Mixed Lot

Thanks to Julian I reached a massive high this week.  Not that Julian is a drug dealer but in fact a purveyor of digital scales for weighing scrap gold, jewellery, etc. 

'You are just a pinhead in a desert' he told me after three minutes of us meeting 'You are a beggar.'
Picture the scene: on Tuesday we were sitting on the back of a Ford Transit van at Kempton Park with the wind and the rain howling down upon us.  Our antique stock, laid out carefully that morning, had been soaked through and we were freezing cold (not helped by the fact that I had mistakenly taken Beth's coat instead of my own).  Kempton Park is one of the best antique fairs in the country and we had put a great deal of planning into stalling there (well for us at least) but the weather was against us.  That it was the fair at Ardingley that day too (and half-term) meant that buyers were few and far between.  I needed to take a lot of money given recent events but it became clear as we approached midday (having left home at 2am) that was simply not going to happen.  Just as we contemplated packing up and going home, and in the midst of defeat at Bannockburn, along came Julian.
Julian is (according to Julian) well known on the antique circuit as he trawls round with his shopping trolley selling digital scales to dealers, '£15 to you, young sir.'
His opening line was a good one because it's been a while since I was called 'young' but then Julian was clearly nearly eighty and everything seems fresh as a daisy when you are that age.  His timing was good too because I lost my scales recently and had been looking to replace them.  After some old style negotiation (and bearing in mind I was going home having made a loss) we settled on £11 and I took possession of my new scales.  At that point one would normally expect to say thank you and goodbye but Julian was not done with me.
'Look at us' his voice raised with political intent 'Look at us in this field, scraping a living whilst the bankers make all the money.  Let me give you some advice son: don't play into the hands of the banks.  Rise up with the people.  Rise up and be free.  We are not important.  Do you realise that we are in the hands of the American Mafia?  They control the banks and politicians.  You are just a pinhead in a desert.  You are a beggar.  That is what you do. You rely on people giving you money.'
'They haven't given me much money today.'
'This is no life for us, we must be free!'
As if the day could not get any worse I listened to Julian's lecture and could do nothing but try to contain my amusement (difficult as the friend sitting to my right was chortling away at my discomfort).  Julian's eyes were fiercely bright and passionate.  He grasped my arm and implored me to join his socialist banner and, in appeasement to an old mad man, I nodded allegiance.  I didn't mention my adoration of Saint Margaret Hilda...
He reminded me of an old woman who used to come and see us at Covent Garden.  She would bring her carrier bag from which she would produce 'the finest pearls' for sale (which had actually been nicked from Next that morning and had the label removed).  One classic was a crocodile skin handbag that she offered my colleague 'That's not crocodile skin' the old woman was told 'What would you know child' the old woman responded 'You are not from Africa, as I am!'
Julian lifted my spirits because these are the characters that make what we do so culturally rich and diverse. We laughed all the way back to Norwich where we met up with our respective partners and together we all ate and drank and laughed a lot more. 
I probably should just mention the parrot cage.  At Keys of Aylsham on Monday we went in search of stock to take to Kempton Park and I came away with a parrot cage for £30.  I have no idea why I bought it because a) I prefer to see parrots in the wild  b) it was hardly antique and c) I didn't look at it closely before I bought it.  Upon closer inspection (before we loaded it into the back of the van) we noticed that it was completely and utterly covered in parrot shit.
'You better clean that up before tomorrow' I was advised but there wasn't time (especially as we needed to have a strategy meeting beforehand).
On the way down to Kempton Park the cage fell apart in the back of the van and the prospect of putting it back together again (bearing in mind it was coated in parrot dung) was not attractive.  In fact we left it at Kempton Park - I won't be buying another one of those in a hurry!  The moralof the tale is obvious :-)
Wednesday was strange, with no antique fair at St Andrew's Hall to manage (because of The Norwich Beer Festival) and I spent most of the day making and fielding phone calls and working out just what we are going to do about the massive losses incurred by the business following the burglary last week.  I am in regular contact with the police too and progress has been made although it would be inappropriate for me to discuss that now. 
Thursday was a welcome break: my daughter Laura's 19th birthday and we shared lunch at Loch Fyne in Sheffield before going our separate ways (she to a university lecture and me to the various antique centres up that way).  I am so proud of her and it was lovely to be just the two of us.  I didn't buy much at the antique centres which were very heavily weighted toward furniture and jewellery (neither of which are really things that I deal in).
Back at home today I feel relaxed and sure about things.  I have just one objective for the day and if I meet it I will be a very happy boy...

