Mixed Lot

There is a saying in the SAS - train hard, fight easy - a motto that is similar to the one in the antique trade - buy hard, sell easy. In other words; it's easy to sell if you buy the right thing at the right price. That may sound obvious, but it's a lot easier said than done.

It's a lot easier said than done because it's a bit like trying to find a fish in the River Thames - nigh on impossible. Where once the waters were teeming with fat juicy aquatic vertebrate, too many fishermen have tipped the balance and as a result the nets return less and less profit.

Forget what you see on the Antiques Roadshow because a) those so-called experts are actually just cravat-wearing toffs who have never ever managed to buy or sell anything in their lives (but are very good at valuing things for a percentage) and b) it's television. In truth, it is fiction that someone happens upon an 18th Century tantalus at a car boot sale for 50p before selling at Christies for £5,000.

Most antique dealers survive on small gains - one told me yesterday (at The Cloisters Fair) that he bought a Victorian gold sovereign for £170 because he knew someone who would give him £175. That is the reality - our money has to work harder than ever if we are to survive the chill of economic downturn. To make matters worse, some things that once had value now have no value at all. There is an argument for putting that Victorian china tea service in the attic until the market swings back in its favour (it won't by the way) but equally you could just chuck it in the landfill now.

It used to be easy in our game - buy a plate for £3 at auction and sell it to an American or a self-made Cockney retiring to the North Norfolk coast (also known as a gullible punters) for £30. It was like plucking apples from an orchard on a late summer evening - easy, with the promise of pie later. The harvest provided for us all. Not now though. Now we wander aimlessly around the car boot sales like a displaced Somali tribesman searching for food. We are no longer fat, we are hungry. So when the opportunity to eat arises, we eat. We eat little and often because the feasts are few and far between.

Which is exactly why I don't bother looking any more. The hounds can chase the fox as far as I am concerned. Such kills do not warrant the energy expended. I'd rather sit in the pub with my antique dealer chums and share a glass or two of shandy than enter the ruck and risk my eyeballs being gouged out by some over zealous middle-aged woman who thinks that ten years of watching Bargain Hunt has provided her with the skills and experience necessary to make it in the trade (actually, her garage is just full of the shit she has bought and can't sell - it will stay there until she pops her clogs and it's taken away by the house clearance boys). I prefer the life of a Gentleman Dealer - let's just sit back and think of England. Let the hoi polloi fight it out. Let's wait until the rabbit comes to us. In the meantime, relax and enjoy.

Which is exactly what happened yesterday, at The Cloisters Fair. Roger Bell's excellent Fleamarket (a proper Fleamarket as opposed to a market full of fleas) was on in the main hall. Sometimes our events coincide and when they do we shake hands and share the spoils (he's a decent chap - rare in our business). A woman entered the Fleamarket with a gem in her pocket - a gem she hoped to sell. Her route to me (in the adjoining hall) would take her past every single hungry antique dealer in St Andrew's Hall (maybe 100 traders). If she were a fish she would have been a bloody big fat juicy salmon and her route to me was one fish-trap, net, and handline after another. Somehow, however (and it must have been a miracle - I was looking around for a tall fella with a beard and some loaves of bread) she swam to me on the farthest side of the riverbank. Imagine my surprise, having been staring at sticklebacks all day, to see this wonderful thing upon my hook. Of course, the bait was thrown into the water from my own wallet but as my friend and colleague, Daniel, says 'You have to speculate to accumulate'.

Of course, I now have the task of selling 'it' - I can't tell you what 'it' is of course, because a Gentleman never tells. But I can tell you that selling it will be easy, because selling is easy when you buy well.

Mixed Lot

On Wednesday, my wife (on her debut as a stallholder) managed to sell a picture for £60 at The Cloisters Fair despite the fact that I was unable to sell it for £40 the previous week. Yesterday, she bought me lunch before pitching in with my team to contribute to what was a highly successful auction. And last night, when I collapsed into bed with exhaustion after a particularly gruelling day, she stayed up to wash the dishes from our (very tasty Planet Wok) Chinese take-away. All this with a house and two small boys and two jobs. People know that I work long hours (15 yesterday) but I know she works harder. Unlike me, she still looks good on it. She truly is my very own Wonder Woman. Just need to persuade her to wear the outfit...

The usual team took to the field with aplomb yesterday. We do things our own way. That doesn't suit everyone. But it suits us and it suits those who buy and sell through us. We made good prices too yesterday and, I would argue now comparable to the best in county. The difference is that we only charge 10% inclusive buying and selling premium.

