Mixed Lot

There are many advantages to working from home. There are also many disadvantages. Take last Tuesday for example. I had just picked up the telephone and answered (as I usually do) 'Gary Barnes'

'Hello, is that Barnes Auctioneers?'

'Yes, it is - how can I help?'

When, with a volume more suited to an All Black reciting the Haka my three-year old son shouted 'Daddy, I've just done a big poo in the toilet!'

Those of you who have been to Barnes Auctioneers HQ (on River Green) will know that our home-office is unusual. It was originally built in the late 18th Century and has the oak beams and brickwork to prove it. The floors are many and uneven. We have a 'cave' that doubles as storage for bulky items (all of our valuables are now kept off-site in one of the large city-centre secure storage facilities) and an office on the uppermost floor that overlooks the River Yare. It's idyllic and full of character.

Our saleroom and further storage facilties are at St Andrew's Hall in the city centre and this coincidence in name confuses people as they sometimes come to Thorpe St Andrew to deliver their lots for auction. I'm often lobbied to move to an all-purpose site - to have offices, secure storage, and our saleroom in one place seems, initially, appealing but there would be drawbacks, not least that I would have to commute.

This morning, my commute was from the bedroom to the kitchen (in my dressing gown, naturally - we are civilised) and then up to the study (office) with coffee in hand. If I had to 'leave to go to work' that would inevitably mean an alarm, and a rushed shower, and a rushed breakfast, and a slow slow slow crawl through Norwich's traffic. Not for me, thank you. By the time our rivals have done all that, I have already been working for three hours and that puts us ahead. Work/life balance is something that is important to me - I don't want to waste any time travelling to and from work. I don't need the costs associated with an expensive office either, thank you - which is just one of the reasons why Barnes Auctioneers offers the best terms for sellers in the county.

Although the children are sometimes a distraction during the working day, it also means that I manage to witness some of their endearing enterprises that I would otherwise miss if I wasn't at home. Take Saturday morning (The Cloisters Fair had been cancelled for reasons that are unimportant at this juncture) - Henry (three) and Stanley (two) had woken very early and I made their usual hot milk and sat them in front of Ceebeebies before ascending the winding stairs to the study. Unsupervised, and I am supposing unwilling to wait for breakfast, the two took it upon themselves to take action. My wife and I discovered them back sitting in front of the television with six fromage frais 'We're cheeky little monkeys' they said, having raided the fridge Colditz style using a stool and some old fashioned British ingenuity!

Although this is not a sale week for us, it is a critical one. We have The Cloisters Fair on Wednesday and lots to take in for the next auction (on 10th February). I also have a meeting with an HR friend of mine (tomorrow) to begin the process of appointing our new auction rooms manager. That decision is huge for us because the consequences of getting it wrong could be disastrous. Our team today is stronger than it has ever been and we must make sure that we build on that.

Fair Cancelled

The Cloisters Fair, due to take place at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich tomorrow (Saturday) has been cancelled for personal reasons. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience - we'll be back on Wednesday as usual.

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.

Five Super Lots

Our General Auction including Antiques & Valuables takes place at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich tomorrow (Thursday, 27th January 2011) at 2pm - public viewing from midday. The catalogue has already been posted (below). In the meantime, we have five pictures here of some absolutely super lots - various prices too, to suit every budget. Illustrated are:

LOT 200 - 18ct gold diamond and enamel Georgian ring Est 300-400

LOT 195 - silver mounted tiger's claw brooch Est 10-20

LOT 205 - cased display of butterflies Est 20-30

LOT 13 - Victorian cased bream Est 80-120

LOT 223 - Large diamond ring, platinum & gold - hallmarks to outside of shank Est 200-300

It's not all jewellery and dead things though - just check out the catalogue (below) - and come see us tomorrow - you know you want to!

If you can't make it then why not call us and leave a bid with the auctioneer? 01603 304337 or 07810 646711

Auction Catalogue for 27th January 2011

Here is our auction catalogue for the sale tomorrow, which is at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich at 2pm - public viewing from midday.

