LEADING auctioneers Greenslade Taylor Hunt begin a busy year of sales today (Thursday, January 5) with a high calibre antiques sale which includes a substantial section devoted to 20th Century design.

More than 600 lots of which nearly half are devoted to 20th Century design will go under the hammer at The Octagon Salerooms, East Reach, Taunton, from 10am today.

As ever jewellery will get proceedings underway and among the lots on offer are a couple of eye catchers – a three stone diamond 18ct ring which is guided at £2,000-£2,500 and an enchanting Limoges enamel and diamond ring, the navette image features a girl with a book, enclosed by

36 small old cut stones totalling approximately 0.70 carats. This is estimated at £500-£700.

A Liberty & Co Art Nouveau silver abalone shell set pendant designed by Archibald Knox is another crowd-pleaser. This has an estimate of £400-£600.

There are three works by the British artist Graham Sutherland (1903-1980) in the sale. Among them is 'Metamorphosis: Egg, Larvae, Pupae', an aquatint etching. It is a limited edition 49/66, signed by the artist.

The range of items offered by the auctioneers is evidenced by a cast brass ship’s bell from 'Rowan Tree'. It is believed to have come from a vessel of 919 tons listed in Lloyd's Register of Shipping as having been built in 1857. It was registered to W. Haynes with the homeport of Liverpool. It has a pre-sale guide of £150-£200.

Another delight is a Jaeger Le Coultre 'Atmos' clock. This has a guide price of £300-£500.

The auctioneers have an exciting programme of sales for the coming year. February’s sale will include a section of West Country Art, while the ever-popular quarterly collectors sales are set for Friday, March 3, Friday, June 2, Friday, September 8, and Friday, December 8. The biannual sporting sales take place on Friday, April 7, and Friday, October 8.

For more information and the full calendar of sales for the coming year contact the saleroom on 01823-332525.