Mixed Lot

They say that things come in threes and I do hope that to be true because the recent burglary at St Andrew's Hall, in which we lost everything of any significant value, was the third body blow of 2010.  It remains to be seen just how costly the events of last Monday will be for our business but, whatever the body blow, one thing is for sure - it hasn't knocked us out. 

This is not the time or the place to talk about how we plan to move forward.  We have suspended all auction activity until 1st November whilst that strategy takes shape.  What is certain is that we have an inner strength of purpose to face this challenge head on, make good the losses to our customers, and re-build the business.  Actually, although massive, I don't feel in awe of that task because I have faith in what we do and how we do it.  So many people have offered their best wishes and support and there is so much goodwill that we cannot help but have confidence in the future.

My wife and I met for lunch on Wednesday for moral support and to discuss our situation.  It may seem odd to have to arrange to meet your wife for lunch to discuss something, but when else?  Not at home when surrounded by a three-year old 'Batman' and a two-year old 'Robin'.  Not over dinner, when sausages are hurled by 'Robin' at 'Batman' or at bath time when 'Batman' splashes water in 'Robin's' eyes!  Over lunch, at Cinema City, I looked at Beth and all of our troubles seemed to melt away.  It's difficult to be too despondent when eating pan-fried salmon whilst sitting opposite a beautiful and amazing woman to whom you happen to be married.  We agreed that what had happened was terrible but that others suffer worse and pull through.  We both have absolute confidence that we will get through this too, although we might just have to live on bread and dripping for a while!

The Norwich Beer Festival takes place at St Andrew's Hall this week which means that The Cloisters Fair will not be open on Wednesday as usual.  It will be back, however, the following week (3rd November).  Each year at this time we have to clear the store room to enable access for the organisers of the Beer Festival.  It's a big task at the best of times but this time, surrounded by broken glass and the remnants of once fine antiques (and a lot of crap) even more so.  Thankfully, a good friend of mine was able to assist and another was pleased to receive the following telephone call:
'What are you doing today bud?' I asked.
 'I'm in the shop, mate' he replied
'Get your arse down to St Andrew's Hall, I have a couple of boxes of stuff you can have - all free stock'
Five car loads later he returned to his shop on Magdalen Street with the headache of sorting it all out whilst I could just feel cleansed of the past and think of the future.

My dad started out in the antique trade back in the late 1970's and a few days ago we went up to see him in Warrington to celebrate his 70th birthday.  It was quite a journey because we had to go via Sheffield to pick up my daughter Laura, who is at university there.  Not only that, but Beth had to drive the MPV we had hired (to fit everyone in) the whole way there and back because the rental company won't allow anyone with more than nine points on their driving licence to drive their vehicles (and I have eleven).  The whole day was enjoyable and a welcome break from work.  My dad was in the Royal Navy and served on a number of ships including the aircraft carrier, HMS Eagle (sister ship to HMS Ark Royal) during the 1960's. The boys were interested to see his collection of memorabilia and his tattoos too - Henry thought that Grandad Jack was probably a pirate.  When he was an antique dealer, my dad was a little bit like a pirate.  We do things a little bit differently these days!

The police investigation into the burglary is progressing well.  If you have any information that may be of use, however small, then please do let us know.  You can call me in confidence on 07810 646711 - and don't forget that we have put up a £1,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person/s responsible.  Someone out there knows something.

Statement re Theft at St Andrew's Hall

Between 11.30am and 4pm on Monday, 18th October 2010, both store rooms located in The Cloisters lobby area of St Andrew’s Hall were broken into. The person/s responsible took thousands of pounds in cash and thousands of pounds worth of jewellery and antiques. Our loss is difficult to assess at this early stage but is certainly in excess of £10,000.

It is very unusual for us to store cash and high-value items at St Andrew’s Hall. In fact, most of what was taken was due to leave the store rooms today as we clear in preparation for The Norwich Beer Festival. We are not insured and will have to meet this loss from our own resources. As a small family business, this loss is catastrophic.

We have temporarily suspended all auction-related activity until we have had an opportunity to assess and review the full impact of what has happened. However, I would like to make it clear that we do intend to continue to trade and we do intend to make good any losses and payments due to our customers.
There will not be an auction next Thursday (the 28th). Nor will The Cloisters Fair stall next week, although this is mostly because of The Norwich Beer Festival. The Cloisters Fair will return to normal wef Wednesday, 3rd November.