We really did have some excellent sales yesterday but the one that really stood out for me was LOT 171 - Mixed lot of postcards incl airships etc. Actually, I think there were just seven postcards in total, estimated at £30-40. They made £140 - wouldn't it be nice if all lots exceeded their estimate by four times...

There has been some comment about our decision to move the sale from Thursdays to Wednesdays. At some point in the near future (when the renovation work is complete - it's still Thursdays for now) we will be hosting our auction in The Crypt, the area that used to be the cafe at St Andrew's Hall. That will enable us to hold the auction at the same time as The Cloisters Fair (which has traditionally been held on Wednesdays). It's always been our hope to combine the two and I am sure that it is the right thing for us because all of our buying and selling activities will be centred around a single day.

It's been pointed out that in moving to Wednesdays we will in future clash with the auction at Great Yarmouth. That is, of course, regrettable but we currently clash with Fakenham and Acle in any case. Aylsham host an antiques auction on one Wednesday a month also but we don't worry about these things. We do what we do in the city of Norwich - it's our neck of the woods. I will make sure that we have an improved viewing procedure for buyers who can't make the sale because they are committed elsewhere on a Wednesday. And of course, we'll have some new people come along who can't currently make Thursdays. Surely, there is enough business for all.

We're about to get posher - with a new website. The blog's been great, but it's time is nearly up. It was always intended to be temporary and it has to go before I offend any more people. The new site will be of a traditional format and be online soon. I believe the address will be http://www.barnesauctioneers.co.uk/ but don't bother trying it yet because it isn't live at the moment.

We'll never be that posh though - I hate all that pretentious bollocks 'Do you have one of those little teeny hammers?' I was asked yesterday

'Do you mean a gavel?'

'Yes, like they have at Bonhams?'

'No, I am afraid I make do with a Bic'

'A Bic?'

'Yes, a pen'

'Oh dear, you would have thought they could have provided you with the appropriate equipment!'

We're back tomorrow at The Cloisters Fair. The Norwich Fleamarket is on in the main hall too so plenty to come and have a look at.

General Auction Catalogue

Here we have our catalogue for tomorrow's sale - General Auction incl Antiques & Valuables. The sale takes place at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich tomorrow (Thursday) at 2pm - public viewing from midday.

