What's Hot this Week? Westcountry Silver and a Pepys Bookcase

Rachel Littlewood reflects on the scorching success of the Summer Sale, which was held on 11th and 12th July 2012 in Exeter, Devon. The major highlights of the auction were items of Westcountry ecclesiastical silver and an 18th century Pepys mahogany bookcase, which had telephone bidders from around the world competing for them.

A mid 18th Century mahogany Pepys bookcase. Sold for £20,000 (FS15/806).

The quarterly fine sale of selected antiques held on 11th and 12th July 2012 proved to be a scorching success, with some fantastic prices achieved throughout each discipline.

The top lot of the day was in the furniture section of the sale, with a mid 18th Century mahogany Pepys bookcase being fiercely contested. This unusual piece had telephone bidders worldwide and finally went under the hammer for £20,000.

In the silver section of the sale, a pair of Charles I silver flagons were equally popular. By the maker William Mainwaring and inscribed St Stephens, this unique pair fetched a stunning £19,000.

A pair of Charles I silver flagons. Sold for £19,000 (FS15/117).

Also in the silver section of the auction, an Elizabeth I Exeter silver communion goblet and paten by the maker John Jones of Exeter surpassed its estimate. This wonderful example of Exeter silver, dating from circa 1572 sold for £16,000.