A REVIVAL in the antique market is on the cards after a Ward and Chowen auction in Tavistock saw items in most need of restoration achieving the best results. Three late 19th century Chinese oil paintings which were barely visible through a century of accumulated tobacco stains sold for £2,200. Auctioneer manager Peter Bowyer said they only expected to fetch £50 to £150 or at best £300 to £400. Another item sold at a high price was an Edwardian Riley snooker/dining table without rise and fall mechanism for £1,520. Two Troika vases both in pristine condition, as necessary for modern collectables, made £95 and £200. Mr Bowyer is pictured with the Chinese paintings.
