This newspaper report was printed on the day after the close of the sale by auction of the fittings and fixtures of Hamilton Palace, conducted by Christie, Manson & Wood within the palace itself, from 12 to 14 November 1919.

As reported, the magnificent black Galway marble staircase, consisting of a double flight of steps and a gallery, the creation and pride of the 10th Duke of Hamilton and expected to fetch £20,000, found no bidders and was withdrawn. It was later sold privately to a contractor, to be shipped to a purchaser in the USA.

However, the deal with the American buyer fell through, and when the contractor died the staircase was auctioned, again in Hamilton Palace, as part of his estate. The Hamilton Advertiser of 18 February 1933 reports on the 'fairly brisk' bidding which eventually resulted in a hammer price of £45.