General Auction 24th February 2011

Lot Description Estimate

1 Quantity of diecast vehicles incl Matchbox, Corgi, Dinky incl boxed examples* 120-180
2 Original oil on canvas 'Australian Farm' by Alan Ames c.1970's 80-120
3 Mixed lot of football/cig cards 10-20
4 Mixed lot of postcards 10-20
5 Mixed lot of enamel badges 10-20
6 Stamp album 10-20
7 Nao figurine with rabbits 30-40
8 Arts & Crafts oak painted pot cupboard 40-60
9 Antique carving set incl silver & ivory collars* 30-40
10 1960's Whitefriars knobbly vase* 30-40
11 Vintage lizard skin handbag* 10-20
12 Vintage sword 10-20
13 Nao figurine of boy with a dog 30-40
14 Vintage projector in box with slides 8-12
15 Vintage chair 8-12
16 Four framed record pictures 8-12
17 Mixed lot of Limoges 10-20
18 Christening spoon and push in box* 8-12
19 Multi-tool knife* 8-12
20 Mixed lot of silk ties 8-12
21 Vintage oil lamp 8-12
22 Large blue & white washbowl 8-12
23 Lloyd Loom chair~ 10-20
24 Mixed lot of watches 10-20
25 Boxed Pen Delfin rabbit 10-20
26 Four vintage trays 8-12
27 Mirror & brush set 8-12
28 Original landscape in gilt frame 10-20
29 Mixed lot of plates/ceramics~ 10-20
30 Original Action Man (Astronaut) A/F 10-20
31 Susie Cooper sugar bowl 8-12
32 Mortimer Menpez 'Jerusalem' drypoint etching, ed signed & framed 80-120
33 Aesthetic Movement padded stool (lid opens) 30-40
34 Small mixed lot 10-20
35 Box of Subbuteo incl teams etc 40-60
36 Mixed lot pf plates~ 10-20
37 Poole otter 10-20
38 Cow print 8-12
39 Wine rack 8-12
40 Two watercolours by A. Dutt - 'Mother and Daughter' and 'Hookak smoker and vendor' - both Indian, 1911 20-30
41 Mixed lot~ 8-12
42 Four bass ale showcards 10-20
43 Mixed lot of pictures~ 10-20
44 Bag of mixed watches~ 10-20
45 Briefcase 8-12
46 Mixed lot of vinyl records~ 10-20
47 Mixed lot of books~ 10-20
48 Mixed lot of model railway incl track 10-20
49 Mixed lot of collectable spoons 10-20
50 Mixed lot incl football programmes 10-20
51 Mixed lot of pictures~ 10-20
52 Mixed lot of world stamps 10-20
53 Various linens etc 10-20
54 Mahogany lidded box 20-30
55 Carved wooden elephant as a lamp 10-20
56 Five large plant pots 10-20
57 Pair of Terracotta heads 30-40
58 Drawing - 'The Docks, Ipswich' by A. Ward 10-20
59 Pair of blue Chinese pattern lamps 10-20
60 Mixed lot of photographs of Cornwall 10-20
61 Pair of binoculars and a pair of opera glasses 8-12
62 Mixed lot~ 8-12
63 Mixed lot incl Airfix, books, etc 10-20
64 Framed photograph of a three-wheeler car 10-20
65 Mixed lot of books~ 10-20
66 Rockwood guitar & amp 40-60
67 House in the Reeds' monogrammed etching 20-30
68 Box of games 10-20
69 Mixed lot of onyx type lamps 8-12
70 Terracotta head 10-20
71 Box of old dolls 8-12
72 Todesverkundigung, Angola' by Deitmar R Volmar, 1974, woodcut 60-80
73 Hall table 8-12
74 Wills Navy Cut showcard 10-20
75 Mixed lot of pictures~ 10-20
76 Royal Doulton cat 10-20
77 Mixed lot of books on antiques 10-20
78 Cairo' A Baylis Allen, 1917 etching 40-60
79 Acoustic guitar in case 10-20
80 Chinese metal vase 10-20
81 Pokeman cards in a folder 10-20
82 Donald Green - 3 x untitled cutout figures & a watercolour & ink 'As You Like It' 30-40
83 Chinese 3 x watercolour on fabric, insects, framed 20-30
84 From Middletons System of Geography, 1778, 'City of Malacca' etching, framed 60-80
85 Mixed lot 10-20
86 Mixed lot of costume jewellery~ 20-30
87 Boxed set of ebony & ivory chess pieces~ 20-30
88 Three Georgian gold rings A/F~ 20-30
89 Electric guitar & amp 20-30
90 JC & Sons (manufactured for Harrods) wash bowl 10-20
91 Vintage child's chair 20-30
92 Mixed lot 10-20
93 Duck brush 10-20
94 Two large rummers 10-20
95 Mixed lot of china & glass 20-30
96 Mixed lot of bottle openers 10-20
97 Cased horn carving set 10-20
98 Mixed lot of pens* 20-30
99 Mixed lot~ 10-20
100 Nine botanical prints 20-30
101 Boxed set of fish knives & forks 10-20
102 Framed 18th Century watercolour on paper, Norwich School, Earsham Bridge* 800-1200
103 Vintage soda syphon 8-12
104 Mixed lot~ 10-20
105 Cased collection of old '78 records 8-12
106 Boxed vintage hair drier 8-12
107 Reveille's plastic advert 8-12
108 Mixed lot of football programmes 10-20
109 Pu-Qua, Chinese, 1799, hand-coloured lithographs laid on board, 9 x Oriental figures 60-80
110 C. Pethisey (?) 'Loi faillite du marchand de Bonheaur' oil on canvas 60-80
111 Mixed lot of vinyl records~ 10-20
112 Swallow Raincoats tin advert in original frame 30-40
113 Ornate mirror~ 8-12
114 Folding Edwardian upholstered chair 40-60
115 Mixed lot of pictures~ 10-20
116 9ct gold topaz adjustable ring* 20-30
117 Mixed lot of stamps 10-20
118 Vintage picture frame* 8-12