Lot Description Estimate

1 Walnut veneer china cabinet 40-60
2 Three tins of buttons 10-20
3 Quantity of Tatler magazines 10-20
4 Box of watches 10-20
5 Pot stand 10-20
6 Limed oak Gothic style coat stand 30-40
7 Old tin car 10-20
8 The Kiss' signed Limited Edition etching by John Kiki 200-300
9 Mixed lot of pictures incl 3 x watercolours 8-12
10 Mixed lot of cig cards incl album 10-20
11 Mixed lot of model railway buildings 10-20
12 Modern Masterpieces of British Art 23/25 magazines 8-12
13 Victorian cased bream 80-120
14 Box of vintage dolls 10-20
15 Vintage projector 8-12
16 World Famous Pictures 1-23 magazines 10-20
17 1930's Oriental tea set 10-20
18 Mixed lot of postcards 20-30
19 Mixed lot of glassware incl Victorian 10-20
20 Mixed lot of thimbles 10-20
21 Pair of Wedgwood plates 10-20
22 Pair of old vases 8-12
23 2 x folders of cigarette cards 20-30
24 Three pairs of candlesticks 10-20
25 Three vases incl glass & onyx examples 10-20
26 2 x Tom Merry humorous prints 1889 10-20
27 Pine bedside unit 10-20
28 Wicker basket 8-12
29 Bentwood stool 10-20
30 Mixed lot 10-20
31 Cased taxidermy of a fox 30-40
32 Bag of mixed watches* 8-12
33 Mixed lot of costume jewellery in a box* 8-12
34 Cased lot of butterflies 20-30
35 Mixed lot incl cheese dish 8-12
36 Two Bassons figures 8-12
37 21 x piece Victorian tea set 20-30
38 4 x pairs of glass knife rests 10-20
39 Mixed lot of vinyl records 10-20
40 Various linens 10-20
41 Mixed lot of pottery incl Carltonware 10-20
42 Boxed Chanel ladies watch* 20-30
43 Cased Raymond Weil ladies watch* 20-30
44 Gents Seiko watch* 10-20
45 Cased Rotary manual watch A/F* 10-20
46 Book on French Interiors, Furniture, Decoration 10-20
47 7 x Victorian tiles 20-30
48 2 x pairs of hunting plates 10-20
49 Mixed lot incl 3 x teapots & 3 x trios 20-30
50 Hall table 10-20
51 Mixed lot of pens* 20-30
52 Mixed lot of watches* 10-20
53 Leather biker's jacket & helmet~ 8-12
54 Mixed lot 10-20
55 9ct gold pink sapphire ring* 40-60
56 Mixed lot of watches~ 10-20
57 Mixed lot~ 8-12
58 Ceramic jelly mould 8-12
59 Photo album + contents 20-30
60 Acoustic guitar in a case~ 18-25
61 Mixed lot~ 8-12
62 Mixed lot of pictures~ 10-20
63 Mixed lot~ 10-20
64 Set of four glass candlesticks~ 10-20
65 2 x folders of cigarette cards incl sporting theme 20-30
66 Pot stand 10-20
67 Mixed lot of pictures~ 8-12
68 Mixed lot of glassware incl decanters 10-20
69 5 x pairs of glass salts 10-20
70 Mixed bag incl bookends etc 8-12
71 Mixed lot of scrap 9ct gold - 65g* 400-600
72 Mixed lot of records 10-20
73 Mixed bag of flatware etc 10-20
74 Box of mixed glass 10-20
75 8 setting Orange Treet pattern tea set 20-30
76 8 x Bradford Exchange collectable plates 20-30
77 Mixed lot of bottle openers & a boxed penknife 10-20
78 Capodimonte flower basket 10-20
79 Six decorative plates 10-20
80 Four vintage dolls 10-20
81 4 x Victorian cake plates 10-20
82 Mixed lot of pictures 20-30
83 Capstan Cigarettes framed mirror 10-20
84 Bullards Old Winter Warmer poster 8-12
85 Old brass pump spray 8-12
86 Set of six abolone lobster picks* 8-12
87 QE11 water jug & three glasses 10-20
88 Mixed lot incl Victorian dish/Doulton jug etc 10-20
89 Sadler biscuit barrel 8-12
90 Large quantity of postcards in a case 40-60
91 Mixed lot of brassware incl doorknobs 20-30
92 Set of brass weights 8-12
93 Mixed lot of silver plate 20-30
94 Mixed lot of cigarette cards 10-20
95 Victorian seaweed pattern tea set c.1840's - approx 20pcs 20-30
96 Art Deco Vase 10-20
97 Victorian spirit jar 20-30
98 Large quantity of mixed china 10-20
99 Mixed lot of watches incl Accurist 20-30
100 Blue Ottoman~ 20-30
101 Rupert Annual A/F~ 8-12
102 Brass circular table 18-25
103 Grainger Worcester cup & saucer 10-20
104 2 x 1960's Meakin tureens & platter 20-30
105 Mixed lot incl large meat platter~ 10-20
106 Mixed lot of Beefeater ceramics~ 20-30
107 Mixed lot~ 8-12
108 Bag of authentic Wu-Yi tea~ 10-20
109 Whitbread sign 30-40
110 Mixed lot incl ceramics & a glass dressing table set 8-12
111 12 x hunting plates 10-20
112 Mixed lot of diecast 20-30
113 Mixed lot of books incl Giles 10-20
114 Royal Doulton character jug~ 10-20
115 Box of Millers Guides~ 8-12
