The highlight was an early Nineteenth Century miniature chest that sold for $134,400.

On March 31, Harlowe-Powell Auction Gallery conducted a multiple estate auction sale, and the featured piece was an early Nineteenth Century Virginia two-drawer chest. Standing just 17 inches high, the chest was from the Eudora Bolling estate in Albemarle County, Va., and had been used as a plant stand in the house. Bolling had grown up in what is considered to be the oldest house in Albemarle County, and most of the items from her estate had passed down through the generations.

The miniature chest was walnut with yellow pine secondary and had herringbone inlay to the edge of the top and drawer fronts, two drawers with cockbead molding, very early brasses and kite laid key escutcheons, urn, vine and flower inlay to the corner columns, and string inlay to the apron and tall bracket feet. It was untouched except for cleaning. There was tremendous interest in the piece, and it finally sold on the floor for $134,400 to Bob Crawford from Richmond, Va., who was representing a private client.

Other highlights of the auction included a ship’s passport signed by both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, which sold for $24,640. An Eighteenth Century tall case clock, probably from Virginia or Maryland, brought $11,200.

A ship’s passport signed by both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson made $24,640.

Also from the Eudora Bolling estate and in untouched condition, but in this case needing restoration, was an Eighteenth Century Southern slant front desk. After some spirited bidding, it reached $9,520.

Other interesting items were an early flintlock rifle for $5,040; a Charlottesville, Va., and coin silver ladle made by Richard Mathews, with a lovely form, that brought $3,920. An Eighteenth Century land grant signed by Governor Thomas Jefferson realized $5,320 and a Georgian mahogany chest on bureau in good condition brought $5,040, while a Waterford chandelier sold for $4,760.

Another interesting item from the Bolling estate was an early Nineteenth Century Virginia bookcase on cabinet that attracted some serious bidding, finally selling for $6,720.

All prices quoted include the buyer’s premium.

Harlowe-Powell Auction Ltd is at Route 29 North, Seminole Square. For information, 434-293-2904 or www.harlowepowell.com .