119 Mixed lot of gentleman's cufflinks/watches etc* 20-30
120 Mixed lot of pens* 20-30
121 Mixed lot of stamps 10-20
122 Nao figurine of a boy with a dog A/F 10-20
123 Nao figurine of a girl with a dog A/F 10-20
124 Mixed lot~ 10-20
125 Satsuma vase 10-20
126 Mixed lot of stamps 10-20
127 Terracotta butter dish 10-20
128 Mixed lot of stamps 10-20
129 Mixed lot~ 10-20
130 Mixed lot 10-20
131 Back Garden' signed L. Davenport, watercolour & ink, 1951, framed 300-400
132 Mixed lot~ 10-20
133 Picture of New Orleans 20-30
134 Briefcase 8-12
135 Glass topped cafe style side table 20-30
136 Washbowl 10-20
137 Fish bottle 8-12
138 Pair of Chinese blue & white vases 30-40
139 Art Deco cottage chair 40-60
140 Victorian solid silver peperette (1893 J. Walker)* 30-40
141 Pair of Georgian solid silver mustard spoons (London 1837 Mary Chawner)* 30-40
142 Art Deco solid silver mirrored compact (1937)* 40-60
143 Simulated pearl necklace in case* 10-20
144 Cased set of spoons* 10-20
145 Knight companion set 20-30
146 Ltd Edition print 'View of Norwich' 10-20
147 Mixed lot~ 10-20
148 Mixed lot~ 10-20
149 Mixed lot~ 10-20
150 Hagues Sketches' First Series, hand-coloured lithographs, 20 x plates total incl 4 x framed 300-400
151 Mixed lot of playing cards~ 10-20
152 Mixed lot of vinyl records~ 10-20
153 Daniel Arter Arts & Crafts cruet* 60-80
154 Six continental silver-handles knives* 40-60
155 Mixed of postcards 10-20
156 Burma 'Early Morning Tharrawady' framed watercolour 30-40
157 Bisley Orange Field, 1965 screen print 20-30
158 Passion flower print, 2/87 Mathian 20-30
159 Three silver spoons and a silver napking ring (scrap)*~ 20-30
160 Austrian Silver Thaler* 20-30
161 William III silver sixpence 1690* 30-40
162 James I silver penny* 30-40
163 King John silver coin* 30-40
164 GeorgeVI shilling* 20-30
165 Pair of gas mask spectacles* 10-20
166 Ladies fob watch with rose gold initials* 40-60
167 Pair of Georgian solid silver sugar nips* 10-20
168 Pair of solid silver Georgian mustard spoons (London 1805)* 30-40
169 Georgian solid silver vinaigrette (Birmingham 1814 Mathew Lingwood)* 120-180
170 Solid silver snuff or pill box (Birmingham F.R. Gomm)* 40-60
171 Mixed lot of postcards incl airship etc* 30-40
172 Boxed Rado watch* 40-60
173 Seiko watch* 40-60
174 9ct gold Art Deco ring* 20-30
175 Pinchbeck brooch* 10-20
176 Agate brooch* 10-20
177 Royal Chelsea trio 10-20
178 19th Century Royal Crown teapot* 40-60
179 Winter Horse Show' Felix Topolski signed lithograph, framed 40-60
180 Mixed lot of pictures~ 20-30
181 18ct gold wedding band*~ 30-40
182 18ct gold wedding band*~ 30-40
183 Victorian silver hallmarked and leather sovereign case* 30-40
184 Victorian gold and ivory pendant in form of a claw* 80-120
185 2 x Patel, 1757 engravings, classical scenes, framed 80-120
186 Moss Fuller x 2 limited edition prints 20-30
187 Victorian rolled gold locket*~ 8-12
188 Victorian rolled gold pendant*~ 8-12
189 Mixed lot of pens 20-30
190 Corgi The Saint's Volvo P1800 in original box* 40-60
191 Corgi Commer Police Van with flashing light in original box* 60-80
192 Corgi The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Oldsmobile in original box* 60-80
193 Corgi Land Rover in original box* 30-40
194 Corgi Fordson Power Major Tractor and Four Furrow Plough in original box* 80-120
195 Corgi Mini Cooper with De-Luxe Wickerwork in original box* 30-40
196 DINKY Austin Mini-Moke in original box* 20-30
197 Corgi Kennel Service Wagon with Four Dogs in original box* 40-60
198 Corgi Porsche Carrera 6 in original box* 40-60
199 Corgi Oldsmobile Toronado in original box* 40-6
200 Corgi James Bond Aston Martin DB5 in original box* 80-120
201 Corgi Cooper Maserati F/1 in original box* 20-30
202 Corgi Lotus Elan S2 in original box* 30-40
203 Corgi Mercedes-Benz 220SE Coupe in original box* 40-60
204 DINKY Supertoys Bulldozer* 10-20
205 Britains Home Farm Series Tumbrel in original box* 60-80
206 Corgi Farm Tipper Trailer in original box* 20-30
207 Corgi Massey-Ferguson Tractor in original box* 20-30
208 Corgi Batmobile in original box* 120-180
209 1950's amethyst glass lemondade set 10-20
210 No lot
211 No lot
212 No lot
213 No lot
214 No lot
215 No lot
216 No lot
217 Vintage cigarette holder with 9ct gold rim* 10-20
218 Georgian 18ct gold and coral ring* 120-180
219 Victorian gold and turquoise ring* 60-80
220 Georgian solid silver vinaigrette (Birmingham 1806 Samuel Pemberton)* 120-180
221 Silver-plated cased set of four salts designed by Dr Christopher Dresser for Hukin & Heath c.1888* 200-300
222 German silver & green enamel snuff box c.1880* 80-120
223 Solid silver oval snuff box (Birmingham F R Gomm)* 40-60
224 9ct diamond ring* 30-40