116 Ornate mirror~ 8-12
117 Mixed lot 8-12
118 Beswick Beatrix Potter Pig-Wig in box~* 30-40
119 Lloyd Loom style wash basket~ 8-12
120 Folder of cigarette cards 10-20
121 5 x green glasses 8-12
122 Dark oak bureau 30-40
123 Mixed lot 8-12
124 Mixed lot of glassware 8-12
125 Burleigh ware pitcher 8-12
126 Royal Crown Derby butter/cheese dish 20-30
127 5 x early trios 20-30
128 Mixed lot of Price ware 20-30
129 Folder of cigarette cards 10-20
130 Satchel 8-12
131 5 x Adams hand-painted plates~ 10-20
132 Pair of Coalport rose plates~ 8-12
133 British Army military kitbag & rucksack~ 10-20
134 Mixed lot incl plated ware 10-20
135 Cased display of butterflies 20-30
136 Lacrosse stick~ 8-12
137 Mixed lot incl Colmans tin etc~ 8-12
138 Mixed lot of sheet music~ 4-8
139 Vintage radio~ 10-20
140 Mixed lot incl silver plate 10-20
141 Mixed lot of vinyl records 10-20
142 Mixed lot~ 8-12
143 Bottle of 35 year old Johnny Walker whisky~ 18-25
144 Two military watches~ 10-20
145 Edwardian coffee set 10-20
146 4 x Lawson Wood prints 20-30
147 Amber vase + carnival glass 8-12
148 9 x setting Victorian tea service 10-20
149 Mixed lot incl costume jewellery, watches incl Swatch etc* 10-20
150 Mixed lot of pictures/treen 10-20
151 Mixed lot incl lamp etc 8-12
152 Mixed lot of postcards/playing cards/cigarette cards etc 10-20
153 Vintage case with fishing rods 10-20
154 Cased taxidermy of a fox with a pheasant 80-120
155 Mixed lot 8-12
156 Cutlery set 8-12
157 Large quantity of cigarette cards 20-30
158 Two Murano glass clowns~ 10-20
159 Mixed lot 10-20
160 Mixed lot incl copper foot warmer 10-20
161 Folder of cigarette cards 10-20
162 Three collectable teapots 10-20
163 Two character jugs incl Beswick & a Bartok figurehead 10-20
164 Two Bairstow Manor Ltd Edition ceramic figures - Tony Blair teapot & 40-60
George Bush character jug
165 Folder of cigarette cards 10-20
166 Mixed lot of coinage & notes* 20-30
167 Mixed lot of world stamps & a catalogue 20-30
168 Box of glass/plates etc 8-12
169 President de Gaulle cigar* 8-12
170 Boxed silver jam spoon commemorating The Mayflower* 10-20
171 Boxed silver christening spoon* 10-20
172 Mixed lot incl watches & 2 x ring* 10-20
173 4 x Cadbury's glasses & 2 x Martell 8-12
174 Viners silver-plate tea set 10-20
175 Seven seed pearl 10ct ring* 40-60
176 9ct gold opal, diamond, & ruby ring* 40-60
177 9ct gold topaz adjustable ring* 40-60
178 Figural group + 2 x Franklin figures 10-20
179 1950's bedside cabinet 10-20
180 Large box of porcelain & glass etc 10-20
181 Box of old dolls 8-12
182 Two green dishes 4-8
183 3 x 19th Century hunting chromolithographs~ 10-20
184 Mixed lot~ 8-12
185 Mixed lot incl glass 10-20
186 Six various plates~ 10-20
187 Ladies pink watch, Camel watch & two Omega books~* 8-12
188 Military soup container~ 8-12
189 1910 copy of The News of the World~ 8-12
190 Mixed lot of GB & world stamps 10-20
191 Mixed lot of costume jewellery, brushes, etc 10-20
192 Tin containing telescopic lens 8-12
193 Mixed lot of notes and coins* 10-20
194 3 x Victorian ambrotype portrait photographs* 20-30
195 Silver-mounted tiger's claw brooch* 10-20
196 WW2 German Luftwaffe spoon* 80-120
197 18th Century Imari bowl A/F* 20-30
198 9ct gold cutlass brooch decorated with seed pearls & sapphire~* 40-60
199 18ct gold & sapphire ring* 140-180
200 18ct gold diamond & enamel Georgian ring* 300-400
201 Two tins of mixed coinage~ 10-20
202 No lot
203 Mixed lot incl Torquay ware 8-12
204 Mixed lot of ceramics incl large kettle 10-20
205 Cased display of butterflies 20-30
206 Collection of first day cover stamps~ 18-25
207 Two boxes of mixed world stamps~ 10-20
208 Box of French stamps~ 10-20
209 No lot
210 9ct gold & diamond ring* 60-80
211 Pair of tall Chinese blue & white vases~ 40-60
212 Masons plate & three others~ 10-20
213 Mixed lot~ 8-12
214 Mixed lot of pictures~ 10-20
215 No Lot
216 Set of 8 pcs Carltonware 20-30
217 No lot
218 No lot
219 No lot
220 No lot
221 18ct gold emerald and diamond ring~* 200-300
222 Victorian cameo brooch~* 10-20
223 Large diamond ring, platinum & gold - hallmarks to outside of shank* 200-300
224 3 x gold rings* 30-40
225 Norwich Fur Co. Coat 10-20

