The Period Home: A Portrait of Success


October 2026

This month’s Period Home Sale at Duggleby Stephenson was filled with remarkable pieces, exceptional craftsmanship and some truly impressive auction results. From grand Victorian dining tables and exquisite Regency giltwood mirrors to classic Chesterfield sofas and country house bookcases, the sale brought together a wonderful array of period treasures, each with its own character, history and enduring appeal. With outstanding results across a diverse collection of traditional furniture and decorative antiques, this month’s sale celebrated timeless design and the lasting allure of the period home.


Read on to discover the sale’s standout results!

A Collection of Distinction: European Parliament Portraits
Brenda Bury (British 1932-): Members of European Parliament - 'Diana Elles Baroness Elles'...Brenda Bury (British 1932-): Members of European Parliament - 'Diana Elles Baroness Elles'...Sold: £1,100Brenda Bury (British 1932-): Members of European Parliament - 'Sir Stanley James Allen Hil...Brenda Bury (British 1932-): Members of European Parliament - 'Sir Stanley James Allen Hil...Sold: £1,100Brenda Bury (British 1932-): Members of European Parliament - 'Frederick Ponsonby 10th Ear...Brenda Bury (British 1932-): Members of European Parliament - 'Frederick Ponsonby 10th Ear...Sold: £2,400
Among the standout highlights of this month’s Period Home Sale was a fascinating collection of 18 oil portraits by British artist Brenda Bury, depicting distinguished members of the European Parliament. Offered in three carefully curated lots of six portraits, the collection combined artistic interest with a compelling glimpse into Britain’s political and parliamentary history.

The results were particularly impressive, with all three lots achieving prices well above their pre-sale estimates of £300–£500 each.

The first set of six portraits, featuring figures including Diana Elles, Baroness Elles, and Tufton Beamish, Baron Chelwood, sold for £1,100. A further six portraits, including Sir Douglas Dodds-Parker and Sir William Peel, sold for £1,100. The final collection, featuring sitters including the 10th Earl of Bessborough and the 12th Marquess of Lothian, proved the star performer, selling for £2,400.

Together, the 18 portraits realised an impressive £4,600, more than three times the combined upper estimates of £1,500. A wonderful result for this distinctive collection, demonstrating the appeal of historically interesting works.

Furniture With Presence
19th century French Louis XVI design mahogany and polychrome painted gentleman's press war...19th century French Louis XVI design mahogany and polychrome painted gentleman's press war...Sold: £1,100Extensive canteen of silver Kings Pattern cutlery for twelve covers comprising silver hand...Extensive canteen of silver Kings Pattern cutlery for twelve covers comprising silver hand...Sold: £8,200Colombo Mobili - Italian walnut and floral marquetry bombé commode chest, rectangular top...Colombo Mobili - Italian walnut and floral marquetry bombé commode chest, rectangular top...Sold: £1,900
Some lots are truly made to impress. A standout highlight of our recent Period Home Sale was an extensive 134-piece canteen of silver King’s Pattern canteen, offering an elegant service for up to twelve people. Made by renowned Sheffield silversmiths Walker & Hall in 1928, the collection was housed in a beautiful mahogany case with countersunk brass handles, combining practical luxury with timeless craftsmanship. This exceptional canteen sold for £8,200, a remarkable result for a collection that embodies the enduring appeal of this fine canteen.

Furniture also delivered some wonderful results, with pieces showcasing the elegance of traditional design and the enduring appeal of fine craftsmanship. A 19th-century French Louis XVI-design mahogany and polychrome-painted gentleman’s press wardrobe, adorned with an ornate painted frieze and finely detailed classical figural medallions, sold for £1,100.

Another standout was the Italian walnut and floral marquetry bombé commode chest by Colombo Mobili. Combining beautifully shaped curves with intricate floral decoration, this striking piece more than doubled its pre-sale estimate and sold for £1,900, a lovely result for a piece of distinctive Italian decorative furniture.


Bronze Sculptures, Brilliant Results
After Pierre-Jules Mene (French 1810-1879): Labrador, bronze bearing signature, W13cmAfter Pierre-Jules Mene (French 1810-1879): Labrador, bronze bearing signature, W13cmSold: £380After Pierre-Jules Mene (French 1810-1879): The Norman Mare, bronze figure on a stepped ov...After Pierre-Jules Mene (French 1810-1879): The Norman Mare, bronze figure on a stepped ov...Sold: £1,800After Pierre Jules Mene (French 1810-1879): Vainqueur!!!, bronze equestrian group of a Der...After Pierre Jules Mene (French 1810-1879): Vainqueur!!!, bronze equestrian group of a Der...Sold: £3,600
This month’s Period Home Sale highlighted the enduring appeal of 19th-century animalier sculpture, with all three bronze sculptures after Pierre-Jules Mêne achieving impressive results.

Each piece captured the artistry and character that make animalier bronzes so appealing to collectors. The charming Labrador sold for £380, while the impressive Norman Mare, a beautifully modelled bronze, poised on a stepped oval base, sold for £1,800, outstanding against an estimate of £200–£400.

The star of the trio was Vainqueur!!!, a dynamic equestrian group depicting a Derby jockey leading his horse. Signed and dated 1866, this sporting bronze galloped past its estimate of £1,000–£2,000 and sold for £3,600.
Together, these exceptional results highlight the enduring desirability of Pierre-Jules Mêne’s animalier bronzes, with all three sculptures attracting impressive prices. 

Consign Your Treasures For The Next Sale

Entries are now invited for our next Period Home Sale, a celebration of classical design and sophisticated living inspired by the Georgian townhouse. Mahogany and satinwood furniture, gilt mirrors, lighting and decorative furnishings are all particularly welcome, alongside fine porcelain by Rockingham and Worcester, silver, crystal and objets d'art. If you have pieces that embody the refined elegance of the Georgian interior, our specialists would be pleased to advise.
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