We are offering two things:

1. To the person/s responsible – an opportunity to hand back what was taken, in confidence. Why do that? Do that because I understand that sometimes we do things because we have to do them to survive. I will personally look sympathetically upon the situation and help all I can. I also have a very strong suspicion that I know who you are and give this opportunity to you to trust me. The police have taken this matter very seriously and I have been very impressed with them. The Scenes of Crime Officers have gathered very good evidence and there is CCTV footage that we will be looking at either today or tomorrow. I think there is an excellent chance that we will recover some or all of what was taken.

2. To the public – a £1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person/s responsible. If you have any information, I would ask you to come forward.

You can contact me in confidence on 07810 646711

Mixed Lot

That I don't appear to need as much sleep as anyone else I know is probably, on balance, a good thing - especially considering how many hours it takes to run a business.  I calculated that in the past seven days I have worked a ninety hour week.  It's been exhausting but exhilarating too because I can see the business growing and getting stronger. 
This past week was always going to be a challenge.  Not only did we have an auction and two antique fairs to host, but also a buying trip to Kempton Park to squeeze in between.  It seems like a lifetime ago that I made the weekly trip down to London (to Covent Garden) but in fact it wasn't and I miss the buzz of buying and selling there.  Kempton Park was amazing (once we got there - something I don't miss: London traffic) and I saw many familiar faces.  700 stalls, inside and out, with an exceptional concentration of real antiques.  The trip was partly about planning too because we will be stalling there from next week.  My friends and I came home with lots of goodies and the feeling that we had found our next chapter.
The Cloisters Fair has been good both days this week.  Amongst other things I sold a Georgian silver ladle with a twisted horn handle (on Wednesday) and a super diamond cluster ring (yesterday).  I think there are real signs that people are spending again and that is reflected in the number of people booking stalls at the antique fair - yesterday we were missing half a dozen of our regulars but that didn't stop us filling the hall quite easily, especially with three new stallholders.  I bought a bit yesterday too including some scrap gold and a super 1950's display cabinet. 
Which just leaves the auction upon which to comment.  On the Monday it became apparent that, for various reasons, we were going to be very short on staff.  With very very little time to correct that we took on two new people and provided them with 'training'.  This was very similar to the 'training' that British troops received in World War 1 before being sent to the trenches, ie a five-minute team-talk and a big 'hurrah' for motivation.  That we had our best sale in a long time was down to our teamwork.  How we did it I know not.  But we did do it.  We had the lots (quality antiques).  We had the customers (increasing in number).  We had the balls (great staff).  And we have a future - a great future because the road we are on has no end and there is no end to our ambition.
Oh and a wager - a lot that had been bought at another auction house not too far away for £25 was entered into our sale.  'I bet you won't get that for it' said one Doubting Thomas who recognised it from the other place.  'I bet we do' said I.  So the wager was placed (a Sportsman's Bet no less) and agreed. 
One final high point for me this week was my son, Henry, who has taken to inspecting everything through my loupe.  We started off by looking at the lion passant on silver.
'Can you see the lion Henry?'
'Yes Dad, I can!'
'That means that is silver.'
'Ooh! Is it treasure?'
'Yes, son, it is.'
'Ooh...I like treasure!'
I think he may have my love for the antique.  He spent the next few minutes with the magnifying glass looking for another lion passant - on cushions, on a ceramic lid, on a chocolate bar, and on my leg.  And guess what?  They were all made of silver!  One day one of my children will manage Barnes Auctioneers - I hope a sustantial inheritance.  Maybe that will be Henry (or maybe one of the others) but whichever it is, that is my life goal.
Did I miss something out?  Ah yes, the wager.  That particular lot sold for £65. 

Auction Catalogue 14th October 2010

Apologies once again for the late posting of today's catalogue - Windows PC Updates JUST when we didn't need them (and couldn't STOP them)!  Apple upgrade...