~ Indicates something secret :-)
* Indicates in or near cabinets

Next Auction - Some Images

Our next General Auction including Antiques & Valuables will take place at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich at 2pm tomorrow (Thursday, 27th January) with public viewing from midday. Here are some initial pictures - more will be posted later. By the way - if you collect cigarette cards then you won't be disappoined - we have several lots. A full catalogue will be posted on here this evening.

LOT 8 - 'The Kiss' signed Limited Edition etching by John Kiki Est 200-300

LOT 90 - Large quantity of postcards in a case Est 40-60

LOT 126 - Royal Crown Derby butter/cheese dish Est 20-30

LOT 65 - Two folder of cigarette cards incl sporting varieties Est 20-30

LOT 164 - Two Bairstow Manor Ltd Edition ceramic figures - Tony Blair teapot & George Bush character jug Est 40-60

Auction Update

It's our General Auction including Antiques & Valuables this Thursday, 27th January, and we already have some exciting lots for you to bid on including a beautiful hallmarked silver hip flask and an 18ct gold diamond & sapphire ring (both pictured).

We are accepting entries for the auction today (Monday), tomorrow, and Wednesday (until 4pm) - just call us on 01603 304337 or 07810 646711 to arrange a mutually convenient time.

Public viewing on Thursday is from midday with the sale starting at 2pm

Mixed Lot

Last week I really thought that I was going to die. I made the mistake of announcing to my wife that 2011 could not conceivably be worse than 2010. It was just after that observation that I discovered the lump. Then I discovered that the lump was big. In fact the only possible explanation for a lump of that size being inside me was that I had been invaded by an alien in a Men in Black kind of way. Or it was cancer and I was going to die - probably in a few days time.

I'm not usually pessimistic. When faced with insurmountable odds I laugh and get on with the winning. I laughed this time to, but at my expected demise. The British find humour in everything (John Le Mesurier being the epitome - see pic, above) and I am very British. We all have to die, and I am guessing that I am no different (unless God has other plans for me - which is possible). Beth wasn't happy about it though. I guess I just kind of accepted it as easily as I do a glass of Stella Artois in The Dog House. Actually, that's nonsense as they don't serve Stella Artois in The Dog House and in there I drink Cobra.

Of course, I didn't go to the doctor. I have about as much faith in the National Health Service as I do a Zulu witchdoctor. They are more likely to ask me if my address is up to date or my ethnicity (I always tick Chinese because that pisses them off). And in any case, the lump wasn't actually causing me any bother at all. It became a friend in fact - I forgot what life was like before it. It got bigger and bigger and our friendship grew too. That was until it hurt. Overnight the lump turned on me. Perhaps I wasn't paying it enough attention. Perhaps it was jealous of my relationship with Beth. Whatever the reason, the lump became painful, very painful, and hasn't stopped being painful. That's when I knew that I would have to get rid of the lump - it's not the first time that I have had to get rid of a big lump from my life...

I knew that I would need some intervention because my skills as a surgeon are limited. So, with natural reluctance, I visited my doctor on Oak Street and explained that I was dying but that what really bothered me was the searing muscle wrenching pain that was keeping me awake all night every night. His response was to reassure me that I might not be dying and to let him have a look at it 'After all' he stated 'Your diagnosis is taken from Wikipedia whereas I went to medical school...'

If he had just looked at it I wouldn't have yelped like a dog in a Vietnam butcher's shop. But he didn't just look at it - he prodded it. Actually, he poked it with a fingernail that should have been cut two weeks ago. Please excuse the vernacular 'FUCKING HELL THAT HURT'

'Sorry about that' he smiled like Caligula midst flogging a Gaul 'That was rather mean...'

'How long have I got doctor?'

'Oh, about another forty years' he said.

It seems that my lump is actually more of a pain than a threat, the result of an 'accident' (I remember the incident now). Two JCBs are to be sent to help with its removal, which should be complete by the end of next week.

That I am not about to die and, in fact, am in shipshape and Bristol fashion is somewhat re-invigorating. It does mean I have to get on with some work though - we have our next auction on Thursday (27th January). We are accepting lots now right up until Wednesday (4pm) so do get in touch (01603 304337 or 07810 646711). We can take stuff in at St Andrew's Hall or at our office on River Green (I know that some people find that easier). We can collect too (for a small fee).

Mixed Lot

I have an iPhone 4 - if it was a woman it would be Megan Fox. If it was a car it would be a Ferrari. It is the most expensive, most advanced, most unbelievable piece of kit on the market. It will do things that you would not believe possible like make me coffee as I update my Facebook status. It will play me a movie whilst hand-feeding me popcorn. It will download my emails and suck me into a paradise of infinite geek-inspired aps. The only drawback about the iPhone 4 is it can't make or receive phone calls...

I used to own a Blackberry until someone stole it (I know who it was. She knows I know. I know she knows I know that she knows). The Blackberry is a stone-age axe compared to the precision-cutting tool that is the iPhone 4 but at least it could make and receive phone calls. The main point about owning a mobile phone is that it can make and receive phone calls. I love my iPhone 4. I want to have sex repeatedly with it. I want to have lots of little iPhone 5's with it and settle down to a life of domestic bliss. But that won't happen because I have decided to pass it through a mangle slowly to ensure it suffers enormous trauma and ultimate death. You see, I love my iPhone 4 but I also hate it. I hate it because it won't make and receive phone calls. Megan Fox may be beautiful but she's probably shit at squeezing the spot on my arse. A Ferrari may be beautiful but you can't fit the kids in the back. The point is that I have to live with the iPhone 4, not just love it, and I just can't do that any more because it won't make and receive phone calls.

