MINCE pies and mulled wine were the order of the day as auctioneers Greenslade Taylor Hunt celebrated their final antiques sale of the year at The Octagon Salerooms, East Reach, Taunton, in suitably festive style.

The sale was well supported in person, on line and on the phone, and there was no doubt what was the stand out lot of the day – a beautiful porcelain clock garniture – a clock and two vases - in the Art Nouveau taste by Rozenburg Den Haag.

This attractive piece with artist’s monogram for Sam Schellink graced the cover of the sale catalogue. A number of bidders were keen to secure the item. Bidding climbed to £4,800 and an on line bidder paid £5,735.

A picture that was reputedly owned by Napoleon’s brother Lucien was the top lot in the picture section. This oil on canvas “A View on the Tiber” was unsigned, but attributed to Richard Wilson (1714-1782). A phone line paid £2,800.

In the jewellery section it was a Victorian diamond brooch that took top billing. It sold for £1,500. An unusual Victorian novelty scent bottle in the shape of an anchor proved a big hit in the saleroom and online. At one point it looked like it was heading out of the UK however a UK online bidder paid £955.

Another distinctive piece was a silver and glass egg timer circa 1818 by Rebecca Emes and Edward Barnard. It sold for £478 to a phone bidder.

A buoyant clock section saw a number of notable prices. Top of these was a phone bidder who paid £1,550 for a William IV mahogany cased wall clock inscribed Arnold & Dent, Strand, London. A large eight-day Welsh longcase clock went for £320, while an oak cased 30-hour longcase clock by F. Shorte, Minehead, went to a commission bidder for £160.

The internet went crazy for a Border Fine Arts model of a bull. This limited edition beast – 21cm nose to tail sold for a solid £835.

An Arts and Crafts copper candle holder with Ruskin type enamel roundel and embossed foliate decoration had attracted a good deal of pre-sale interest. It led to a tussle between a number of phones lines as each vied to take possession of the piece. One emerged victorious with a bid of £655.

The next sale will take place on Thursday, January 5. It will include a comprehensive selection of 20th Century design items.

If you have anything suitable to consign or would like more information contact the saleroom on 01823-332525.