Mixed Lot

The price of gold and silver at the moment is such that everyone is scrapping everything. Or so it seems. Victorian gold sovereigns, Art Deco silver candlesticks - it's all going in the pot. Our trade has become less about collecting and more about commodoties. My father would turn in his grave. If he were dead that is. Thirty years ago he sold Victorian plates from a market stall in Sheringham.. They always made good money - much more than you would get today. Yesterday, during the auction, we filled the lobby with Victorian plates and hundreds of other items from our store room - and told customers to help themselves. We can't sell Victorian plates any more - so we give them away.

The lobby became a veritable feeding frenzy as everyone pushed and shoved their way to the free stuff. A bottle of gin, a boxed Thunderbirds toy, books, glassware, lightbulbs, brassware, a set of scales, costume jewellery, etc etc. And at the end of the day we threw what was left in the wheelie bin - mostly Victorian plates...

I always advise people to let us judge what is worth something and what is not. It's common, for example with a valuation, to hear someone say 'We've taken the clothes and the books to the charity shop'. Vintage clothes can be worth a lot of money and amongst the books there is always a first edition or two 'But' they always say 'we've kept the good stuff for you to look at - including my Grandmother's prized Victorian plate collection'.

If you are thinking about selling through auction then do get in touch - 01603 304337 or 07810 646711 - barnesauctioneers@btinternet.com We can come to you if that is easier and our initial advice is free and without obligation. Our service is professional and bespoke. We're an etsablished family business that trades in the heart of the city centre. We are a touch eccentric but we do know what is what when it comes to knowing what is valuable and what is not.

Our sale was well attended yesterday and we sold lots. We 'turned a coin' as the trade says and now look forward to The Cloisters Fair on Saturday (tomorrow). I'll re-charge my batteries today in preparation - coffee soon, and maybe brioche.