WENHAM, MASS. — John McInnis sold the contents of Henry D. Audesse’s 30-room home here July 1–2. The fine French furniture, statuary, porcelains, books and artwork, attracted world wide bidders, with at least one London dealer flying over just for the sale. Almost 1,000 lots were offered without reserve and the item bringing the highest price was a small Eighteenth Century, gold snuff box from France, decorated on all sides with carved mother of pearl and abalone, which went out at $36,000, more than tripling its estimate. There were several pieces of malachite furniture and accessories from a room called the “Malachite Room,” and nearly all exceeded estimates.

Audesse had an affinity for Napoleon. A Napoleon III three-piece garniture clock set sold for $20,400 and other similarly themed items easily found willing buyers. It was a special sale, of a special collector in a special house.

A complete report on the auction will follow in an upcoming edition.