Mixed Lot

Daniel and I recently cleared a house in which we found an unopened bottle of gin from the 1960's.  That may not excite many people but it excited us because it wasn't the standard 40% proof but an eye-watering 70%  It was tempting to twist the top there and then but, like the professionals we are, we determined to put it aside for our annual Christmas party - and that was yesterday.  This morning, I feel...rough.
Actually, yesterday was not just a celebration but the last antique fair and the last auction of the year.  I think we pulled it off, just about.  It was interesting (although limiting) to combine the auction with the fair - with both advantages and disadvantages in abundance.  I suspect we'll incorporate some of those changes into 2011 but that's not for now.  For now I'll concentrate on drinking the strong cup of coffee that Beth has just made for me.
One of our more interesting lots from yesterday was a hand finished limited edition John Myatt print - which didn't sell, unfortunately.  John Myatt (born 1945) is a British artist and convicted forger who, along with John Drewe, perpetrated what has been described as "the biggest art fraud of the 20th Century" producing and selling copies of works by Masters such as Chagall and Matisse as originals through auction houses including Christie's, Phillips, and Sotheby's.  He was convicted of fraud in 1999 and sentenced to one year in prison (though serving just four months).  Following his release, Myatt became a collectable artist in his own right with his 'original fakes' selling for upward of £45,000  His hand-finished and signed limited edition prints are highly prized too - ours was a Monet "Morning on the Seine II" (pictured) with a reserve of £2,000.  Our bid yesterday was short at £1,800 - most frustrating!  We'll now look for a private buyer.
2010 has been a mixed year for Barnes Auctioneers.  There have been some enormous setbacks, not least the robbery in October that could well have sunk us - although unlike the Titanic we managed to limp back to port.  The economic climate too has been depressed but again, I think we have weathered the storm.  I am already aware of some massive hurdles to clear in 2011 and no doubt we'll clip a couple but then that's what we are about - taking on the biggest challenges and managing to succeed when it most looks like we're going to fall.  Our business is a drama but that's how I like it.  It doesn't suit everyone - bit part players come and go - but we've never set out to be mainstream.  Just because we do it with a glass of gin & tonic in one hand and a packet of peanuts in the other doesn't mean we don't do it with aplomb.  Even our bitterest rivals concede that we have a little something...
I'd like to make a couple of predictions for 2011 but before I do I'd just like to take this opportunity to thank my team for all of their support this year.  They have been magnificent throughout and knowing that they are with me for 2011 makes those challenges seem that bit easier.  I'd like to thank our customers too and everyone connected with The Cloisters Fair - our bread and butter for sure.  I would like to thank my family and friends for their support.  Most of all I would like to thank Beth - she's backed the right horse but sometimes it's difficult to see the winning post with so much going on.  Of course, I may well only be fit for the glue factory by the time the race is finished.  But the race will be won - if this business were World War 2 it would be 1940 but at least we know we are the British...
So - ten predictions (some work related and some not) for 2011
1) Barnes Auctioneers will double in turnover
2) One of the 'Big Three' auction houses in Norfolk will shut down
3) A new auction house will open for business in Norwich
4) The Coalition Government will fall resulting in another General Election
5) A previously unknown Norwich School painting will be discovered in an attic somewhere
6) Margaret Thatcher will receive a State Funeral (mixed emotions about that one)
7) Two of my closest friends in the antique business will get married
8) A holiday for Beth and I - somewhere hot and romantic
9) A change of location - into the city centre for our office and for our home
10) An unexpected ally will reinforce our Eastern border

To all of you (well, not to those of you I don't like - just those of you I do) - have a Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year - and thank you for your friendship and support in 2010.

Catalogue for tomorrow

Our next auction will take place at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich tomorrow (Wednesday 22nd December) at 11am. A catalogue will be available in the sale room but will not be posted on this site because of technical difficulties.

Mixed Lot

Our annual Christmas party will take place this year at St Andrew's Hall on Wednesday, 22nd December at 10am (alongside The Cloisters Fair and General Auction - it's a must come-a-long kinda threesome so don't miss it).  The event is an established tradition but there is another, equally important, that my colleagues seem only too willing to maintain and that is to start the 'unofficial' party several days in advance...
To report on the events of yesterday may only serve to reinforce long-held public opinion that antique dealers are miscreant sponges of alcohol.  That would, of course, be a misrepresentation because we couldn't make any money at all if we lived our lives like that.  We do like to enjoy ourselves though - and why not?  A customer of mine recently suggested that this blog stick to 'facts, facts, and more facts dear boy!' but then what would be the point of that?  Our lives are surely enriched by that in life which is ornamental, not by that which is functional?  It may be the case that we would have taken more money had we been sober yesterday but my life is enriched by the people I work alongside, not by profit and loss.  Money really means nothing to me.  That surely exposes one myth about antique dealers? 
That said, yesterday was a very good days trading - in more ways than one.  It started badly, with some stallholder cancellations (because of the snow) and with the news that The Crypt cafe is to close permanently on Christmas Eve as part of Norwich City Council's cost-cutting measures (more on that in the New Year because the implications for us are enormous).  However, a few sales throughout the day topped up with a cheque from Keys Auctioneers (yes, of course we use other auction houses from time to time) and I was able to assure Beth that we can afford a turkey at Christmas and not just the chicken thigh we were looking to divide between the four of us!
Sunday is usually a day off - but not today.  Today is preparing for Monday when we will do it all again - though perhaps with a little less rum...