General Auction Catalogue - 14th October 2010


PLEASE NOTE THAT DESCRIPTIONS ARE FOR GUIDANCE ONLY - BUYERS ARE
ADVISED TO VIEW PERSONALLY BEFORE BIDDING - some pictures posted earlier (see below)

1 19th Century hangar 40-60
2 Tapas wine bar blackboard 10-20
3 Lady Boynton - 18th Century mezzotint & Victorian mezzotint of a child 20-30
4 Royal Doulton Bunnykins set 10-20
4A Box of dolls 8-12
4B Nest of three tables 10-20
4C Victorian atlas 10-20
5 Mixed lot of records incl 'The Art of Chris Farlowe' 10-20
6 Prison Officer's coat 10-20
7 White gold wedding band* 20-30
8 Vintage gramophone A/F 8-12
8A Magazine rack 8-12
9 9ct gold diamond and sapphire ring* 40-60
10 4 x hallmarked silver condiments* 40-60
11 18ct gold and platinum five diamond ring* 200-300
12 Half-sovereign spinning gold brooch* 150-180
13 Mixed lot of Denby Ware 10-20
14 Tea set 10-20
15 Oil painting of Paris street scene and a Nash print 10-20
16 Mixed lot of collectables incl a biscuit barrel 10-20
17 Yeatmans mirror 8-12
18 35mm camera 10-20
19 Afghan taimani rug 25-30 years old tribal soumac 2.63 x 1.76 80-120
20 Art Deco style necklace* 10-20
21 Two silver bracelets incl one garnet example* 10-20
22 Mixed lot of records including 'The Sound of Wilson Pickett' 10-20
23 Large silver ring* 8-12
24 Four silver rings* 10-20
25 Punch bowl with ten cups, ladle, and small bowl 20-30
26 Two sets of silver earrings - one amber/one garnet* 8-12
27 Oh Ah! Ashtray 8-12
28 Lancaster ceramic wall pocket 8-12
29 Silver-plated glass claret jug 10-20
30 Pile of books 8-12
31 Pair of glass bud vases 8-12
32 Two vintage boxes of cutlery 10-20
33 Mixed lot of ceramics incl biscuit barrel etc 20-30
34 Minolta camera 10-20
35 Mixed lot od Cds 10-20
36 Bobble turned gypsy chair 10-20
37 Set of six silver spoons* 30-40
38 Automatic Seiko watch* 10-20
38A Set of silver earrings and a pendant* 8-12
39 Whitefriars drunken bricklayer vase* 40-60
40 Four jade animals* 20-30
41 Swarovski ring* 10-20
42 14ct gold jade earrings* 40-60
43 Two boxes of mixed items 10-20
44 Capodimonte style figure 10-20
45 Load of Hornby accessories 20-30
46 Mixed lot incl pair of Levi jeans 8-12
47 Coca-Cola mirror 10-20
48 Mixed lot of postcards 10-20
49 Brass horse head top to a walking stick* 10-20
50 4 x hallmarked silver pots with liners* 40-60
51 Cased original solid silver WW1 military fob* 20-30
52 Pair of Dresden Thuringia Martinroda Friedrich Eger vases* 20-30
53 Doulton (c.1880) water jug 30-40
54 Olympus camera 10-20
55 Framed sewing sampler 10-20
56 Two stoneware flagons 8-12
57 Victorian tortoiseshell sewing purse with gold inlay* 60-80
58 9ct gold seed pearl & turquoise brooch* 40-60
59 Stone llama* 10-20
60 John Richard necklace in box* 10-20
61 Victorian cased viniagrette bottle* 8-12
62 Fur coat 20-30
63 Two jugs 10-20
64 Pair of Oriental vases 20-30
65 Original picture by Philip Bissell (Norwich) 'Blue Girl' 40-60
66 Camera tripod 8-12
67 A watercolour and an oil painting 20-30
68 Mixed lot 8-12
69 Three pig money boxes 10-20
70 Doulton water jug (Claudius Ash) 30-40
71 One Rockpool patchwork bowl and a sea anenome bowl 20-30
72 Vintage brooch and matching earrings* 10-20
73 Six brooches* 20-30
74 Silver brooch and silver and enamel badge* 10-20
75 RAOB Lodge items incl medals/sashes etc* 60-80
76 Stone animal from Peru* 10-20
77 14ct gold jade diamoond pendant* 40-60
78 Gents automatic watch* 200-300
79 Revrobe travel case 10-20
80 Pair of brass horse haimes 30-40
81 Mixed lot of watches 10-20
82 Two vintage suede coats 20-30
