THE much-anticipated Autumn Sporting Sale at Greenslade Taylor Hunt attracted interest from far and wide with more than 600 lots going under the hammer.

The auction at The Octagon Salerooms, East Reach, Taunton, masterminded by Saleroom Manager, Stuart Triggol, was well attended in person, on the internet and among phone bidders. A healthy number of commission bids had also been left with the auctioneers by those unable to be present.

Top lot of the day was claimed by a very, well viewed oil on board by local artist Frances Mabel Hollams. Entitled “Carnation” Study of a Bay Hunter; this painting was an unusual example of her work. She was noted for painting on wood panel with no background, so that the grain of the wood is visible, whereas this painting was on board.

Two phone lines were among those contesting ownership of this appealing picture. Eventually a phone line won out and paid £2,150 for the painting.

Another phone battle ensued for ownership of a second Hollams’ painting. This charming oil on board study of a Spaniel named Roger saw a good deal of determined bidding despite its careworn appearance – there was woodworm damage to the board. Undeterred a phone line paid £1,790.

The picture section featured a number of excellent prices. A couple of signed oil paintings by Donald Ayres of Exmoor scenes proved popular. A room bidder paid £775 for “The Exmoor Hunt in the Doone Valley”, which had graced the front of the catalogue. The same sum was achieved for “At Tarr Steps.”

A vendor in Berkshire had consigned both of these paintings. The vendor had selected Greenslade Taylor Hunt because of the firm’s long-standing commitment and expertise in specialist sporting sales.

The silver, jewellery, ceramics and decorative section produced a succession of pleasing prices. An unusual Victorian silver mounted glass biscuit box by Heath & Middleton, London, was shaped in the form of a horse’s hoof. A phone bidder paid £1,075.

A striking sculpture of an owl in flight by the blacksmith/artist Bruce Weir fetched £350 from a net bidder. A silver easel back late Victorian clock in the form of a horseshoe by D.C. Co, Birmingham, went to a commission bidder for £130.

In the books section a limited edition, by “Snaffles” – Charlie Johnson Payne - of “Four-Legged Friends and Acquaintances”, signed by the author made £144.

The sale finished on a flourish with a large fishing section comprised of shop stock from Wayne’s Tackle in Bridgwater.

All of these lots sold and further entries from Wayne’s Tackle will feature today (Thursday, October 20) at Sedgemoor Auction Centre and the next antiques sale at The Octagon Salerooms, East Reach, Taunton, on November, 3.

The November sale will also include a significant entry of sporting goods for those who cannot wait for the next biannual sale in April. To whet appetites for the April Spring Sporting Sale, a good entry from an Exmoor hunting estate is already confirmed.

For more information contact Stuart Triggol at the saleroom on 01823-332525.