A MUCH-viewed desirable vintage watch was the scene stealer at Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s October antiques sale at The Octagon Salerooms, East Street, Taunton.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch dating from around 1938/39, which was working and had the original buckle on its leather strap sold for £1,200.

A GTH spokesperson said: "The market for luxury pre-owned watches remains strong.

"Buying one new is incredibly difficult as demand far outstrips supply despite the fact one million watches are created each year.

"The antiques sector is a reliable arena to source one of these iconic timepieces. As well as a coveted timepiece you gain a bit of history.

"The saleroom is also a great place to pick up other high end jewellery items – often at a keener price than would be offered in the retail sector.

"The saleroom is a superb hunting ground for the offbeat and the quirky."

A case in point was a S Mordan & Co 9ct bangle and pencil offered in the October sale.

Sampson Mordan (1790-1843) was a British silversmith and co-inventor of the first patented mechanical pencil.

His work is highly collectable and the 9ct bangle and pencil, a ballroom or dance card hinged bangle with attached 9ct gold propelling pencil, complete with original lead, and decorated with grain set seed pearl cuffs sold for £420.

Mordan’s sons inherited the firm and continued to make silverware and brass postal scales until 1941 when their factory was destroyed in the London Blitz.

Other sale highlights included an opal and diamond halo ring, which fetched £550, and an 18ct gold and three stone diamond ring, which went for £580.

The next antiques sale takes place at The Octagon Salerooms on Thursday, November 2, from 10am.

For further information contact the saleroom on 01823 332525.