PRE-SALE estimates were far surpassed by the top two items, both Irish, in last Wednesday's furniture and fine art auction at Hamilton Osborne King's Blackrock salesrooms. An Irish elliptical drop-leaf hunt dining table dating from circa 1800 had been expected to fetch £3,500-£5,000 but actually made £11,500, while an early 19th century mahogany serving table (estimate £3,000- £5,000) went for £7,700.

A Scottish early 19th century mahogany and brass inlaid pedestal sideboard and a French Louis Philippe-period walnut, rose-wood inlaid and bois de citron display cabinet both made £6,000, a pair of Irish 18th century mahogany brass-bound plate buckets went for £5,000, a mahogany and satinwood banded bureau cabinet from circa 1800 fetched £3,999 and a set of six 18th century mahogany dining chairs sold for £3,500.