Take yesterday as an example - I didn't receive one phone call all day. And I couldn't make any phone calls because the iPhone 4 spent the entire time searching for signal. Forget WiFi or 3G - just one bar of signal would have been good but no, the iPhone 4 just could not achieve even that. And it's not my service provider (Vodafone) either because Plebs with Nokia 3310's on Vodafone were happily chatting away around me. Then, at about 5.30pm M'Lord, the iPhone 4 suddenly announced 14 missed calls. I missed them because the iPhone 4 is like a bodybuilder incapable of maintaining an erection. When you are in business, as I am, 14 missed calls often means missed opportunities. And a missed opportunity means loss of income. Nothing will incur my wrath more than a missed opportunity. I'd sack anyone who fucked-up like that. I'd pass their head through a mangle to ensure enormous trauma and ultimate death. The iPhone 4 has failed it's probationary period just like the succession of beautiful secretaries I had when I actually worked for a living. They were all wonderful and amazing and made me look good - but none of them could type or spell or read and write for that matter. None of them were Betty with whom I eventually settled. 14 missed calls is the final straw (or straws?). I won't actually pass my iPhone 4 through a mangle though because some mug will pay me a lot of money for it on eBay. Then I will buy a cheap shit one trick pony phone from TESCO that will make me look like I live on a settee in a house of multiple occupation. It will make me look like a man who buys his shoes from Poundland. It will give the impression that I know nothing about the wonders of technology. But it will make and receive phone calls and that's all I really need.

Mixed Lot

I want a Victorian gentleman, preferably stout with a 'Dickensian' look about him - imagine some character out of Vanity Fair (the original, of course) and you'll get the picture. I want a real live one to promote The Cloisters Fair when it is sitting. If you know of someone who may be interested in this part-time job, then please do send 'em round.

Our first auction of 2011 took place yesterday at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich. At the beginning of the week it was looking like we would struggle to hold a sale because the number of lots that we had taken in were few in number. It's always quiet in the period after New Year but with just five Royal Doulton character jugs I was thinking 'Hmm...' An appeal to our supporters was, however, successful and we managed to put on a bit of a show. Not our finest hour, but good enough. Thank you to all of those who helped with entries - very much appreciated.

The sale was relatively well attended (again, considering the time of year) and fun to conduct as it always is. Things seem a little more 'back to normal' now so we expect our next sale, on the 27th January, to be of a higher standard.

This is a massive year for us - we intend to move toward a weekly sale and appoint a full-time auction rooms manager. That post will enable me to leave the day to day running of the business to someone more capable with that kind of stuff - I'm no administrator. We will also be changing the sale day from a Thursday to a Wednesday. This will enable us to host the auction in conjunction with The Cloisters Fair, a model of practice that I believe works well at Fakenham and Acle. Ironically, it is those two auction rooms that sell on a Thursday too and with which we will no longer clash. Until now we have been unable to manage The Cloisters Fair and auction together as they utilise the same space within St Andrew's Hall. However, with the closure of The Crypt Cafe, we can now utilise that area for the auction whilst The Cloisters Fair stalls in the corridor as it has always done. The Halls Management Team expect the work to convert The Crypt Cafe into a lettable space to take place in February so expect us to move dates sometime in March 2011. One thing that won't be changing though are the people that I work with - their support is invaluable and their place in our future assured.

As the auction becomes weekly, I will be unable to stall any longer at The Cloisters Fair. With that in mind I am looking at my options to sell at other fairs. One that I definitely will be booking this week is The Beccles Antique Street Market, which takes places on Sunday, 1st May. My friend, Kate Lee, has added a second date for this year, on Sunday, 4th September and I will stall then too. Last year we suffered because of the weather - it rained and we left without even setting up. This year I will be buying a gazebo!

Still, hectic though life is, there is always time for a giggle. On Wednesday at The Cloisters Fair, I returned from a strategy meeting to discover that seven cans of 7-Up fizzy drink had been meticulously placed on my table (see pic). Why? Because my football team had been beaten 7-0 by Chelsea the previous Sunday! Hmm, think I might have to reconsider our decision to hold the stall fees for 2011...

General Auction Catalogue 13th January 2011

Our General Auction including antiques and valuables will take place at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich tomorrow, Thursday 13th January 2011, at 2pm (public viewing from midday). The catalogue is as follows:

