strong bidding on the book, it finally fell to a bidder in the room for £300.

The star of the ceramics sale was Lot 465 a pair of Chinese blue and white bowls painted with a dragon design, which generated a huge amount of worldwide interest, with multiple commission bids and eight telephone bidders. Although one of the bowls was extensively damaged, they greatly exceeded their estimate and surprised all by selling for £6000.

The furniture section also created some interesting results. Lot 998 an early 18th century wing armchair, despite its distressed condition sold to an internet bidder for eight times its estimate at £4,100. A pair of Louis XVI style gilt wood fauteils also sold very well, after a great deal of internet bidding activity, the hammer finally fell in the room for £1600.

The inclusion of a sporting and natural history section added an extra angle of interest, especially with the inclusion of several fresh to the market good quality English shot guns. Pre-sale interest was extremely high and this continued on the day of sale, with several bidders in the room and multiple commission bids, all lots sold very well. The highest of the group was lot 693 a James Woodward and Sons Purdey side by side 12 bore sidelock selling for £3500.

Entries are now being accepted for Brightwells spring two day fine art sale on March 16-17. Already consigned to this sale are a further approximately 90 lots from the estate of Liz Perceval. If you considering consigning and would like a free valuation, either in our saleroom or your home, please call Brightwells on 01568 611122 to make an appointment.