Again: sold!

Five years ago, I moved a few pieces of furniture here from my London life, notably a big sofa and an equally large antique Chinese coffee table. They stretched the limits of our awkwardly shaped living room. Now, as we're combining the effects of 3 homes into one, they're just too big. We decided the table should go. Efforts were made to sell it, no dice. I wrote to every dealer in Asian antiques I could find. I had some interesting correspondences, but not a glimmer of hope. Lovely piece, it was agreed, but bon courage trying to flog it during the crise financière.

A friendly British mover was passing through with an empty return van. A keen price was agreed to repatriate the table to London. I wasn't thrilled at the prospect of having it languish in my apartment, especially as it's in the throes of a re-paint. So, table back on ebay, for about the fourth time. Sigh.

Blow me down, there was an offer within a few hours that ended up being genuine! Better yet, the buyer was in North London. The table was sold before it ever left our house in France, and when it did, it was delivered directly to its new owner, never having to be set down in my flat after all. The charming Mr Chen paid cash as his insistence, thus avoiding fees. Does it get any better than this? As Henny says, 2011 is our sales year. I hope the karma continues for my ebay Christmas push!