It’s time to discover handsome antiques

CLARKS’ saleroom has been a bustle of activity over the last two weeks as it heads towards the Wednesday, September 30 sale. Auctioneer Paul Clark said: “We have been non-stop, often picking up from or clearing two or three properties on the same day - it has been exhausting at times.”

The Heathlands Road based saleroom right in the centre of Liskeard has seen a lot of period furniture entries, much of which is fresh to the market for the first time in their lifetime, particularly the entries from the Grade II Listed Tregada House, Cornwall.

From this property, a stunning 19th century 12-drawer rosewood specimen cabinet and contents is expected to easily surpass its £200-300 guide whilst a good mahogany cased clock by Kenneth Maclennan hopes for £500-600.

Also, within the sale is a superb 18th century elm refectory table with eight ladderback chairs - cheap at £600-800, as is the good 18th century dresser from the same property at £500-600. A Louis XV desk with tulipwood veneer, ought to easily exceed its £100-200 guide but also there are some fresh to the market furniture entries from the original owners of Treworgey Manor house.

A Victorian button back chair (£60-80), an 18th century country Chippendale chair (£60-80) and a 19th century mahogany worktable with working locks (£80-100) are pieces that again catch the eye from that grand old Cornish property.

A Newlyn school painting by Thomas Cooper Gotch depicts a child with a bowl. Set within its original, period large oak frame, it is not expensive at £2000-3000. Another decorative lot would be an early 19th century oak settle. The settle has four carved panels each depicting the seasons - a guide of £200-300 is attached.

The market for many antique ceramics is in decline but no-one can deny the attractiveness of a 19th century Mason’s style footbath nor its equally attractive price of £30-40.

Jewellery section is strong again at Clarks. An unusual 18ct gold bracelet with six bejewelled oversized charms has a guide price of £3000-5000 whilst an old cut diamond ring of approx. 1.6ct asks £20003000.

A beautifully presented gold proof sovereign (£300-400) and a large antique amber necklace (£800-1200) also catch the eye as does a large princess cut diamond of approx. 4.5ct at £8000-10000.

For more information visit www.clarks auctionrooms.com or call 07756070198 / 01579 349960.

> An early 19th century oak settle with four carved panels depicting seasons, £200-300

> Anold cut diamond solitaire of approx. 1.6ct, £2,000-3,000

> A Royal Mint boxed gold proof sovereign, £300-400

> London longcase clock, £500-600