A seemingly innocuous dress was the star at an antique auction in Wokingham earlier this month.
Lot 140 at the Martin & Pole auction on August 8 was for an antique silk dress.
Valuer Mark Weekly told Wokingham Today: “The lot in question, “A Robe a L’Anglaise” dating from 1780, was supposedly worn by Esther Palmer of the Huntley & Palmer dynasty, in 1925 – although we have been unable to substantiate this.
“This item attracted much interest being in an original, unaltered condition and the original green colour being strong.
“Upon research, an item of this nature or condition is rarely seen at auction – possibly only two or three times every year, and most are destined to the United States.”
The dress was eventually sold for £2,000 plus fees.
The next Martin & Pole auction takes place on September 18 at its Milton Road sale room.
