AUCTIONEERS Greenslade Taylor Hunt enjoyed some pre-Bonfire Night fireworks with excellent prices across the board at the firm’s November sale.

All sections among the 600 plus lots performed well at The Octagon Salerooms, East Reach, Taunton, with notable prices through a range of varied items.

Undoubtedly it was an unsigned ink and watercolour by Edward Lear, best known to many for his nonsense verse that was the star performer.

The picture, “Stylida” had a label on the back relating to Lieutenant Colonel C.J.B. Church, grandson of Lear’s travelling companion, Charles Marcus Church, and the great uncle of the vendor.

Three phone lines were among those competing for ownership of the painting and bidding opened briskly at £500. It quickly climbed into the thousands when one tenacious phone bidder finally claimed the picture with a decisive bid. The caller paid £4,060 for the painting.

Other highlights in the picture section included four colour prints of the four elements framed as one after Amiconi, which tempted another phone bidder. This one paid £1,670 for the work.

As ever the jewellery section drew a number of reliably pleasing prices. The standout piece was a late Victorian 29 stone diamond cluster brooch. Once again a phone bidder was successful. This time £3,350 secured the brooch. A five stone diamond ring sold for £1,400, while a diamond single stone ring made £750.

A rather gruesome Northern European carved wood panel from the 19th Century depicting a beheading sold for £2,030. It was thought to have represented the execution of Martin Siebenburger, Mayor of Vienna, who was executed in 1522. This date featured on the panel.

A phone bidder from Italy bought a limited edition Montblanc writers’ edition Marcel Proust pen. This was issued in 1999 and came in its original box along with a service certificate booklet. The buyer paid £800 for this fine writing instrument.

An exquisite silver section featured a number of attractive pieces. An Edwardian silver kettle on stand with burner by Harrison Brothers & Howson, Sheffield, which graced the back page of the auction catalogue, sold for £750.

A charming Asprey & Co 1930s hand bell shaped cocktail shaker achieved £450, while a Victorian silver teapot by William Smily for AB Savoy & Sons, London, sold for £300.

In a select collectors section a number of lots related to the Gurkhas proved popular with buyers. A Gurkha Army Service Corps officer’s shoulder belt and pouch went for £570, while assorted Gurkha insignia sold for £350. Assorted British Army cap badges sold for £380.

A room bidder bought two similar Chinese figures - carved as deities for the sum of £480.

Entries are now being accepted for the December sale on Thursday, December 1. For details contact the saleroom on 01823-332525.