General Auction 13th January 2011

Lot Description Estimate

1 3 x 19th Century hunting chromolithographs 20-30
2 Vintage angle-poise lamp 20-30
3 Mixed Lot incl binoculars 8-12
4 Brass circular table 20-30
5 Mixed lot of ceramics incl Beswick 4-8
6 Mixed lot of watches & straps incl mechanical* 10-20
7 4 x dress watches* 10-20
8 2 x coloured etchings signed Henry G. Walker 10-20
9 Lloyd Loom linen basket/seat 8-12
10 Carltonware floral dish 8-12
11 Cased paint set 4-8
12 Glass tazza 8-12
13 Pair of 'Katani' Japanese vases 20-30
14 Royal Doulton character jug - Henry VIII 20-30
15 BNIB Halogen heater 4-8
16 Standard lamp & shade 30-40
17 Blue ottoman 30-40
18 Mahogany two-tier table 20-30
19 Catalogue of Maps in the Essex Record Office 1566-1860 10-20
20 Landscape oil painting 10-20
21 7 x green glaze Wedgwood plates 40-60
22 Vintage sewing basket 4-8
23 Orange & yellow sewing basket incl contents 8-12
24 Victorex multi-tool knife* 10-20
25 Rupert Annual* 10-20
26 8 x Beefeater plates 20-30
27 6 x Beefeater dishes 20-30
28 Mixed lot 8-12
29 BNIB Rachel Allen bread maker 10-20
30 Mixed lot incl collectable plates etc 8-12
31 Panasonic cassette deck 4-8
32 Pair of Victorian plates 10-20
33 Mixed lot of clothing 4-8
34 Mixed lot incl glass 4-8
35 Mixed lot of LPs and three mirrors 4-8
36 Bag of authentic Wu-Yi tea 10-20
37 Standard lamp 10-20
38 Drinks cabinet 20-30
39 Whitbread sign 30-40
40 Box commemorative beers 10-20
41 Mixed lot 4-8
42 Tin trunk 8-12
43 England shirt signed by 22 players 20-30
44 Two mixed boxes 10-20
45 Mixed lot incl plated ware 10-20
46 Vintage trouser press 4-8
47 Clarice Cliff lidded tureen* 10-20
48 Mixed coinage* 10-20
49 Mixed lot of costume jewellery* 44105
50 Marble clock with garniatures (pendulum with porter)* 80-120
51 Mixed lot incl sniper camera, brownie camera, & binoculars 20-30
52 Mixed lot of books 40759
53 Mixed lot of vinyl records 40759
54 Royal Doulton character jug - Old Charley 20-30
55 Leather biker's jacket & helmet 44105
56 Two watercolours 40885
57 Mixed lot incl photo frames etc 40885
58 Mixed lot of records 20-30
59 Two volumes 'Le Morte D'Arthur' Macmillan 1900 10-20
60 Set of step ladders 40885
61 Royal Doulton character jug - Sancho Panca 20-30
62 Cased set of fish knives & forks 40885
63 Cased child's violin 44105
64 Mixed lot incl Beatrix Potter books 40885
65 Copper bed warming pan 44105
66 Twelve antique prints representing the months of the year 43435
67 Plaster bust of a maiden 80-120
68 Signed sporting shirt (seven stars) 10-20
69 Mixed lot of records 20-30
70 Box of Millers Guides 8-12
71 Collection of toys incl Iron Man, Bart Simpson buckle, etc 40885
72 Grey top hat in case 20-30
73 Collapsable top hat 18-25
74 Russian fur hat 44105
75 Silver rose & leaf necklace* 30-40
76 Silver necklace & bracelet* 30-40
77 Silver nurse's buckle* 30-40
78 Silver gate bracelet* 44105
79 Silver chain (94g)* 60-80
80 Landscape oil painting 10-20
81 Picnic set 8-12
82 Pug tin 40-60
83 Glass biscuit barrel 4-8
84 Vintage corner unit 20-30
85 Ornate mirror 10-20
86 Lilac Jasperware dressing table set 10-20
87 Four Lochs of Scotland bowls 10-20
88 Lacrosse stick 10-20
89 Mixed lot of ceramics incl Meakin 20-30
90 Royal Doulton character jug - North American Indian 20-30
91 Lloyd Loom style wash basket 8-12
92 Mixed lot of vinyl records 20-30
93 Ladies pink watch, Camel watch, two Omega books* 4-8
94 Mixed lot of ladies dress watches etc* 10-20
95 Two fans incl one feather* 10-20
96 Mixed lot of cig cases, lighters, etc* 10-20
97 Mixed lot of badges* 20-30
98 Silver bracelet (30g)* 20-30
99 Three boxes of misc incl jewellery/babies spoon etc* 20-30
100 Amber necklace & earrings* 10-20
101 Pair of bronze Dutch figures* 10-20
102 Leather bag with contents incl spinning wheel spindles 10-20
103 Gold Porcelain jardiniere 10-20
