NEW YORK.-Five paintings sourced by Bonhams in Scotland have astonished their former owners by making a total of $882,000 at Bonhams New York Sale of American and European paintings on November 29. Neil Froggat, Director and Senior Valuer at Bonhams in Scotland, said: "The couple concerned were moving home and popped in to have some pictures valued as they were having a clear-out. They did not think that they were worth anything but brought them in anyway. When they heard the result yesterday they were speechless." The pictures taken so casually over the counter in Edinburgh were consigned to the relevant Bonhams New York Sale as it was felt that this is where the market was strongest for these items.

The artist in question is Richard Williams (1750-1776) a British soldier who served in North America, painting when not on active service. His pictures include images of Boston, New York and Charlestown, all areas where he served King and country.

Lt. Richard Williams was commisioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers on 17th August 1768, and subsequently promoted to Lieutenant on 13th May 1773. He was on a tour of continental Europe when the Fusiliers sailed for the America, and he joined them in Boston, landing on the 12th June 1775.

Williams journal "Discord and Civil Wars" expresses forthright views about the army and the events around him and though he was not engaged at Bunker Hill his eyewitness account is useful. Williams left Boston on 22 August 1775 onboard HMS 'Empress of Russia' bound for Annapolis Royal.

The sale in New York establishes a new record price for his paintings and drawings. Jon King, Director of Bonhams in New York comments: "The rarity of panoramic on-site battle scenes from the American War of Independence is what gives these pictures such rarity value and hence the excitement they created in the salesroom yesterday."

Lot 5, the highlight of the sale at $325,250 (with premium) was a set of five watercolours of Boston each, together with ten pencil copies of the watercolours by the same hand. Estimate $18,000-24,000.

This panoramic view was copied by William Wood, an image which belongs to the Massachussets Historical Society where it is titled 'A view of the Country around Boston'.

Lot 3, $171,250 (with premium) Troops on Parade, the Charles River and Castle Island beyond, Boston watercolor on paper 31.7 x 45.7 cm. (12 1/2 x 18 in.) unframed. Estimate $7,000-10,000

Lot 2 which fetched $165,750 is titled The Order of Battle of the British forces , July 17 1775 together with a map by the same hand, unframed. Estimate $1,500-2,500

Lot 4 made $132,750 - The burnt ruins of Charlestown from across the Charles river. Estimate $7,000-10,000. General Gage ordered that the town of Charlestown be subjected to incendiary cannon fire from British vessels, and soon the town was in flames.

Lot 1 New York from the Governor's Island inscribed 'View of New York from the Governors Island, taken from a sketch of Mr Danvergasse' dated 'Boston 1776' Estimate $1,500-2,500

All five pictures were owned by Charles Bigelow (b.1884) of Boston, USA and thence by direct descent to the current owner, his grand-daughter.