83 Mixed lot of china cups and a blanket 8-12
84 Picture of roses 4-8
85 Lot of pictures and a breadboard 8-12
86 Spiderman and Cyberman figures 8-12
87 Mixed lot 8-12
88 Large Raku glazed bowl 10-20
89 Mixed lot incl pigeon racing box, stool, etc 20-30
90 Denby blue vase 10-20
91 Glass decanter 10-20
92 ERA Homecraft jug 10-20
93 Two Wade tourist plates 10-20
94 Two hallmarked silver pin dishes* 10-20
95 Crumb tray and a vintage mesh purse* 10-20
96 Collection of earrings* 10-20
97 Pair of hallmarked silver candlesticks* 10-20
98 Quantity of miniature condiment spoons* 10-20
98A Pair of Peter Dawkins wall sconces 8-12
98B Large German vase 8-12
98C Mixed lot 8-12
98D Pair of horn drinking vessels 10-20
98E Quartz wall clock 8-12
98F Westminster wall clock 30-40
98G Two old woodworking planes 8-12
98H Suitcase containing mixed ephemera 10-20
99 Wooden box with contents* 30-40
100 Leather cased hallmarked silver and enamel vanity/brush set* 80-120
101 Three sailor dolls - possibly Norah Wellings* 40-60
102 Large sailor doll - possibly Norah Wellings* 30-40
103 Wind-up goofy toy* 10-20
104 Ceramic Alsation dog 8-12
105 Boxed sewing machine 8-12
106 19th Century meat platter 8-12
107 Large watercolour seascape 8-12
108 Mixed lot of towels 8-12
109 Large Raku glazed cat 10-20
110 Staffordshire Ironstone jug and bowl 20-30
111 Mixed lot of copperware panels 8-12
112 Pair of fish vases 10-20
113 Mixed lot 10-20
114 Mixed lot incl money boxes 10-20
115 Assorted Wade miniatures 10-20
116 Hare on the Hill 10-20
117 Mixed lot of old banknotes* 20-30
118 Mixed lot of costume jewellery* 10-20
118A Tiffany bracelet* 20-30
118B Set of silver coin cuffs/studs* 10-20
119 Three vintage 1970's dresses 10-20
120 Mixed lot 4-8
121 Coronet Viscount camera and accessorries 20-30
122 Afghan taimani rug 25-30 years old tribal soumac 2.85 x 1.90 80-120
122A Vintage projector 8-12
123 Mixed lot in a bag 8-12
124 Mixed lot of ceramics incl money boxes 10-20
125 Pair silver salt and pepper pots, Birmingham hallmarks* 40-60
126 18ct white gold and diamond ring* 60-80
127 Mixed lot of costume jewellery* 10-20
128 Hallmarked silver money clip* 10-20
129 Set of six Georgian silver spoons* 40-60
130 Walking stick with silver mount, hallmarked
Henry Perkins & Sons (London)* 40-60
131 Pair of toby jugs - Tinker/Tailor 10-20
132 Dutch floral relief vase 20-30
133 Chinese design vase 10-20
134 Gilt framed picture of some flowers 10-20
135 Mixed lot 8-12
136 Panasonic camcorder 20-30
137 Mixed vintage beaded textiles 10-20
138 Freemason's apron 40-60
139 Mixed coinage and notes 20-30
140 Fur coat 20-30
141 A toy Dalek 8-12
142 West German vase 8-12
143 Framed sewing sampler 10-20
144 Platinum ring* 80-100
145 9ct gold watch fob - 6.1g* 40-60
146 Assorted silver pendants* 20-30
147 Cased acoustic guitar 40-60
148 Two black singing hares 20-30
149 Four white singing hares 30-40
150 Mixed lot of five prints 20-30
151 Box of greetings cards 10-20
152 Job lot of '45 singles 1970's and 1980's - approx 300 30-40
153 Box of china figures 10-20
154 Mixed lot of First Day Covers 10-20
155 Floral painting by Chuano 8-12
156 Assorted tea and cig cards 8-12
157 Mixed lot incl retro lighting 20-30
158 Mixed lot of coinage and notes 10-20
159 Ceramic coffee service 10-20
160 Mixed vintage textiles 10-20
161 Olympus camera 10-20
162 Presentation Sheaffer pen* 8-12
163 Cased silver egg cup service* 20-30
164 Mixed lot of silver items* 40-60
165 Victorian solid silver Albert chain 1885* 60-80
