Furniture

Exceptional or unusual pieces of furniture continue to command impressive prices.

Two recent examples were both 19th century Florentine pietra dura cabinets, the first discovered in a flat in a routine Weston-super flat clearance - where a pest control firm were scheduled to chemically spray the premises! Luckily, the cabinet was saved in the nick of time, and further inspection by the team uncovered a signature and date. It eventually sold to a Parisian collector for an incredible £22,000.

The second example, unbelievably in the same sale, was being thrown out in a local house clearance and had been promised to the gardener! When a sharp-eyed handyman thought it might be worth bringing to Clevedon Salerooms for valuation, his instincts were rewarded - as it sold for £3,200.

For 20th Century furniture, see our Modern Design page.