A LEADING auction house has reported a highly successful end to 2014 with a dramatic increase in the size and scope of its sales and a number of record results.

Addisons, of Barnard Castle, catalogued between 800 and 1,000 lots in each of its last three sales - a 50 per cent increase on those in the previous six months.

William McNab, auctioneer and valuer, was delighted with the increased business and put it down to its growing reputation for handling specialist items and the introduction of specialist sales alongside the general auctions - its November auction was accompanied by a Vintage Fashion event and its December auction was followed by a Whisky, Wine and Spirit sale.

Among a number of headline figures achieved were items from a collection of memorabilia believed to have been aquired in China by the Rev Jonathan Lees of the London Missionary Society who served in Tientsin between 1862 and 1900.

An elaborately carved jade-mounted rosewood rui sceptre with an estimate of £1,000 to £1,500, sold for £13,000 at the Autumn Catalogue Sale. A pair of Chinese porcelain bowls exceeded their guide price of £250-£350 when they went for £5,000; and a pair of late 19th century jardinieres were knocked down for £3,000 - way above their estimate of £500-£700.

In September a vase from the same vendor estimated at £40-60, sold for £10,100 and in August a pair of Chinese bronze dings (cauldron-like vessels) exceeded their guide price of £60-80 when they were knocked down for £1,450.

Mr McNab said: "The last quarter of the year will certainly be remembered for the record results achieved for so many of these Chinese items. This not only shows the current buoyancy in the market for oriental items but is also indicative of the raised interest in pieces that can demonstrate a strong provenance."

Other areas that saw high prices were fine jewellery and quality English oak. In the Autumn Catalogue Sale, an unusual early 17th century oak travelling lectern or book stand doubled its price estimate when it sold for £1,050 and in the last sale on December 11, a striking De Beers diamond cluster pendant containing 79 diamonds sold for £1,000.

Addisons first sale in 2015 is on Thursday, January 8.