* Indicates in or near cabinets

More lots for sale tomorrow

Our full catalogue will be published on here this evening but we know you need a taster! So here are five more lots to tempt you. Don't forget that the auction takes place tomorrow at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich at 2pm (public viewing from midday).

LOT 10 - 1960's Whitefriars knobbly vase Est 30-40

LOT 183 - Victorian silver hallmarked and leather sovereign case* Est 30-40

LOT 184 - Victorian gold and ivory pendant in the form of a claw* Est 80-120

LOT 11 - vintage lizard skin handbag Est 10-20

LOT 218 - Georgian 18ct gold and coral ring* Est 120-180

More lots for tomorrow's Sale

Here we have a selection of some of the lots featuring in our General Auction including Antiques & Valuables at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich tomorrow (Thursday, 24th February 2011). The sale starts at 2pm with public viewing from midday. We are still accepting entries at St Andrew's Hall all day today - please read our Terms and Conditions.

LOT 221 - silver-plated cased set of four salts designed by Dr Christopher Dresser for Hukin & Heath c.1888* Est 200-300

LOT 222 - Silver and green enamel snuff box c.1880* Est 80-120

LOT 220 - Georgian solid silver vinaigrette (Birmingham 1806 Samuel Pemberton)* Est 120-180

LOT 140 - Victorian solid silver peperette (1893 J. Walker)* Est 30-40

LOT 2 - Original oil on canvas 'Australian Farm' Alan Ames c.1970's Est 80-120

Our next General Auction incl Antiques & Valuables takes places at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich on Thursday, 24th February at 2pm (public viewing from midday). We are still accepting entries tomorrow by appointment (just call 01603 304337 or 07810 646711 to arrange) or all day Wednesday until 5pm (just come along) at The Cloisters Fair (St Andrew's Hall).
We've taken in some super lots already including a collection of DINKY and Corgi die-cast - a selection of which are illustrated here:

LOT 190 - Corgi The Saint's Volvo P1800 in original box Est 40-60

LOT 191 - Corgi Commer Police Van with flashing light in original box Est 60-80

LOT 192 - Corgi The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Oldsmobile in original box Est 60-80

LOT 198 - Corgi Porsche Carrera 6 in original box Est 40-60

LOT 200 - Corgi James Bond Aston Martin DB5 in original box Est 80-120

Mixed Lot

It's unusual for me to post on a Friday night. I should be at dinner with my wife because the boys are with their grandparents overnight but Beth is out on the tiles and I am nursing one Hell of a hangover. That's because my Friday night started yesterday at 3pm in The Dog House. Still, there are worse things in life than drinking Coca-Cola at home on a Friday night...

This week I was given a present by a friend called Kevin - 'The Big Book of National Insults - 1001 Xenophobic Quips and Quotes'. Much as I appreciate the gesture, it is unlikely that any of the quotations will make it into my blog. That's because they are too tame for my palette. This week I upset the people of Great Yarmouth by writing on Facebook 'Great Yarmouth is where prostitutes should ply their trade but don't because the locals give it out for free'. Now that is a proper insult. A bit unfair too - I went to Great Yarmouth this week and wasn't offered sex by anyone.

I have also, this week, started to get into Twitter (garyofnorwich if you are a Tweeter) and have to say that it is already becoming addictive. So I am sitting here at the desktop typing into Blogger, whilst the laptop is on Twitter and the iPhone on Facebook. Not everyone enjoys social networking but I love it - and it's perfect for keeping up to date with everyone's news.

