The sale of the historic collection of paintings and objects from the collection of Mary, Duchess of Roxburghe concluded today, having realised the outstanding total of £3,701,654, well above pre-sale expectations (est. £1.6–2.3 million). Of the 647 fascinating items offered, 87% found buyers and 76% of lots soared above their pre-sale high estimates. The top lot of today’s auction was the Duchess’ Cartier diamond engagement ring, which sold for 14 times its high estimate, bringing £167,000 (est. £8,000-12,000). A collection of Mary’s exquisite jewellery was sold earlier this month at Sotheby’s in Geneva, bringing the overall total for this collection to £8,861,939 (est. £2.6-4 million). The sale charted the Duchess’ remarkable life and the exquisite objects depicted an enchanting portrait of a lost England – each carrying with them the extraordinary provenance and
