A MAJOR auction has gone ahead, marking the first since lockdown for North Yorkshire firm.

The Country House and Fine Sale on July 17 ad 18 was the first major sale at Tennants Auctioneers, North Yorkshire, post-lockdown, and saw strong bidding and high prices across the board with a 90 per cent sold rate.

Whilst online, telephone and absentee bidding accounted for a higher than normal percentage of bidders, there was good attendance in the salerooms and Tennants had taken advantage of the larrge building to ensure social distancing.

The sale had been well viewed during the preceding week’s public viewing, and clients preferring to stay at home took advantage of technology to view favourite items via video link with a specialist.

Amongst items under the hammer were a pair of Staffordshire Pottery Rabbits, circa 1870, which sold for £3,800 against an estimate of £600-800, a Slipware Flask inscribed with name and date, which sold for £1,400, and a Jacobite Wine Glass circa 1750, which sold for £700.

The sale resulted in a total hammer price of £588,860 for the 830 lots, with a 90 per cent sold rate.

Auctioneer Jane Tennant said: “This sale had a good mix of traditional art and antiques, alongside rare works of art and property from named estates in Yorkshire to tempt buyers.

"Typical Country House items such as an early 20th Century Louis Vuitton trunk from Stockeld Park and cast-iron stable tack racks all attracted a lot of interest."