2020 was a record-breaking year for Design auctions. We don’t yet know whether the banner results were thanks to or in spite of the extreme irregularities that moved most of the bidding online. So what can last year tell us about the collectible design market in 2021?

Certainly last year’s Design auctions produced outstanding results for reliable market darlings like Les Lalannes, Jean Royère, and Carlo Mollino. But many of the highest performing lots—objects that sold at prices many times their estimates—came from lesser known mid-century masters. As well, a number of highly successful lots include quite atypical designs from well established 20th-century icons. In retrospect, betting on the dark horses paid off.

Check out a few of these notable over-performing lots that go beyond the usual suspects, and see what can be divined.

Chauffeuse by Jean Royère, c. 1934

Phillips London: Thursday, November 12, 2020 [Lot 00001] Design

Estimated at £15,000–£20,000; Sold for £233,100

Mo. LC53 Lounge Chair by Kem Weber for Lloyd Manu, c. 1934

Sotheby's New York: Thursday, July 30, 2020 [Lot 00080] Important Design

Estimated at $8,000–$12,000; Sold for $125,000

Mo. 175F Contour Rocking Chair by Vladimir Kagan, c. 1955

Phillips New York: Wednesday, December 9, 2020 [Lot 00054] Design

Estimated at $10,000­–$15,000; Sold for $132,300

Gold Pendantif-Pendant Earrings by Man Ray, c. 1968

Christie's New York: Wednesday, July 29, 2020 [Lot 00017] Magnificent Jewels

Estimated at $10,000 –$15,000; Sold for $125,000

Rare Dining Table by Piero Bottoni, c. 1950

Phillips London: Thursday, November 12, 2020 [Lot 00007] Design

Estimated at £40,000–£60,000; Sold for £403,200

Rare Executive Desk by Mario Gottardi, c. 1945

Phillips London: Friday, June 19, 2020 [Lot 00012] Design

Estimated at £10,000–15,000; Sold for £91,250

Armchairs by Studio Architetti B.B.P.R. for Ornaghi, c. 1959

Phillips London: Thursday, November 12, 2020 [Lot 00017] Design

Estimated at £12,000–£18,000; Sold for £107,100

Mo. 1669 from Fritz Hansen, c. 1940s

Phillips New York: Wednesday, July 29, 2020 [Lot 00114] Design

Estimated at $10,000–15,000; Sold for $100,000