Nye Furniture Auction I Review

Published 9th July 2013

The Nye Furniture Auction I (being the first of two sales of the Nye Furniture Collection) was held in Dowell Street in Honiton, Devon on 5th July 2013 close on the heels of our busy Summer Fine Sale and included some very unusual and interesting fine furniture lots.

The set of Victorian pharmacy cabinets by John Curtis & Sons of Leeds was not only the largest lot but also the top selling lot of the fine furniture auction, realising £4,500 (SF18/1056).

The largest of these was the top selling lot of the day – a set of Victorian pharmacy cabinets by John Curtis & Sons of Leeds (SF18/1056). The cabinets comprised a long run in two sections, each with twenty seven small drawers and twelve large drawers above three fall doors. All the drawers had their original mirrored labels and faceted glass handles. These vast cabinets sold for £4,500.

This Georgian elm dresser realised £4,000 after a fierce battle fought between Internet and telephone bidders (SF18/1009).

Another good price was achieved for the Georgian elm dresser (SF18/1009). It comprised of an enclosed plate rack with reeded mouldings, three open shelves and six small drawers and the base was fitted with three central drawers flanked by two panelled doors and on a plinth base. The pre-sale estimate was £2,000-£3,000, but after fierce competition from both the Internet and telephone bidders, it sold for £4,000.

The Nye Collection comprises a wide range of furniture, along with some quirky and unusual items such as this Victorian kneehole library desk that realised £2,700 (SF18/1061a).

An unusual Victorian carved walnut kneehole library desk (SF18/1061A) decorated in the ecclesiastical style sold for £2,700 and a Victorian mahogany cabinet bookcase (SF18/1051) sold for £2,700.

There were many collectable lots within this auction. An Art Deco oak, coromandel and chromium octagonal hall stand (SF18/1067) with arched banded crestings and chromium hooks caught the eye of several buyers. Again, there was tense bidding on the telephones and this stylish piece sold for £1,300.

Part two of the Nye Furniture Collection will be offered for sale on 25th October 2013 again at the Honiton Saleroom in Dowell Street. For all enquiries please telephone (01404) 510000.