Once again, pre-sale estimates proved an unreliable guide to eventual prices last Monday, when an Irish crystal canoe-shaped bowl and stand, expected to sell for between £3,000 and £5,000, sold for £29,000 at Christie's in London.

The bowl formed part of a collection of Irish glass assembled by the fourth Marquess of Bute earlier this century.

Less impressive, but still considerably more than had been expected, a composite part table service, possibly from Waterford, sold for £3,680 (estimate £800-£1,200). A four club-shaped decanters, dating from circa 1820 and possibly of Cork origin (estimate £800-£1,200), made £1,970.