PHILADELPHIA - Thirty-two running feet of antique commercial oak and glass display cabinetry sold to a New York publisher and fine art dealer for $52,800 at Kamelot Auctions' signature architectural sale Nov. 22. Carefully removed from a Victorian-era pharmacy, the trio of 10-foot-tall cases will house the winning bidder's collection of books and objets d'art. All prices include the buyer's premium.

Other architectural highlights in the 700-lot event included an antique carved walnut staircase set into chamfered squares with an ornate newel post, circa 1900, that brought $5,520 and a stunning hand-painted, leaded and stained glass oval dome ceiling from the 1930s that sold for more than $7,000.

An exquisite pair of massive bronze octagonal tiered Gothic sconces, circa 1870, replete with multiple spires, slag glass and tracery work, sold to a Colorado architectural dealer for just less than $6,800. Several sections of Gothic-style carved walnut paneling with applied arches also fared well, hammering down just shy of $3,500 to a Chicago area buyer.

The Civil War Museum of Philadelphia, in transition after 85 years at the same location, consigned several important lots, contributing substantially to Kamelot's growing reputation for quality American antiques. Noteworthy among the museum's interesting de-acquisitions were several works attributed to or inspired by famed Philadelphia cabinetmaker Daniel Pabst. Kamelot bidders exalted in a large elaborately carved bookcase, characteristic of Pabst's adroit craftsmanship, driving bidding to $7,500. A finely executed carved walnut mantel crafted by Pabst circa 1875 made $7,800. It had a molded top over dental molding and a Gothic-style frieze supported on elaborately detailed winged griffin pilasters and graphic paw feet.

Several strong examples of Black Forest furniture and woodcarvings attracted collectors and dealers from around the country. An antique carved hall rack in this style from the late 19th century achieved $8,400 and featured a small bear poised in tree branches above a beveled mirror, with standing mother bear and a second cub at her feet.

The surprise of the day was a large and dramatically executed wood carving of a standing bull, circa 1900, that charged past its estimate of $500-$1,000 to hit $8,700.

"Despite negative economic developments hitting many markets, good quality antiques are showing sustained interest and continue to perform well," said Kamelot founder Jeffrey Kamal. "We are the only auction house showcasing architectural antiques on an on-going regular basis and a solid following certainly exists for this type of sale."

Kamelot Auction's next architectural sale, their annual garden antiques sale, will be in April. Call them at 215-438-6990 or visit their web site at www.kamelotauctions.com for more information.