Love antique charm? Hansons’ furniture expert picks out four investment pieces to enhance your home

Brown furniture is making a comeback as people search out quality for their homes as opposed to flatpack fragility.

In years gone by, furniture was made to a high standard and built to last, which is why many pieces are still perfectly functional today. They are generally extremely beautiful and elegant too.

Some exceptional pieces of furniture are set to go under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers’ Fine Art Auction on March 26.

Here, Hansons’ furniture valuer Edward Rycroft (pictured) chooses four of his favourite pieces that could be worthy of investment and would certainly enhance your home.

French cabinet flair with extra special touch

This fine French cabinet, set with hand-painted plaques and applied ormolu mounts, is truly special. That’s because the plaques could be the work of Sevres, one of the most important French porcelain factories known. A piece of real grandeur, furniture as exquisite as this rarely come on to the market. Probably made during the 19th century, this is a high quality piece which has stood the test of time. The condition is excellent, too. It could fetch up to four figures.

Practical antique … George II fold-over table

This attractive George II, fold-over tea table is made from mahogany. It is simple and elegant. Quality furniture was always made to this standard during the period. In addition, it’s sturdy which is why it’s stood the test of time. The whole piece is raised on four cabriole legs, with one leg swinging out and supporting the folding top. The market for Georgian furniture is starting to pick up and this table will probably fetch £300 to £500 at auction.

Small but perfectly formed Victorian work table

This early Victorian rosewood work table is fitted with two drawers and a section below may have had a bag fitted, filling out the curving section at the base. This is a good example of Victorian furniture. It’s small, it’s desirable and could probably be purchased for less than £250 at auction.

Bookcase beauty

It’s hoped this stacking bookcase will spark a bidding war. Hansons has sold several of these, sometimes made by Globe Wernicke. They often have three or four tiers. This piece, a particularly fine example, was given as a gift in 1924. It includes a silver plaque inscribed as follows: “Presented to the Revd C F Steel OA, Priest in Charge of The Church and All Souls Coldstream, 1919 to 1924, By the Congregation and other friends in kindly token of Their Esteem and appreciation, Coldsteam, 5 May 1924”. This inscription gives the piece real provenance.

Hansons Auctioneers invites furniture entries for its March Fine Art sale and offers free valuations. If you have 17^th 18^th or 19^th century furniture, Edward Rycroft would love to hear from you. Entries can be accepted until March 2. Call 01283 733988 or email [email protected]