A Boston Sheraton mahogany and satinwood worktable made by Thomas Seymour around 1808-1810 was the runaway highlight of John McInnis Auctioneers’ sale when it sold for $97,750. The piece, which came from a Wellesley estate, had been authenticated by Robert Mussey. It sold to Seth A. Thayer of Northport, Maine, who said he was buying for a Chicago collector. Thayer, principal of American Arts Consulting, is a co-author of American Arts at The Art Institute of Chicago: From Colonial Times to World War I, and former assistant curator for American decorative arts at the institute.

Much of the material on offer had Massachusetts history. Bidding on a fine Massachusetts Chippendale maple tall clock by Daniel Balch of Newbury opened at $8,000 and only ended at $25,300. Another Massachusetts tall case clock, a cherry example by John Rogers of Newton, had a silvered dial and realized $12,650. It had come from the collection of a former curator at the Willard House and Clock Museum in Grafton, Mass.

A coastal New Hampshire Sheraton flame birch and bird’s-eye maple card table with inlay went for $4,312.

The sale marked McInnis’ 25 years in business. As he hammered down the lots McInnis kept a wary eye on two Verizon trucks that had been parked outside the front door for several days. Given the disastrous fire that threatened his sale of a million-dollar Martin Heade painting 18 months ago, he was more than reasonably concerned that telephone service would be interrupted.

“The Cellist,” by Lilla Cabot Perry came from a Boston collection and realized $43,125.

The space was flush with desirable paintings, the star ofwhich was “The Cellist,” an oil on canvas portrait by Lilla CabotPerry that sold for $43,125. The painting, which came from a Bostoncollection, had an extensive exhibition history and went to a phonebidder.

A very good Arthur Clifton Goodwin painting of Beacon Street in winter brought $27,600 from a phone bidder. The painting, which hung in a Thulin frame, came from the same Boston collection. Soren Emil Carlsen’s beautifully painted 1902 “Breaking Wave” was also from the same collection and sold for $25,875.

A selection of oil on board paintings by Cape Ann artist Aldro T. Hibbard came from a Rockport estate. The high lot among them was “Snow-Covered Road with Houses,” $11,500; “Covered Bridge in Winter,” $6,275; and “Autumn Landscape with House,” $5,750.

Eighteen paintings by Cape Ann’s William Lester Stevens from the Brookline estate of friends of the artists generated lively interest. Top lot was “Lazy Day on the Farm” an interesting depiction of cows that sold for $16,100. One bidder took the oil on canvas “Ship at Dock” at $9,775 and the very colorful “Autumn Day” for $6,562. The same buyer got “Harbor Scene from the Maine Coast” for $4,600.

“Still Life with Peonies” by Marguerite Stuber Pearson had a strong exhibition history and sold on the phone for $9,200. Pearson’s “Chrysanthemums” was $5,750.

Two pictures by Twentieth Century French artist Bernard Cathelin attracted attention. “Paysage aux Bouquet de Violettes” realized $8,625 and his “Briqueterie de San Jose” fetched $8,050.

A still life with a guitar by Cubist Juan Gris realized $9,200 and Robert Emmet Owen’s “Autumn Woods” fetched a record price of $4,600.

Arthur Clifton Goodwin’s painting of Beacon Street, Boston, in winter realized $27,600 on the phone.

A rocky coastal scene by Rockport artist Frederick JohnMulhaupt sold for $2,415.

Frederick Edwin Church’s “Morning Sunrise” was expected to soar but on the morning of the sale it was withdrawn for further research.

A large pair of KPM plaques with images painted after Utrillo with a beggar girl and a beggar boy blew past the estimated $1,2/1,800 to $14,950.

A handsome red leather fire bucket with a banner reading “Perform and Preserve” and the name Sewell Phelps sold to an absentee bidder for $7,475.

A Frederic Remington bronze head cast by the Roman Bronze Works in New York sold for $13,225.

A Civil War sword presented to Major A.A. Powers by members of his regiment sold for $3,450. It had come from a Marblehead, Mass., home. A Native American painted drum in wood and hide was signed and sold for $6,900. It was decorated with an image of a buffalo on one side and an Indian design on the other.

An American pewter flagon made by Samuel Danforth of Hartford bore his mark and brought $9,200.

Things have come to a pretty pass when a Honda outprices a Rolls Royce. A 2003 Honda with slightly more than 2,000 miles realized $15,525 but a 1976 Rolls Royce was a far more modest $5,175. As he hammered it down, McInnis emphasized that the Rolls was in fairly iffy running condition and required some work. Still, it was a great-looking automobile.

All prices quoted reflect the 15 percent buyer’s premium.

For information call 978-388-0400.