166 Rare cased Royal Wedding hallmarked silver goblet Ltd Ed - Princess Anne &
Mark Phillips with Cert - 6 Troy Ounces (no.141 of 1000)* 120-180
167 Three stone animals from Peru* 20-30
168 Diamond set half eternity ring with seven brilliant cut diamonds star set, 18ct* 200-300
169 Tag Heuer LINK automatic watch with paperwork* 400-600
170 Vintage ceramic service 10-20
171 Mixed lot of Corgi die-cast 20-30
172 Two Staffordshire dogs 30-40
173 Three motoring mirrors 20-30
174 Two lustre jugs 30-40
175 Large 12" x 10" hallmarked silver picture frame* 60-80
176 Pair silver salt and pepper pots, Birmingham hallmarks* 40-60
177 Embossed compact and box* 8-12
178 Silver whisky label* 20-30
179 Hallmarked silver egg cup service* 20-30
180 18ct yellow and white gold half-hoop eternity ring with five main
diamonds set in the top and five set in the wall either side (total 1.10 cts
approx), all commercial white colour, generally VSI clarity* 400-600
181 Silver cameo with marcasite on silver chain* 10-20
182 Two tone diamond crossover ring* 30-40
183 9ct white gold and diamond ring* 30-40
184 Mixed lot of incl plated silver 10-20
185 19th Century gold and seed pearl memoriam brooch (dedicated 1833)* 80-120
186 Assorted napkin rings incl silver 10-20
187 Mixed lot 8-12
187A Vintage slide projector 10-20
188 Two figures on plinths - foxy and feline 20-30
189 Glove box with vintage gloves and scarves 10-20
190 Mixed lot of sterling silver stud earrings (approx 27) 30-40
191 Camera and accessories 10-20
192 19th Century silver scent bottle (possibly French) with stopper* 80-120
193 Boot hook with silver handle* 15-20
194 9ct yellow gold mounted opal pendant* 100-200
194A Coffee table 10-20
194B Hall chair 8-12
195 Victorian bible 10-20
196 Afghan taimani rug 25-30 years old tribal soumac 2.70 x 1.70 80-120
197 Assorted bangles* 10-20
198 Mixed lot of earrings incl gold-plated* 10-20
199 Two silver rings* 8-12
200 Victorian 18ct gold and diamond ring (0.5ct)* 400-600
201 18ct gold heart-shaped diamond cluster ring* 300-400
202 Mixed lot of costume jewellery* 20-30
203 Four Victorian silver spoons* 20-30
204 9ct gold and diamond cluster ring* 80-120
205 9ct gold and diamond cluster ring* 80-120
206 Display cabinet 30-40
207 Mixed lot of stamps 20-30
208 Godzilla F/A-18 Hornet boxed toy 10-20
209 Chef's knife box 8-12
210 Mixed lot of demo discs 8-12
211 Mixed lot of costume jewellery 8-12
212 Set of motorcycle leathers (size 42) 10-20
213 Ceramic mantle clock 10-20
214 Afghan tribal weavin 1.63 x 1.22 40-60
215 Clarice Cliff cup and saucer 10-20
216 Needlework box and contents 30-40
217 9ct rolled gold bracelet* 10-20
218 Silver vodka label* 20-30
219 Silver sherry label* 20-30
220 19th Century tortoiseshell snuff box with rose gold mounts and silver inlay* 200-300
221 Whitby Jet crucifix A/F* 20-30
222 All diamond set bombe design ring with sixty-two pave set diamonds, 18ct gold* 400-600
223 18ct white gold solitaire diamond ring (o.65ct)* 300-400
224 Pair of hallmarked (London) silver trumpet vases approx 9" tall* 180-240
225 19th Century medicine case with contents* 120-180
226 Mixed lot of world stamps 20-30
227 Cased Praktika camera (15) 8-12
228 Mixed lot 10-20
229 Mixed lot incl silver plate 10-20
230 Two barometers 10-20
231 Gas mask 8-12
232 Miniature jug* 8-12
233 Mixed silver/silver-plate cutlery* 20-30
234 Cased silver tea set incl sugar bowl, cream jug, etc* 40-60
235 Hallmarked silver three-piece service (not matching)* 120-180
* Indicates in or near cabinets