104 Large glass vase, snacks dish, & wooden bowl 8-12
105 Pair of old pottery vases with handles 20-30
106 Mixed lot incl jardinere & vase 4-8
107 Pair of pictures 8-12
108 Old English mug - Willow Pattern A/F 10-20
109 Flower vase 10-20
110 Pair of blue & white figures 8-12
111 Terracotta pot with kitchen utensils 10-20
112 Seven pieces of Moss ware + season plates 8-12
113 Military soup container 10-20
114 1910 copy of The News of the World 8-12
115 Six radiator taps 8-12
116 Collection of first day cover stamps 20-30
117 Two boxes of mixed world stamps 10-20
118 Box of French stamps 10-20
119 Tin of British stamps 30-40
120 Two framed prints 4-8
121 Pair of cloisonne vases c.1840* 80-120
122 Mixed bag of silver* 44105
123 Bag of mixed watches* 44105
124 Clarice Cliff 1953 Coronation trio* 20-30
125 Mixed lot of costume jewellery* 20-30
126 George 111 shilling* 30-40
127 Small hoard of Henry III pennies (6)* 40-60
128 Silver bracelet (40g)* 30-40
129 9ct gold diamond cluster ring (0.25ct)* 80-120
130 Framed map of Norfolk 20-30
131 US Dollar* 8-12
132 Mixed lot of costume jewellery* 10-20
133 White sapphire eternity ring* 20-30
134 18ct gold penknife c.1850 (possibly French)* 80-120
135 Mixed lot of kitchenalia 8-12
136 Andrew Martin Mughal sample book 8-12
137 Walker/trolley 8-12
138 Large copper picture of African elephants 10-20
139 Mixed lot of records 20-30
140 Art Nouveau bureau (key with porter) 30-40
141 Small oak chair 10-20
142 Silver-plated lidded tureen 20-30
143 Bottle of 35 year old+ Johnny Walker whisky* 18-25
144 Three blue & white bowls 8-12
145 Box of mixed tools etc 4-8
146 Mixed lot of watches 10-20
147 Mixed lot of rings & badges 20-30
148 Small antique wine table 30-40
149 Gypsy chandelier 20-30
150 Silver-plated spirit kettle* 40-60
151 Mixed coinage* 10-20
152 Military Rotary screw-back watch* 10-20
153 Silver bracelet in case* 20-30
154 Masonic silver medal* 40-60
155 9ct gold locket (approx 14g)* 100-120
156 9ct gold chain (approx 6g)* 40-60
157 Mixed lot incl LP Box The Very Best of Bing, trouser press, etc 10-20
158 Three Royal Doulton character jugs* 30-40
159 Accurist watch* 4-8
160 Gents watch* 4-8
161 Pair of Cloisonne vases* 20-30
162 Two Murano glass clowns* 18-25
163 Bakelite lamp base and a bakelite and horn ornamental ashtray 8-12
164 Pair of binoculars 4-8
165 Three small boat pictures 4-8
166 British Army military kit bag and rucksack 20-30
167 Mixed lot of jewellery stands/boxes/display etc 20-30
168 Lacrosse stick 10-20
169 Pair of still life pictures 12-18
170 Mixed lot 10-20
171 Mixed lot of pictures 10-20
172 Mixed lot incl Colmans tin etc 10-20
173 Mixed lot of sheet music 8-12
174 Various cookery books etc 4-8
175 Vintage radio 10-20
176 18th Century Chinese blue & white plate A/F 20-30
177 Mixed lot 10-20
178 Persian rug 80-120
179 Mixed lot 8-12
180 Set of boules 4-8
181 Old glass panes (be careful!) 10-20
182 Dwarf bookends 4-8
183 Mixed lot 4-8
184 Framed print 'Racing Home - The Cutty Sark' by Montague Dawson 40-60
185 Thunderbirds - Tracy Island 10-20
186 Map of Norwich 1784 by Anthony Hochstetter 60-80
187 Plan of Norwich Cathedral 1938 20-30
188 Pair of Norfolk pattern large fruit bowls 60-80
189 Pair of Norfolk pattern small bowls 20-30
190 9 x Norfolk pattern plates 40-60
191 Persian rug 80-120
192 Pair of 17th Century Delft plates* 80-120
193 Mixed lot of costume jewellery incl silver* 10-20
194 Mixed bag of medals & badges* 10-20
195 Two military watches* 10-20
196 9ct gold chain (approx 6.5g)* 40-60
197 Gents Rolex watch* 600-800
198 9ct gold and diamond lovers' ring* 30-40
199 Military Rotary screw-back watch* 44105
200 Victorian mother-of-pearl card case A/F* 18-25
201 1920's carved horn necklace* 20-30
202 Victorian cut-steel shoe buckles etc* 8-12
203 Hallmarked silver pencil* 10-20
204 6 x semi-precious necklaces incl jade/cornelian* 20-30

