AN INTERNET tussle for possession of a graduated row of amber beads resulted in the top price of the day at Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s excellent June antiques sale.

Eventually one bidder emerged victorious at The Octagon Salerooms, East Reach, Taunton, with a decisive call of £2,800.

However it had to share top spot with a small oak six plank coffer which enjoyed interest from the internet and two phone bidders.

This attractive piece with carved decoration to the front saw a mighty battle with one of the phone bidders eventually bettering a strong commission bidder.

Interest in all things Oriental continues apace and this month it was a pair of Chinese porcelain plaques that proved the top draw. Again the internet battled it out for possession. The pair sold for £1,400.

An 18th Century walnut knee hole desk was bought for £1,525.

A late Victorian diamond crescent brooch circa 1890 was among the star performers in the jewellery section. A phone bidder paid £1,050 for the pretty piece.

An opal and diamond line brooch also performed well and sold to a phone bidder for £680. Other notable prices in the jewellery section included £925 for a charm bracelet and £444 for a distinctive gold mesh weave flexible ring by Hermes of Paris.

A Belleek vase entranced an internet buyer and it will be going to a new home in the USA. It sold for £760.

An unsigned Continental School memento mori portrait of a lady, oil on canvas, dating from the 19th Century sold for £890 to an internet buyer.

The auctioneers are already accepting entries for the next monthly sale, which will take place on Thursday, July 5. This will feature a significant section of 20th century design items. For more information please call the saleroom on 01823 332525.