Catalogue Update

Due to a 'Technical Issue' - the full catalogue for tomorrow's sale will not now be available until the morning - however, we do hope that the photographs here (and below) give you some idea of what we have.  We have an excellent lot of antiques, collectables, silver, jewellery, etc for your consideration - so do give us a look.
The auction will begin at 2pm at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich tomorrow (Thursday, 14th October) with public viewing from midday.  The full catalogue will be available on here from tomorrow at 8am (latest) and, of course, in the saleroom.

More Photographs for Tomorrow's Sale

More lots for this Thursday's Auction

Apologies that the pictures have 'turned' - Blogger appears to be having a 'Mare'!

LOT 1 - 19th Century hangar Est 40-60
LOT 130 - Walking stick with silver mount, hallmarked Henry Perkins & Sons (London) Est 40-60
LOT 57 - Victorian tortoiseshell sewing purse with gold inlay Est 60-80
LOT 58 - 9ct gold seed pearl & turquoise brooch Est 40-60
LOT 185 - 19th Century gold and seed pearl memoriam brooch (dedicated 1833) Est 80-120
LOT 220 - 19th Century tortoiseshell snuff box with rose gold mounts and silver inlay Est 200-300
LOT 221 - Whitby Jet crucifix A/F Est 20-30
LOT 224 - Pair of hallmarked (London) silver trumpet vases approx 9" tall Est 180-240

Public viewing is at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich on Thursday, 14th October with the sale starting at 2pm.  Entries accepted right up until 5pm tomorrow (Wednesday) - please call 01603 304337 or 07810 646711 if you would like further information.

First shots of lots for this Thursday's General Auction including Antiques and Collectables

Here are some pictures from our catalogue for this Thursday's General Auction including Antiques and Collectables.  The full catalogue will be published here on Wednesday evening.
LOT 100 - leather cased hallmarked silver and enamel vanity/brush set Est 80-120
LOT 175 - large 12" x 10" hallmarked silver picture frame Est 60-80
LOT 225 - 19th Century medicine case with contents Est 120-180
LOT 180 - 18ct yellow and white gold half-hoop eternity ring with five main diamonds set in the top and five set in the wall either side (total 1.10 cts approx), all commercial white colour, generally VSI clarity Est 400-600
LOT 125 - Pair salt and pepper pots, Birmingham hallmarks Est 40-60

The sale will commence at 2pm on Thursday, 14th October with public viewing at midday - St Andrew's Hall, Norwich.
Please contact us if you would like any further information
01603 304337
07810 646711
barnesauctioneers@btinternet.com

Mixed Lot

This business is a bit like a roller coaster and, no matter how addictive the thrill of it all, there comes a time when you have to get off.  Because if you don't you will be sick.  I am a firm believer in work-life balance and the past few days have been relentless.  There has been so much going on that I don't really know where to start.  Actually, I do know where to start - yesterday at The Buck in Thorpe St Andrew where I took a pit-stop and refuelled on Stella Artois.
I've said before that the best deals are concluded in pubs and yesterday was no exception.  Not a deal this time, but an adventure.  There is nothing better than an adventure.  Once upon a time my whole life was about the next  adventure but of late it has been bogged down in politics and administration (still looking for Betty) and that's just not particularly productive.  No, I am in need of an adventure and that means charging around the countryside visiting auction houses, antique centres, and fleamarkets in search of treasure!  It's something I need to do more of because it's what I enjoy most of all.  So, a greater emphasis on adventure - and our (because adventures are best shared) next one will be Kempton Park. 
On Sunday we hosted The Great Norwich Yard Sale for the first time and it was a difficult start.  The weather forecast was for heavy rain and that resulted in many yards cancelling (although at least re-booking for our next sale on 7th November).  We saw a steady flow of people through (and even took some money) so we've made a start, albeit without the trumpets and fanfare hoped for (a big thank you to the Eastern Daily Press though for supporting us).  It felt a bit like a we planted a little seed and that it might be a while before we bear any fruit.  That said, from small acorns grow mighty oaks.  I think the concept of following a route map may need some working on...
Jewellery jewellery everywhere - that's what it seems like at the moment as we have taken in some absolutely super bling for our next auction on Thursday, 14th October.  Of course, we are always pleased to accept good quality jewellery because it attracts buyers and helps ensure for a successful sale.  One word of caution to vendors though about insurance valuations.  We have seen some ridiculous insurance valuations of late - as much as five times the actual saleable value.  This is not helpful as people arrive at our saleroom expecting to achieve at auction what they might expect to receive from their insurance company should the item go missing! In fact, the other day I was presented with an eternity ring with an insurance value of £1,800.  I advised that the ring was actually worth about £300 and the customer was unhappy.  They expected the ring to be worth close to its insurance valuation.  Not a chance, I advised.  Then I asked how much they had actually paid for the ring - £300 came the answer!  How on earth can a new replacement valuation be assessed as five times the actual retail price?!  And why on earth would reasonable people think that they can buy a ring for £300 and expect to recoup £1,800 at auction two years later?!
As an auctioneer I also caution people about online selling - particularly eBay.  The auction site is a minefield for both buying and selling and only the very experienced come through unscathed.  I have been trading on eBay (and Amazon) for years but just can't get enthusiastic about taking the photographs, writing ever more complicated descriptions, and answering stupid questions, particularly from Americans (the latest exchange being 'Can you please explain how this item would be delivered to Miami, Florida' 'Hello, thank you for your question, we would send the item via Airmail - although you can pay extra for International Signed-for delivery' 'I am sorry, I don't think I can bid on this item as I am not near an airport').  That said, there is something exciting about watching your eBay listings in the final minute as they reach their climax.  Sometimes they drop like a damp squib but sometimes, just sometimes, something wonderful happens.  Like yesterday, my postcard album was stuck on £79 with five seconds to go.  It finished on £217 - that gave me a real buzz.  I should list more on eBay today but if the truth be told, I have much more exciting things to do with my life.
It's The Cloisters Fair tomorrow and we are looking like having a full-house.  October, November, and December are good selling months in our trade and that we have dealers wanting to come in out of the cold and damp car boot fields and into the relative warmth of a medieval building is a reflection of that and not just the weather.  I have commented on the atmosphere down there of late, which has been much more lively and enjoyable.  If you haven't been to visit us for a while then do look us up.  And whilst you are in, why not pop a couple of things into our next auction?
Finally, a little bit of luck fell my way on Saturday.  I was routing around a mixed lot that I had bought at Keys Auction recently and at the bottom of the box found several items of silver-plate.  They were a bit dented and very very mucky.  On closer inspection, however, I noticed a sign that never fails me - the lion passant.  All of the bits and pieces at the bottom of the box turned out to be hallmarked silver.  A quick run round to my scrap merchant and I was £110 better off.  Not for long though, money doesn't stay in a man's wallet for long when squeezed between the Inland Revenue and a wife who needs new boots...

