THE calendar may have rolled round to September, but bidders at Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s monthly auction were still firmly in a summery mood as they paid top prices for painted garden benches.

Two early, honest examples featured in the sale at The Octagon Salerooms, East Reach, Taunton. Fierce competition on line, in the room and the phone saw prices climb to top the £1,000 mark. A net bidder bought one for £1,315 and a second net bidder paid £1,435.

An excellent ceramics and glass section was rewarded with many pleasing prices. A run of Clarice Cliff topped £1,600. A collection of eight honey and preserve pots that included “Secrets”, “Crocus”, and “Celtic Harvest” was sold for £480; while another honey and preserve pot group including a Bonjour shape “Newlyn” preserve pot made £450. A group of Clarice Cliff Bizarre “Autumn Crocus” pattern items were also a hit in the saleroom.

An unusual miniature Moorcroft vase – just 54mm high, which may have been a tradesman’s sample, attracted far from diminutive bidding. It was bought for £180.

Another tiny object that went for a mighty price was an ivory miniature model of a dressing table. This late 19th Century piece, with a fret-cut drawer, stood a mere 9cm high and 7cm wide. It was bought for £145.

Nine Crown Derby cups and saucers in the Imari palette with a matching crescent shaped dish caught the eye. An internet bidder bought them for £360.

There had been much pre-sale interest in a bronze bust by Alfred Drury, a significant figure in the New Sculpture movement. Two phone lines joined the fray and initially all the action was on the internet as the bidding opened at £400. However it was a room bidder who eventually won the day. He bought the signed and dated bust for £2,270. This was the top lot of the day. A different room bidder secured an Art Deco bronze figure of a stylised lioness. This featured on the front of the sale catalogue. He bought this for £360.

A beautiful collection of nine Chinese rice paper paintings, each depicting figures in a court setting proved another desirable lot. A phone bidder eventually lost out to a net bidder, who bought the collection for £840.

A Victorian fitted dressing table vanity set, which had been donated to a church fete proved a useful money maker as it sold for £240.

The picture section featured a cross section of prints, watercolours and oils to suit all tastes and pockets. A soothing oil entitled “Breaking Waves” signed by the artist J. Henderson sold to an internet buyer for £380.

Of local interest was a watercolour by Harry Frier of a “Seaside Cottage” – possibly Porlock Weir, signed and dated 1897. This was bought by a phone bidder for £190.

An interesting books section featured a number of “Biggles” volumes, which sold for £380 to an online bidder.

An imposing Victorian oak fitted wardrobe in the manner of Charles Bevan with castellated frieze top sold for £200. An oak dresser made £400.

Preparations now begin for two auctions in October – the regular monthly antiques sale on Thursday, October 6, and the much-anticipated Autumn Sporting Sale on Friday, October 7.

Entries are being accepted for both sales. For more information please contact the salerooms on 01823-332525.