Historic books sell for £1,550 at auction

Four books which provided a window into Shropshire's past sold for £1,550 when they went up for auction in Shrewsbury.

The books, which were consigned to the auction by a Shropshire vendor, went under the hammer at Halls' collective auction, which attracted internet buyers from around the globe.

Included in the lot were Shropshire Houses Past and Present by Stanley Leighton, which was published by George Bell and Sons, London 1901, The Castles and Old Mansions of

Shropshire published by Leake and Evans, Shrewsbury 1868 and two volumes of the Shropshire Domesday Book published in 1864.

Andrew Beeston, Halls' senior auctioneer and valuer, said: "There is always a lot of local interest whenever we sell books about Shropshire at auction."

He said the auction and the new Monday night viewing at the Welsh Bridge saleroom were very well attended. "The market for decorative and furnishing items, whether they be ceramics, pictures or rugs, remains very strong," he added.

A late Victorian satinwood serpentine display cabinet and a Regency oak housekeeper's cupboard each made £1,200, a late George III oak crossbanded mahogany dresser base fetching £850 and a late Victorian oak boardroom table making £650.

A 20th century carved wooden gesso table chess set from south Shropshire sold for £1,000 to a private Midlands buyer and an Art Nouveau vaseline green glass and gilt metal centrepiece made £980.

Other leading prices included £680 for a collection of fountain and ballpoint pens.