Otterly surprising result

ONE of the smallest lots in the sale at The Auction Rooms, Lostwithiel, produced the biggest surprise said auctioneer Ian Morris of Jefferys Auctions. A signed fruitwood netsuke of an otter which was sold together with a carved soapstone seal of animal form, neither of which were more than 3.5cm length, took an unexpected bid of £5200 against an estimate of below £100.

A large 19th century oil in the style of the artist Murillo, a religious study “Adoration of Christ” flew past the £550 - £600 guide to sell for £3200.

A stunning collection of jewellery on offer was led by a diamond solitaire ring, the emerald cut diamond of some 1.25 carats, set in 18ct gold had an IGI report, this doubled expectations at £3000. An exceptional emerald and diamond cluster ring with a rectangular cut emerald surrounded by 12 diamonds of approximately 1.5 carats total, trebled expectations at £2600, a heavy 18ct white gold diamond set half eternity ring with 3 rows of bright well matched brilliant cut diamonds totalling in excess of 3 carats, attracted an £1800 bid.

Another surprise with an early antique twin handled mortar with four relief seated monkeys, this flew past £60 - £100 guide to make £1550 even though it was damaged.

Two WWI trio medal groups to brothers-in-law R Lyons and Corps. W C Humpries who served in the Oxford Yeomanry, made a pleasing £840. A surprise in the pottery and porcelain department, a 19th century Meissen mantel clock, made £780 against a guide of £180 - £250.

The next sale at The Auction Rooms, Lostwithiel, will be held on March 15. Please contact the auctioneers at enquiries@jefferysauctions.co.uk.

> Fruitwood netsuke of an otter together with a carved soapstone seal, sold at £5200

> Diamond solitaire ring, sold at £3000