FAIR UPDATE

We can confirm that The Cloisters Fair will take place at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich today (Saturday, 18th) as planned (despite the snow - it's really not that bad!) 8am-6pm.

First Look at Lots for Christmas Auction

Here is a first look at some of the lots we have on offer at our Christmas Auction, which will take place at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich on Wednesday, 22nd December at 11am
LOT 50 - Gents Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust watch with stainless steel strap Est 800-1200
LOT 94 - Emerald (one stone est 2.7cts) & brilliant cut diamond (two stones est approx 1ct) three stone ring, 18ct white & yellow gold mounted, Sheffield Hallmark, Size 'N', with insurance valuation (£4250.00) Est 1800-2000
LOT 190 - Emerald (one stone est 1.1cts) and brilliant cut diamond (14 stones est 0.42cts) set border rectangular cluster ring in the Art Deco style, 18ct white & yellow gold mounted, London Hallmark, Size 'N', with insurance valuation (£2850.00) Est 1200-1500
LOT 250 - Large solid silver (800) Italian dish Est 200-300

News Update

Our Christmas Auction will be held at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich on Wednesday, 22nd December at 11am.  Please do note the departure from our regular sale date and time.  We are accepting entries at St Andrew's Hall on Saturday, 18th/Monday, 20th/Tuesday, 21st December between 8am and 4pm.  Another break from our normal pratice is that we will be paying vendors out in cash on the Wednesday (until 5pm) to ensure that people receive their money in time for Christmas.  All will be back to normal from January...

The Cloisters Fair will be held over Christmas on the following dates:
Sat, 18th Dec - Christmas at The Cloisters Fair (8am-6pm)
Mon, 20th Dec - Christmas at The Cloisters Fair (8am-6pm)
Tues, 21st Dec - Christmas at The Cloisters Fair (8am-6pm)
Wed, 22nd Dec - Christmas at The Cloisters Fair (8am-6pm)

HOT OFF THE PRESS - we can confirm that stall prices for The Cloisters Fair will remain fixed at £15 (single) £24 (double) for 2011.

