The bronze pieces produced by Rene Lalique are perhaps less well-known than the master’s jewellery and glass but seldom so under-rated that they are consigned to the dustbin, as was the case with this c.1910 hand mirror, below.

Extracted from Antiques Trade Gazette | Terence Ryle

In 1971 it was rescued by a dustman on his rounds and kept until he consigned it to Catherine Southon’s (18% buyer’s premium) sale in Selsdon, Surrey, on November 24.

Stamped Lalique, it had condition problems and it was estimated at £300-500. Bidders thought more highly of it and it sold to a European private collector at £7200.