Our next auction takes place at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich next Thursday at 2pm and we are accepting entries at the moment so do call us on 01603 304337 or 07810 646711. We've taken in some super lots already including a collection of boxed Corgi die-cast vehicles dating from the 1960's including The Saint's Volvo, James Bond's Aston Martin DB5, and The Man From UNCLE's Oldsmobile - all classics, of course. The price for collectable toys has remained strong over the past year and we expect them to do well.

Finally, it seems that we have reached agreement with Norwich City Council that will enable us to continue hosting The Cloisters Fair on Saturdays. That really is very good news for us - St Andrew's Hall is where we want to be. It may well be that we tweak the format a little bit to give it a boost - watch this space. The next Saturday fair is on the 26th of February 8am-4pm 50p entry. Now, I'd better just Tweet that too...

Mixed Lot

As if my life isn't already complicated enough, I have become a Twit. In that I Tweet (on Twitter). To be honest, I don't actually understand Twitter yet, nor do I really care for it. But a girlfriend of mine assures me it is wonderful (I trust you Jo). So - please do follow me (on Twitter) - garyofnorwich - especially as I am planning to promote special offers via Twitter only. Oh, and perhaps even more gossip. Here is the link - http://www.twitter.com/

Mixed Lot

Our trade is glamorous - although in the early hours of the morning at Kempton Park it didn't seem so. It didn't seem so at the Norfolk Showground either as we braved the elements to hunt for antique bargains. And it never seems so at 5am every Wednesday when I get up to face the weekly challenge that is The Cloisters Fair. But it is - glamorous that is.

It's glamorous because each day brings about the prospect of gold. Every antique dealer has a tale to tell and like fishermen, the stories get ever more unbelievable. But in fact, many are true and it is the chase for those hidden gems that drives us. Like alchemy, in our trade it is possible to turn base metals and objects into gold.

The news has been full of Chinese vases selling for millions of late but that is not representative of the day to day life of an antique dealer. It's the little deals that are made that make it exciting. In The Doghouse on Thursday evening I bought an Omega watch at the bar - and sold it three minutes later for a small profit. At the Norfolk Showground I bought a broken pendant and chain at an outside stall for 50p - and sold it inside for £75 (it turned out to be 10g of 9ct gold). There are rules though - don't ever do that to a friend.

The buzz of buying and selling on for a profit is akin to gambling. And I am addicted to it, although I don't always get it right. But you want to read about a bigger fish - so here it is. At the Norfolk Showground recently, an antique dealer bought a 19th Century elephant tusk for £50. He then sold it in London for £20,000. That's a good days work. I knew I should have gone up there on the Friday (trade day). Puts my little find into perspective.

At a local auction recently, a stamp album sold for just over £200. However, inside were a number of very rare examples to the value in excess of £5,000. That can be topped by a very good friend of mine into whose possession recently came a rare clock surmounted by a bronze eagle. It sat on Hitler's desk in 'the bunker'. What is that worth? Possibly a million pounds.

Our business is glamorous because it involves cash - lots of cash. Another friend of mine bought 4,000 - yes four thousand items at the Norfolk Showground from one dealer. That is a lot.

The trade is awash with stories and most are pretty much true - these things really do go on in the antiques business. Witness the three gold sovereigns found in a secret drawer in a cabinet we sold at auction. Witness the silver tray found at the bottom of a mixed lot of plate. Witness the first edition Harry Potter bought in a charity shop in Dereham for 50p.

It's why there are countless television programmes about our trade - because the general public find what we do fascinating. But here is the really exciting thing - anyone can become an antique dealer. Of course, not everyone has the nose - the ability to root out a truffle from amongst the mud of Provence. But it's not like you need to have an 'O' Level in antiques. Some of the posh people have a degree in fine arts but actually that's like a spotty four-eyed twit taking business studies at college - it counts for nothing in the real world. In the real world, in our world, you need enthusiasm and an ability to learn quickly on the job. You need to be able to look past the rough too because underneath that might be a diamond. It takes years to acquire the skills necessary to turn a coin but just a day to start learning - and it's not difficult to make a small profit from the off. And it's fun. A lot of fun. You'll be introduced into a world populated by the most diverse range of people. You'll make new friends and enjoy it all immensely.

Oh, and then there is the gossip. Not that I am one to gossip - but I have heard that a prominent local auction house has suspended their long-standing auction rooms manager. And that elsewhere, a local auction rooms manager is desperately looking around for another position before he is inevitably sacked for being about as popular as a fat girl at a fashion show.

Oh yes, and let's not be too politically correct or sensitive either - it's a tough business, no doubt about that. You'll make one or two enemies along the way - I have many. They surround me like hyenas around a lion. Oh dear, how sad, never mind.