Mixed Lot

There is one Golden Rule in the antique game that should always be observed and that is 'Don't ever pay the asking price for anything'.  The Art of Negotiation is a skill that must be honed to perfection if you are to succeed in our profession.  All antique dealers expect to discount and price accordingly.  It is, however, an Art that should be respected and not abused as it was yesterday at The Cloisters Fair.
'It's not complete.  If it was complete, I would give you fifty quid for it.  But it's not complete.'
These words were uttered by a skinny Scottish skate whose teeth had not been cleaned in thirty years.  He needed a bath like I needed the sale but if truth be told he was actually just interrupting my enjoyment of a cup of asparagus soup from Amaretto.  He was fingering a Victorian silver parasol handle that I had acquired that very morning from Tall Tony.  It's beautifully decorated in the Art Nouveau style and I wanted £50 for it.  Although, he was correct in pointing out that there was no parasol to accompany the handle, he was incorrect in his assertion that this fact would make any difference to its value.  But it was his attitude that hardened the price. 
'I'll give you a tenner for it.  It's not worth more than that to me' he said, before tossing it back into my display cabinet with disregard.
Back in the day there was always a 10% rule - to trade buyers at least.  To Scottish tossers (of parasol handles) who expect something for nothing, the available discount is...silence.
'I said I'll give you a tenner for it.'
Silence.
'What is your best price then?'
Silence.
'Mate?'
Silence.
My demeanour eventually penetrated his little bony head and he wandered off to do whatever it is that little annoying Scottish people do.
It's simple to negotiate a little bit off - just respect the person you are dealing with and be enthusiastic about what you want to buy 'I really love this beautiful parasol handle - I don't suppose there is any chance you could do it for £45?' is all he needed to say.  But he didn't.
The Cloisters Fair was very busy yesterday which was to be expected as we head (rapidly it seems) toward Christmas.  We had a full house too with space for dealers at a premium.  With so many friends in one place it's difficult sometimes to concentrate on the job in hand (we are there to sell after all).  To say we laughed throughout the day would be an understatement.  We laughed until the medieval timbers laughed with us before heading back to our favourite pub, The Doghouse, at the end of trading. 
Oh the tales and the stories and the events and the gossip and the life and the love and the death of it all.  It's all there and I wish that I was Oscar Wilde or Shakespeare so that I could find the words to portray what it is that makes The Cloisters Fair so special.  It's a hive of activity and I never tire of it.  It's our front parlour.  It's our Rovers Return.  It's our soap opera.  But of all the stories of late, one (true) story stands out.
Often the best tales are never told (many of my mine are between God and me and I'll have that conversation with Him one day no doubt) and this was very nearly another for the vault.  But, with the permission of the dealer agreed, I'll open the curtain momentarily and allow you a glimpse into our secret world.
'I think it's a railway watch'
The opening lines in this particular episode were spoken by my good friend and colleague, Daniel.  He was inspecting an old pocket watch that had been entered into our auction for sale. 
I glanced at it and saw it for what it was - an old pocket watch with a damaged enamel dial.  We see hundreds of pocket watches come through our saleroom and they are all the same - worthless.  Of course, there are always exceptions - we did sell an incredible Russian silver and blue enamel pocket watch recently - but this didn't look like one.  It was tired and dirty and without a hope in Hell of selling at the ambitious £40 reserve that had been placed upon it.  I looked at it.  Daniel looked at it.  Every single dealer and collector that came to our sale looked at it.  No one bought it and we offered it for sale privately at a reduced price of £25.  At that price it was still, in my opinion, rich.  The dealer who bought it from us, a friend of mine, went away happy nevertheless. 
A few days later, he phoned me.  Normally, when a dealer calls post-sale it is to negotiate a refund for some reason or other which is why we like the phrase 'sold as seen'.  Not on this occasion, however.
'Just between you and me, Gary...'
The pocket watch had been sold on for £600!  That may seem like a fantastic profit for the dealer, and of course it is (and he did buy me a cup of tea with some of the proceeds) but more than anything it represents a moment of ecstasy for the collector who bought it because he isn't interested in pocket watches.  He is interested in memorabilia related to the Zulu War of 1879. 
The pocket watch was inscribed on the back 'Presented by Col. Hutton to Private John Williams 1879'.
Private John Williams (pictured) was awarded the Victoria Cross for his part in the defence of Rorke's Drift on the 22nd/23rd January 1879.  The battle was featured on screen in the film 'Zulu' starring Stanley Baker and Michael Caine and is famous as one of the greatest ever British victories against overwhelming odds.  Private Williams was awarded the VC for fending off Zulu warriors attacking the hospital and engineering an escape for the injured by breaking through walls with his bayonet.  He saved many lives and did so without ammunition or thought for his own safety.  The pocket watch that belonged to a man like Private John Williams VC is highly desirable. 
'How did we miss that one, Gary?' asked Daniel in The Doghouse last night.
'Error, Daniel'
'Error, Gary'
'Another pint, Daniel?'
Actually, the credit for this has to go to the man that took the trouble to research the inscription on the back of the watch.  There is a belief amongst the public that antique dealers make money easily but that is not the case. This antique dealer was meticulous and determined in his research and earned his money thoroughly and honestly.  He deserved his profit.
What gems will you be able to find in our next auction?  Well, why not come along and see for yourself - our Christmas sale has been moved to Wednesday, 22nd December at 11am and will run alongside The Cloisters Fair and our Christmas party.  It's going to be a great finale to our year and something that you simply cannot afford to miss!