The Great Norwich Yard Sale

Update: we have been seriously affected by the weather forecast today with many of the yards due to sell pulling out and re-booking for our next sale on 7th November
However: the following yards are selling today from 11am:
1. 73 Yarmouth Road, Thorpe St Andrew, NR7 0AA
2. 38 Allens Avenue, Sprowston, NR7 8EP
3. 11 Clovelly Drive, Hellesdon, NR6 5EY
4. 82 Plantsman Close, Norwich, NR2 2NJ
5. 33 Beaconsfield Road, Norwich, NR3 4PN – incl football programmes, books, etc and a brand new divan base and bed headboard
6. 314 Hall Road, Tuckswood, NR4 6NE

7th November 2010: we already have more yards booked for next time round and expect The Great Norwich Yard Sale to grow month by month. If you would like to sell from your house then do contact us to add your address to the list.
Barnes Auctioneers: we host an antiques auction on the second and fourth Thursday of every month at St Andrew’s Hall in Norwich. We are always looking for entries including jewellery & watches, gold & silver, coins and medals, glass & ceramics, books & pictures, as well as the interesting, unusual, and rare.
The Cloisters Fair: the longest running weekly antique & collectables fair in East Anglia open every Wednesday between 8am, and 3pm at St Andrew’s Hall in Norwich. Entry is free and there are refreshments available at The Crypt Café. We are also open on selected Saturdays until 4pm, with the next three being 16th October, 13th November, 27th November.
Free Valuations: of your antiques and collectables – just contact us for free advice and information.
Contact: Gary Barnes on
01603 304337 or 07810 646711
barnesauctioneers@btinternet.com

The Great Norwich Yard Sale

This Sunday we will be managing the first ever yard sale at various properties across the city. Yard sales have become a popular way for the general public (and trade) to sell stuff from their driveways and garages. Households pay £10 to be added to a route map which is made available to buyers on the morning of the sale.
Yard sales offer a genuine alternative to car boot sales and have several advantages:
1. No need for sellers to pack the car and trade from a muddy field
2. No need to pay for petrol or refreshments at a remote location
3. No need to get up too early - The Great Norwich Yard Sale starts at 11am
4. No need to look for buyers - they come to you following a route map around the city

The Great Norwich Yard Sale will take place on the first Sunday of every month. Route maps will be published at www.barnesauctioneers.blogspot.com from 10am on the morning of the sale and are available as a hard copy from 73 Yarmouth Road, Thorpe St Andrew from 9am on the morning of the sale.

If you would like more information about buying or selling through The Great Norwich Yard Sale then please do contact us on 01603 304337 or 07810 646711