NEWENT Saleroom further enhanced its growing reputation on July 25 when an important collection of 18th Century porcelain sold well above expectations.

Collected between the 1940's and the 1980's by Katherine Clark, a schoolteacher, some of the 25 or so pieces had cost as little as £2 when purchased, but determined buyers, from all parts of the country, entered into fierce competition which resulted in hammer prices totalling £8,515.

Star of the show was a rare dessert plate with floral decoration, dating from 1765 and made at the Nantgarw factory near Caerphilly. Costing £140 in 1983, this piece was purchased on the telephone by a collector from Hove, Sussex, for £1,500.

A particularly attractive sparrow break jug with delicate floral decoration, c.1775, excited collectors of Bristol porcelain and sold at £785 against a 1979 purchase price of £240.

Other results included: a Swansea floral dessert plate, c.1817, £650; a Chelsea hexagonal saucer, c.1750, £500; a Plymouth coffee cup, c.1768, £460; a Derby floral plate, c.1800, £450; a Chelsea tea bowl, £440; a Longton Hall coffee cup £410; a Bow Quail pattern leaf dish £400; a Worcester butter pot, £360, a Lowestoft tea bowl and saucer, £350; a badly damaged Bristol sorbet cup, £250; and a Caughley asparagus butter boat, £220.

Auctioneer John Parrott said: "The importance of displaying images of these rare pieces of porcelain on our website was clearly reflected in the excellent prices achieved, and the number of buyers relying on them. The vendor, a nephew of the collector, was well pleased with the outcome, which to us is all important".

Other interesting porcelain results were: Clarice Cliff Bizarre teapot £210; a pair of Moorcroft vases £240; Beswick horse figures to £110; Border Fine Arts figures to £260; Lladro figures to £50; and 17 Royal Doulton Bunnykins figures, £350.

The furniture section also saw some interesting action, being led by a 17th Century oak press cupboard from a Dymock vendor, which sold to a private buyer at £2,00 and earned itself a short trip to Maisemore. A Regency longcase clock from Littledean was purchased by the Worcester trade at £1,180 and a Kilcot deceased Estate produced an ancient elm-topped cricket table, which amazed many people with a £980 price tag.

With 580 lots coming under the hammer there were plenty of other nice surprises: oil paintings by D'Oyly John and Clifford Harrison, £350 and £550; model of a Thames barge £320; teddy bear £170; Gamages croquet set £125.

Smiths are now inviting entries for its September Antiques and Collectables Auction. For a free evaluation ring 01531 820767.