HAMILTON Osborne King held what the company described as a "highly successful" auction last Tuesday at Powerstown House, the former home of Mr and Mrs Raymond Keogh, in Co Meath.

Because this couple were well known as avid auction-attenders for many years, there was particular interest in this sale, with around 450 people packing into the marquee erected at Powerstown. A further 150 clients made written and telephone bids.

Some 93 per cent of the 800-plus lots were sold, with the day's total (including buyers' premium) reaching £385,000.

Very much as predicted, the best price at the auction was made by a pair of late 18th century Milanese walnut, tulipwood and marquetry chests. These went for £20,000, their lowest estimate. But a mahogany breakfront bookcase from the late 18th century, which was expected to sell for £4,000-£6,000, actually made £11,000, and an early 19th century mahogany ebony line inlaid sideboard (estimate £3,000-£5,000) sold for £9,000.

Similarly, a satinwood crossbanded and painted D-shaped display cabinet from the beginning of this century (estimate £3,000-£4,000) went for £6,000 and a mahogany four-pillar dining table in early 19th century style (estimate £2,000-£3,000) fetched £5,500.

Other good prices included £7,500 for an 18th century Irish satinwood, rosewood and harewood D-shaped side table, £5,500 for a 156-piece Ridgeway dinner service, dating from circa 1840, £5,000 for a set of James Malton's Dublin aquatints, the same price for a mid 19th century mahogany extending dining table and £3,500 for a mahogany and satinwood Georgian revival cheval mirror.