* Indicates in or near cabinets

More images for tomorrow's sale (scroll down to last post for details). Pictured here:

LOT 39 - Whitbread sign Est 30-40

LOT 150 - Silver-plated spirit kettle* Est 40-60

LOT 192 - Pair of 17th Century Delft plates* Est 80-120

LOT 121 - Pair of cloisonne vases c.1840* Est 80-120

First images for 13th January Sale

We will host our first General Auction including antiques and valuables at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich tomorrow, Thursday 13th January 2011 at 2pm (public viewing from midday). Here are some of our lots (more pics to follow and catalogue by 8pm). Pictured:

LOT 197 - Gents Rolex Geneve watch Est 600-800

LOT 1 - (one of) three x 19th Century hunting chromolithographs Est 20-30

LOT 50 - marble clock with garniatures (pendulum with porter) Est 80-120

LOT 124 - Clarice Cliff 1953 Coronation trio* Est 20-30

LOT 25 - Early Rupert annual* Est 10-20

Mixed Lot

Most of us have a morning ritual and I am no different. It normally starts about 5am and involves coffee - lots of coffee. Beth and the children are still fast asleep and I can work in silence. Dressing gown, laptop, oh and more coffee.

'Working' is a concept that I don't really subscribe to. I went to Diss auction yesterday with a mate of mine. Technically, that's working but in truth I just had a full English and a laugh. Oh, and three cups of coffee. Of all my vices, it's coffee every time.

He bought a ceramic Belgian cockerel - quite an attractive thing - but I bought nothing. There was nothing for me. That happens sometimes but when it does it doesn't matter. What matters is the life and the blood of it.

I saw another friend of mine 'I thought you were dead' I said.

'I am' he replied, inspecting an oil painting hanging just below me in the gallery.

He didn't look defunctus but I accepted his right to assert a state of mortalis that will enable him to avoid the percepteur.

He joined us in the gallery where the conversation turned to music. I wasn't really around in the 1960's but they seemed to have a mutual love of the blues-rock band 'Cream'. The only cream I like is in coffee. Or drizzled over a warm sticky treacle sponge. Actually, I'll stop there...

It's been a strange few days in 2011. It hasn't really got going yet - Diss really was empty yesterday, rows and rows of empty shelves that are usually full. I hope that we will be able to offer something worthwhile next Thursday, when we have our first auction of the year.

Tonight I am meeting an old friend at The Lawyer for a few drinks and a catch-up. I don't want to get too pissed though because (like today) I have to work tomorrow. I also have to bear in mind that customers can (and frequently do) call me at all hours of the day.

'I tried to call you the other night' complained one regular at The Cloisters Fair.

'It was Boxing Day, Colin'

'I wanted to see how much my football programmes made at the auction!'

'And it was ten o' clock at night, Colin'

'Were you not there then?'

'Yes - and I was in bed, Colin'

'Who with?'

'With my wife, Colin, and I don't think she would have been too happy if I had answered!'

'Why, what were you doing?'

I do receive phone calls at all hours and usually do answer - a missed call could be a missed opportunity - but there are limits! I didn't answer Colin's question, just rolled my eyes and took another sip of coffee.

At least I like Colin - he's a character like so many of our customers. There are one or two that I do wish would just leave me alone. They won't though because they can't read body language.

Oh well, I had better go and do some real work. Not before I have made another coffee though...

Mixed Lot

'We must deal with the world as it is and not how we would like it to be' - it's a very long time since I was a member of the Conservative Party but those words, spoken by William Hague last year in relation to the cuts necessary to kick-start the economy, resonate true with me today. That's because yesterday I sat in a freezing cold lobby and charged 50p to each and every customer who came through expecting to enter The Cloisters Fair for free.

The Cloisters Fair is the longest-running weekly antique fair in Christendom - well, that is a slight exaggeration - and throughout its time it has been free to enter. That we now have to make a small charge (after all - just what can you buy for 50p these days?) is a break from the tradition and spirit of the thing. It's not what we want to do but we have to do it if the fair is to continue to thrive in a world which is economically challenging. We have to deal with the facts, however unpleasant, and the fact is that the fair must be viable for us, for our stallholders, and for Norwich City Council (our hosts).

Yesterday was always going to be difficult - although much less difficult than I had imagined. Some customers paid willingly - one friend of mine paid without being asked before 9am (the official start time - we're only charging between 9am and 3pm, not before) 'to help the fair'. Others, once the reasons behind the decision to charge had been explained, paid without complaint. A small proportion attempted entry without paying - though that tactic didn't work as we had no compunction about chasing them down the hall like a pack of dogs after a wily fox...

A dozen refused to pay and left - though I hope one or two will go away and think again - but then what have we really lost in that? One particular customer (and I use that term loosely) is a regular visitor to us and to the best of my knowledge has not bought anything during my tenure. He always comes in to tell us about his ailments and then of his mother's ailments (thank God his grandmother died years ago) but never ever buys anything. It was honestly a relief when he left without paying - The Cloisters Fair is a very social event but we need customers not patients!

I have many friends who stall at and who visit the fair and they were all most supportive yesterday - thank you to all of them for that. And to the man who told me "I don't have to pay to go into a shop" I say "The shops are that way ------>"

So, with the first fair of 2011 out of the way we now look to our first auction which will take place next Thursday, 13th January at 2pm. In the meantime I'll battle the Post Office today and plan to visit Gaze of Diss on Friday for their weekly sale (and Bidders Breakfast) - not sure I can cope with the pressure :-)

News Update

The Cloisters Fair will be open tomorrow (Wednesday, 5th January) for the first time in 2011 and you can also view our full list of Saturday dates for the year at http://barnesauctioneersfairs.blogspot.com/

Following much deliberation, and with a huge amount of reluctance, we have decided to introduce a small entry fee for The Cloisters Fair.  The reason behind this decision is simply that the fair needs to remain viable within the context of the current economic climate.  Whilst income from the entrance fee will be used to meet our increased costs, a proportion will be used to improve advertising, which we hope will add to visitor numbers significantly.  We have fixed the entry fee at 50p.