Mixed Lot

Just because people now pay 50p to come into The Cloisters Fair doesn't give them the right to lecture us about the business. Before we charged 50p we were immune to their 'words of wisdom'. They could wander in and wander out at will. Now we are exposed and vulnerable to verbal assault at that point at which a small coin is handed over. Most are pleasant and we like those people. Some however, smell like a tramp's arsehole and like nothing more than to give us a 'piece of their mind'. That's quite dangerous for some of them because in giving us a 'piece of their mind' they are not leaving very much left with which to function.

Of course, there is a pressure from the stallholders to get bodies into the fair. They subscribe to the argument that the greater the footfall the greater the chance of selling. This is, I accept, technically correct and it is for this reason only that we put up with so many pompous and unpleasant people. When someone says 'You have a nerve charging me 50p to come into buy something - it's a disgrace!' I want to say 'The last time you actually bought anything here was in 1973 and then you asked for a BOGOF so BOGOFF you fat unemployed lazy dirty smelly tight wad fanny' but what I actually say is 'Oh, I am sorry you feel that way - we value your custom and hope that you'll see something in there that you like today'.

It feels like I am selling my soul for 50p - actually, Daniel mans the door most of the day - and to him I take my hat off. If I had a hat to take off. I don't wear a hat because I am not bald - only bald men wear hats (to cover up their baldness). I don't know why they do that because bald is not a bad look.

However, in charging 50p entry, we have seen a very small proportion of people turn away (5% at most and falling). What sort of person won't pay 50p to come into an antique fair? I can feel a list coming on:

1. The timewasters 'I used to have one of those when I was a girl'

2. The hoi-polloi 'I'd like to buy that but I don't have any money until I get my Giro on Tuesday'

3. The half-wits (pointing at a vase) 'Could that be used for flowers?'

4. The mean (usually monied) '50p!'

5. The drug addicts 'I only want to use the toilet mate'

6. The self-important 'You wouldn't charge me, would you? I mean, I am me. I am. I am.'

7. The unsupportive 'Yes, we're friends but I can't support this.'

Frankly, we can do without these people. However, they are not the biggest problem - the biggest problem are the people who continue to insist on coming in even though we don't actually want them to come in. The ones that can't hand over 50p without infecting us with their demeanor as they do so.

All of that said, The Cloisters Fair continues to remain a vibrant slice of life in the heart of Norwich's city centre. The vast majority of people who are connected with the fair in some way are supportive and add a richness to it that goes beyond mere coinage. Most of us are friends and colleagues and most are welcome. The banter and the laughter and the drama of it all is worthy of a soap opera on primetime television.

We had a good sale yesterday - our best since November of last year. Green shoots seem to be appearing on the tree that is the antiques trade. It's easy to be pessimistic - two antiques shops shut in the centre of Norwich last week - but that's never been my bag. We may have been set back by the events of last October but that has only served to strengthen our resolve. The only place we are going is up.

After the auction, we celebrated Linda's birthday in the Ali Tandoori on Magdalen Street. It's the best known Indian restaurant in Norwich. The friendliest too. She is a darling (Linda) and the only one of my 'Merrie Bande' that has put up with me from the beginning. She (like the rest of us) will be back at St Andrew's Hall tomorrow (Saturday) where we'll do the whole thing all over again.

Catalogue for Today's Auction

Please accept our apologies for the slight delay in posting the catalogue for today's sale - a late night strategy meeting being responsible for that!
The auction will take place today at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich with public viewing from midday and kick-off at 2pm. You can see some images from the sale by scrolling down on this page.

