INTEREST loomed large in a small Chinese carved jade study of a Buddha’s hand fruit at Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s March antiques sale.

The item on a corresponding carved hardwood stand was just 8cm overall, but generated colossal pre-sale interest at The Octagon Salerooms, East Reach, Taunton.

Bidding opened at £1,000 thanks to commission bids left with the auctioneers, but this figure was soon dwarfed by furious activity on the internet and a phone line. The phone bidder came out triumphant with a mighty call of £3,950.

The piece was among a selection of items entered into the sale from a Somerset house clearance. The item had been handed down through the family, but the vendor, who attended the sale, had no idea of its value and was flabbergasted with the price.

The saleroom was packed throughout the day with a wide range of buyers attracted by the comprehensive range of quality items that went under the hammer.

A great section of jewellery and silver delivered some notable prices. An 18 carat gold half hunter pocket watch, London 1909 sold to a room bidder for £900.

A room bidder also claimed a nine carat gold watch chain with a call of £820. Another room bidder paid £750 for a late Victorian five stone diamond ring. The same figure was achieved for a Longines, gentleman’s bracelet watch.

A pretty Georgian gold and moss agate vinaigrette, which featured on the front of the auction catalogue proved a hit with sale-goers and sold for £600 to a room bidder.

The same sum was achieved for a matched Scottish silver teapot, kettle on stand with burner and sugar bowl by Edinburgh maker Hamilton & Inches.

Despite being damaged a James Macintyre & Co Florian Ware vase designed by William Moorcroft sold for £160, while an extensive collection of Minton “Haddon Hall” dinner and tea-ware went to an online bidder for £500.

April sees a double set of sales with the monthly antiques sale on Thursday, April 6, and the biannual Sporting Sale on Friday, April 7.

Entries for the Spring Sporting Sale close on Monday, March 13. For more information or to consign items for the sale contact the saleroom on 01823-332525.