Well today I was off to a saleroom in Salisbury, not very exciting, there was a nice mahogany chest on chest or tallboy, needing as little work, but otherwise a dreadful load of junque (my word for antiques not worth having!). About the only pieces that did grab me were this pair of lapis and ormolu candlesticks.

They are very stylish so I took them to pieces to check them out- they are actually mid 19th century and super quality with very good gilding and castings. All the elements are in good condtion, and the lapis is not damaged. They are actually stamped with a makers mark- T Millet of Paris who was working from about 1850. I thought very smart. The estimate in the catalogue is only £4-600, but I expect they will make £1500 or so and even then be well worth it!

I was planning to go further but snow stopped play today.