TEMPERATURES and prices soared at Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s July antiques sale with excellent prices across all sections.

Without doubt the stand out performer was a smart Rolex, Oyster, Perpetual Date, Submariner, gentleman’s stainless steel watch.

This superb example had been bought in Exeter in 1978 for £482 and attracted a good deal of pre-sale interest as it came to the market for the first time in 40 years.

The sought-after timepiece with its original box, also had a comprehensive range of paperwork to accompany it including a Submariner booklet, Rolex guarantee and receipt from November 1978 from Watches of Switzerland, Exeter, along with spare links.

A bidding war between the internet and a phone bidder soon erupted at The Octagon Salerooms, East Reach, Taunton, with the internet nudging possession with a call of £12,000. Another gentleman’s Rolex went to a phone bidder who paid £1,600 for the timepiece, which only comprised the watch face.

A third Rolex - an Oyster Royal, small sized gentleman’s watch also went to a phone bidder for £750.

Demand for the Oriental continues with the top lot in this section a Chinese porcelain plaque depicting three birds among blossoming branches. A phone bidder paid £4,200.

The picture section also registered some scintillating prices. Top lot was an atmospheric watercolour by noted naval artist Frank Watson Wood. His “Early Morning, HMS Queen Elizabeth Leaving Portsmouth” was signed and dated 1929. It was claimed by a phone bidder, who paid £3,100.

Somerset County Gazette: NET BID: This attractive still life of rose hips and berries by British artist Anne Cotterill sold for £750

An attractive signed still life of rose hips and berries by British artist Anne Cotterill went to a net bidder for £750.

Amber seems to be the gem “du jour” and once again a graduated row of amber beads took top billing in the jewellery section selling for £1,900.

Other fine prices in this section included £1,600 for a three stone diamond ring, which was bought by a room bidder.

Somerset County Gazette: BRILLIANT BANGLE: Victorian gold hinged bangle made £750

A Victorian gold hinged bangle, circa 1879, together with its original case made £750. This was particularly pleasing as the vendor had originally consigned it to the Sedgemoor general sale, where eagle-eyed valuer Simon Rayner had spotted its potential and re-directed it to the monthly antiques auction.

In the silver section a centre bowl by well-regarded makers Elkington & Co Ltd sold for £700.

Entries are now being accepted for the next sale on August 2, which will include a West Country Art section.

For more information, contact the saleroom on 01823 332525.