Gorgeous antique tapestry (circa 1680-1720) depicting a hunting scene in a woodland setting fetches $4,884 at on-site auction held Aug. 28 by Specialists of the South, Inc., in Marianna, Fla.

MARIANNA, FL, September 05, 2010 (Press-News.org) A gorgeous late 17th or early 18th century wool tapestry, measuring 71 inches by 103 inches and depicting a hunter with his bugle, dog and sword in a woodland setting was the surprise top lot at an on-site auction held Aug. 28 by Specialists of the South, Inc., of Panama City. The tapestry's vivid colors and fine condition earned it a top bid of $4,884.

"We knew that tapestry was an old and unusual piece, but when the bidding got spirited between a gentleman on the phone and two online bidders, we knew we had something special," said Logan Adams of Specialists of the South, Inc. "We never did learn for sure whether it was made in England, as we believed, or its exact age, but that didn't deter people from wanting it."

In the end, the online bidder took the prize (via LiveAuctioneers.com). The auction was held at a home once belonging to Floye E. Brewton, Marianna, Fla.'s Citizen of the Year in 2006 and a man who lovingly restored numerous historic residential properties in the area prior to his passing in March of this year. The sale featured about 150 items from the estate of Mr. Brewton.

But the auction also featured a storage unit consignment comprising Continental antiques and other items that had been kept in a climate-controlled storage facility for the past five years. While Mr. Brewton was the event's headliner, the stars of the day were the treasures in that storage unit. The tapestry was one such treasure, and most of the top lots came from the facility.

In all, 310 lots changed hands. Only one offering - a diamond ring - failed to meet the reserve. There were around 70 people in the room, and the sale attracted 161 registered online bidders (who accounted for a 25.2 percent sell-through). Telephone and absentee bids were also taken. Ms. Adams said any fears she may have had about the sale's success were quickly dashed.

"As soon as the auction started, it was obvious that the interest was there and the bidding was there," she said. "Our regulars later on were so complimentary about the quality of the merchandise and the professionalism of the staff. Our team really brought it's 'A game' to that beautifully restored little home in Marianna. Mr. Brewton would have been very, very pleased."

Following are additional highlights from the sale. All prices quoted include an 11 percent buyer's premium.

The second top lot was a Gothic refectory table with eight chairs (two with arms) and a buffet ($2,387). Taking third place was a Tibetan Mahakala Thanka painting in ink and gouache on cloth, 31 inches tall by 21 inches wide ($1,887). One other lot topped the $1,000 mark. It was a bronze scalloped Vide-Poche depicting sea gods at a large shell, signed G. Michel ($1,055).

A beautiful 19th century inlaid fall front desk with bookcase top coasted to $833; a nice Limoges porcelain hand-painted floral cachepot trimmed in gold, 12 ½ inches tall, commanded $777; and a mahogany inlaid Hepplewhite-style hunt board with two center drawers flanked by a narrow door on the right and a false front drawer opening to the back on the left garnered $666.

A 19th century girandole mirror in a gilt wood and gesso frame featuring a convex mirror surmounted by a carved spread wing eagle (42 inches tall by 26 inches wide) achieved $605; a 20th century Karastan floral Kerman rug (16 feet by 11 feet 5 inches) fetched $555; and a Biggs Federal-style corner cabinet with string inlay, about 26 inches wide, crossed the block for $500.

A statue signed "T. Cartier" and titled Fighting Wildcats, stamped with a fabrication seal (Paris, France, copyright by E.G.), measuring 20 inches wide by 19 ½ inches tall, soared to $472; a pair of elaborate, heavy brass 4-arm electric candelabra with marble bases and ornate acanthus leaf motifs rose to $444; and an oil on board portrait of a lady in a period dress breezed to $416.

A late 19th century Chinese stand with scalloped bead edge and marble inlay, boasting heavy carving and measuring 25 inches in diameter and 24 ½ inches tall, climbed to $444; a mahogany game table with burl apron and vase standard with large ribbed body and large paw feet topped out at $444; and a late 19th century Southern Chinese marriage cabinet in red and black lacquer, with gilded carved inserts featuring figural motifs crossed the finish line at $444.

An ornately carved Oriental table with finial where the stretchers meet, 21 inches square by 20 inches tall, made $333; a pair of brass leaf and glass grapes accent wall art, 18 inches wide by 20 inches tall, hammered for $222; a Victorian Revival style aluminum garden bench made in Mexico rose to $250; and a Victorian 3-drawer chest with marble top (circa 1875-1885) hit $278.

Specialists of the South, Inc., will hold another on-site auction on Saturday, Oct. 16, on Ivydell Road in Fountain, Fla. Offered will be a treasure trove of collectibles and antique items, to include butter churns, Hoosier cabinets, crocks, lady's head vases, salt and pepper shakers, clocks, furniture and more. Internet bidding will be facilitated again by LiveAuctioneers.com.

The Specialists of the South, Inc. has been serving the Panama City community for over 30 years. The firm specializes in a broad range of services, to include estate auctions, furniture refurbishing, interior decoration, property appraisals and business liquidation services. It has been awarded the Small Business of the Month by the Bay County Chamber of Commerce.

The Specialists of the South, Inc. is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you may call them at (850) 785-2577, or you may e-mail them at specialists@knology.net. To learn more, or to register for the upcoming auction, you may log on to either http://www.SpecialistsoftheSouth.com or http://www.PanamaCityAuctions.com.