A game table was the surprise hit of the day at a large and varied art and antiques sale held in Maine at the close of January 2012.
Over a third of lots left their estimates behind, and fewer than one lot in six went without a buyer, thanks to keen bidding on the phone and over the web as well as from those present.
Auction House Owner and Auctioneer Kaja Veilleux had felt confident from the start: "We could feel that this was going to be a very successful sale even as the first few items came to the block.
"There was passionate bidding for a great many lots, and a large number of live participants remained in the gallery throughout most of the sale."
On highlight was Grandma Moses's oil on board painting Out for a Slide which achieved $12,650.
Collectors intrigued by this unique artist who only began painting, self-taught, late in life because painting was one activity which didn't strain her arthritic hands too much will be interested to learn that we have an autographed photo of her available.
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A still life of peaches in a Chinese bowl, (oil on panel painting) by Gillis Hulsdonck was the pick of its section, selling for $97,750.
One of the sales most intriguing antiques was an 1880 Italian Slate Top Game Table with micro-mosaic decoration of Roman landmarks.
Created by New York's R J Horner, it features a game board of marble samples. The outside border is made from semi-precious stone and is set on a beautifully designed red walnut base.
Bidders scoffed at the low estimate, and the table sped past its $10,000-15,000 listing to sell for $92,000.
The result reminded us of the fascinating story of a roulette table built by inventor Hiram Maxim to resolve a dispute.