Mixed Lot

Selling via eBay is an important aspect of my working life but the whole process of packing and posting valuables across the world is at best stressful.  It's stressful because stupid Americans return antique items with a note explaining 'this item is not in as good a condition as it might be.'
I always respond 'That's because it's 150 years old - what will you look like in one hundred years time?'
'Can I have another one?'
'No, it's Victorian.  It's unique.'
'In that case I'll apply for a PayPal refund and leave you negative feedback anyway.'
Nothing brings out the need to kill in me more than someone from the other side of The Pond expecting that I fall on my sword just because they have a negative feedback advantage over me.  I want to cross the Atlantic and track them down.  I want to put their fat head into a mangle and turn the cogs slowly.  I want to enslave them and sell them as shark bait to Egyptian fishermen. 
But in truth my temper is already primed by something much closer to home - the Post Office.  Not that there are many Post Offices left. There is one at Castle Mall in Norwich.  You can't miss it - just take a packed lunch and join the queue at St Stephen's.  When you get to the front of the queue you will discover just why it has taken so long to serve you.
'Hello, my name is Robert and I am your customer service assistant for today.  How may I help you?'
'I need to send a couple of parcels to some dumb Americans'.
'Well, I can assist you with that sir.  Tell me, do you need house contents insurance?'
'No'
'Do you need car insurance?'
'No'
'Do you need life assurance?'
'No, but you might soon need it...'
'Can I explain about the benefits our excellent travel insurance policy?'
'For God's sake man!'
I want to cross the counter and slap him down. I want to put his fat head into a mangle and turn the cogs slowly. I want to enslave him and sell him as shark bait to Egyptian fishermen...
Maybe I have an anger problem?
The great thing about selling at an antique fair is that the customer can see and handle whatever it is that has caught their eye and then pay in cash.  Forget parcel tape, brown paper, and customs labels - a little bit of bubblewrap and an old carrier bag and both buyer and seller part company in good spirits.  No fees.  No returns.  No hassle.
That said, I have had some incredible sales online, that I could never have anticipated at an antique fair.  There is certainly an argument to be made for concentrating on selling online only.  I don't subscribe to that view because a savvy dealer selects the best marketplace for what s/he is selling.  For example, collectable books sell well on Amazon but an antiquarian book on the churches of Norwich may well be best tried at The Cloisters. 
The other reason for not simply selling via the internet is that it divorces you from life.  Life is to be found at antique fairs, and auctions, and in the pub.  An antique dealer who sells on the internet alone is not an antique dealer - they are someone who sells antiques online.  Balance in life is everything and selling on eBay, Amazon, et al is probably best described as a necessary evil.  One that cannot be ignored.  But give me people, real people, and real life each and every time.
Rant over - I have to go to the Post Office (top tip - try the one in Roys' store on Magdalen Street) - wish me luck!

Mixed Lot

Our decision to appoint a new Auction Rooms Manager has caused quite a stir.  Of course, I had anticipated some interest but not to the extent that my email inbox is crammed full of attached Curriculum Vitaes from as far away as Nevada.  And we haven't even advertised the position yet - the recruitment process will begin in February 2011.
Back to this week and we have taken the decision, for a variety of reasons (not least the weather and sickness in camp), to push Thursday's auction back to the 16th December.  I do hope that this doesn't inconvenience anyone too much (and that the message gets through to everyone). It's not a decision that has been taken lightly.  There will not be a second auction this month in any event because of the Christmas holidays.  From January 2011 we will be back to our usual pattern of every second and fourth Thursday.
The Cloisters Fair will stall this Wednesday (8th) and Saturday (11th) at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich and we are expecting our customers to throw off the shackles of recession and spend spend spend.  Well, actually, if we take a shilling or two and can afford a chicken thigh for Christmas dinner we will be happy.  If you would like to stall on Wednesday you are too late.  If you would like to stall on Saturday we have space.  Just call us on 01603 304337 or 07810 646711 to book an 8ft table.
The Cloisters Fair will stall for the final time this year on the 15th December - or will it?  We have had some interest in running the antique fair on Wednesday, 29th December.  To be honest, that post-Christmas/pre-New Year period is probably a good time to sell as families (bored with watching repeats on telly) look to leave the house and actually do something more interesting instead.  We would appreciate your comments on this - particularly if you would be prepared to stall.  In any case, The Cloisters Fair will be back on Wednesday, 5th January 2011. 
Inbetween those dates we have our Christmas at The Cloisters Fair - our third year.  This will run every day from Saturday 18th until Wednesday 22nd December (excluding Sunday). We still have space available for this event if you would like to stall on all or some of the days.  Please note that we are no longer able to host on Sundays because of increased staffing costs necessary to open the Hall.
So the calendar looks like this:

Wed, 8th Dec - The Cloisters Fair (8am-3pm)
Sat, 11th Dec - The Cloisters Fair (8am-4pm)
Wed, 15th Dec - The Cloisters Fair (8am-3pm)
Thurs, 16th Dec - General Auction incl antiques (2pm, viewing from midday)
Sat, 18th Dec - Christmas at The Cloisters Fair (8am-6pm)
Mon, 20th Dec - Christmas at The Cloisters Fair (8am-6pm)
Tues, 21st Dec - Christmas at The Cloisters Fair (8am-6pm)
Wed, 22nd Dec - Christmas at The Cloisters Fair (8am-6pm)
Wed, 29th Dec - tbc

Just a final note. If you are interested in antiques and making a full or part-time living out of it (lots of people do btw) - then do get in touch.  We offer packages for people looking to change direction and can help you to start your own business in 2011.