THE eagerly awaited biannual sporting sale at Greenslade Taylor Hunt exceeded expectations.

The event produced a plethora of fine prices across all sections.

Dedicated sale-goers had to wait for the conclusion of the monthly antiques auction at The Octagon Salerooms, East Reach, Taunton, to bid for items in this specialist sale – one of the few of its kind in the country.

Bidders were not disappointed with the high calibre of goods on offer.

Top of the pile was a 'one off' watercolour by Snaffles, which sold to an internet bidder for £3,500.

This amusing painting depicts amateur jockey Captain Bobby Vivian being unseated as he rides in the Grand Military Gold Cup in 1923.

The painting by Snaffles, (Charlie Johnson Payne 1884-1967) the artist renowned for his depiction of horses in action, had a terrific provenance having been handed down by Captain Vivian’s family through the generations.

An excellent bronze figure of a woodcock, in the style of Bergmann, was another sale success. This diminutive figure measuring just under 20cm high marked 'Austria' on the underside sold for £1,700.

Another good price - £1,000 – was achieved for a Webley & Scott Ltd air pistol in a fitted case.

Of local interest was a watercolour of the Devon and Somerset Staghounds dating from 1955. Painted by Michael Lyne it went for £450.

In the taxidermy section a selection of exotic birds under a glass dome made £400.

A limited edition copy of In Neil McShane’s Hunt Buttons of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland sold for £300.

A Snaffles print made £180. There was a large fishing entry of rods and reels. Notable prices included £75 for an Orvis graphite three section fishing rod and £95 for a Hardy Marquis salmon No 1 fishing reel.

Entries for the corresponding spring sale, which will be held next April, are already being accepted by Stuart Triggol, who co-ordinates these events.

For more information and to consign items please contact Stuart on 07860 928797.