General Auction including antiques and valuables 10th February 2011

Lot Description Estimate

1 Marble-topped side table 30-40
2 Standing brass lamp 20-30
3 Royal Doulton Lambeth vase A/F 20-30
4 Pair of watercolours 30-40
5 Vintage watering can 10-20
6 Mixed lot of Limoges 80-120
7 Mixed lot incl silk ties 8-12
8 Vintage oil lamp 20-30
9Pulsar mens chrono alarm world time watch* 20-30
10 Rare Chester silver whistle watch chain fob 1903* 30-40
11 Solid silver watch chain fob vesta* 30-40
12 Antique inlaid towel rail 20-30
13 Mixed Lot incl Swatch watch~ 10-20
14 Gilt framed oil painting of cottage by a lake 20-30
15 Framed tapestry~ 8-12
16 Mixed lot incl prints, ephemera, etc 8-12
17 Pair of large fire screens 40-60
18 Large blue & white bowl 10-20
19 Vintage solid silver hallmarked cigar cutter* 30-40
20 Norfolk Regiment cap incl badge* 20-30
21 Two vintage buckles* 10-20
22 Glass atomiser with Sterling silver* 10-20
23 Mixed lot of paperweights~ 20-30
24 Framed tapestry of a Chinese dragon 20-30
25 Oriental biscuit barrel 10-20
26 Oriental lacquered table cabinet 20-30
27 Vintage barometer 20-30
28 Large crystal bowl 10-20
29 Large spelter figure on base 40-60
30 Box of watches ~ 10-20
31 Pot stand~ 8-12
32 Late Victorian print of a dinner party scene 20-30
33 Four vintage trays 10-20
34 Mirror and brush set 8-12
35 Solid silver tea caddy spoon* 40-60
36 Antique continental silver hallmarked snuff box* 60-80
37 Smokers cabinet incl contents incl Doulton Lambeth tobacco jar* 60-80
38 Victorian solid silver calling card case* 40-60
39 Spitfire watch* 20-30
40 Two Doulton turreens & two sauce boats with spoons 30-40
41 Four framed '78 records 12-18
42 Hallmarked silver vanity container* 10-20
43 Hallmarked silver bon bon dish* 20-30
44 Silver teaspoon and plated chalice* 8-12
45 Original landscape oil painting in a gilt frame 30-40
46 Vintage watering can 10-20
47 Pair of vintage knife sharpeners 10-20
48 Jardiniere base 10-20
48a Pair of Coalport rose plates~ 8-12
49 Old tin car~ 8-12
50 The Kiss - signed Limited Edition etching by John Kiki~ 150-180
51 Mixed lot of model railway buildings~ 10-20
52 Antique spitoon fashioned into a foot stool 20-30
53 Small mixed lot 8-12
54 Vintage umbrella 8-12
54a Mixed lot incl plated ware~ 8-12
55 Mixed lot incl stamps, books, postcards, magazines, etc 10-20
56 Vintage projector~ 8-12
57 Framed print of John Parkhurst, Bishop of Norwich 10-20
58 Mixed lot of thimbles~ 8-12
59 Framed print of an orchid 4-8
60 Antique inlaid display cabinet 40-60
61 9ct gold pin 4g* 40-60
62 9ct gold cameo ladies ring* 20-30
63 9ct gold garnet ladies ring* 20-30
64 9ct gold emerald and diamond ladies ring* 20-30
65 10ct gold sapphire and diamond ladies ring* 40-60
66 Vintage doll (spare pieces with porter) 10-20
67 Mixed lot of Wedgwood/Wedgwood style plates etc 40-60
68 Art Deco lamp shade 20-30
69 Pair of Oriental vases 20-30
70 Antique print of HRH Duke of York 10-20
71 Pair of spelter figures 80-120
72 Mixed lot of plates incl Wedgwood~ 10-20
73 Wine rack 8-12
74 Pair of old vases and three pairs of candlesticks~ 8-12
75 Mixed lot~ 8-12
76 Bag of mixed watches~ 8-12
77 Large crystal decanter with silver-plated top 10-20
78 Four decanters 20-30
79 Mixed lot incl medallions, penknives, ephemera, etc 10-20
80 Pair of twisted stem and silver hallmarked candlesticks* 40-60
81 Miniature portrait on glass of Lord Nelson* 80-120
82 Tin containing army badges etc* 20-30
83 Five miniature pictures* 20-30
84 Pair of framed British Museum prints 10-20
85 Antique bow-fronted bureau (key with porter) 30-40
86 Mixed lot of costume jewellery*~ 8-12
87 Cased display of butterflies~ 20-30
88 Two vintage lampshades 30-40
89 Briefcase 4-8
90 Three vintage jelly moulds 8-12
91 21 x piece Victorian tea set~ 10-20
91a Cased display of butterflies~ 20-30
92 Small vintage cupboard 10-20
93 Mixed lot incl 4 x pairs of glass knife rests~ 10-20
94 Mixed lot of inyl records~ 10-20
94a Cased display of butterflies~ 20-30
94b Lacrosse stick~ 8-12
94c Mixed lot of vinyl records~ 8-12
94d Edwardian coffee set~ 8-12
94e 9 x setting Victorian tea service~ 10-20
94f Mixed lot incl lamp etc~ 8-12
94g Mixed lot of coinage & notes*~ 10-20
94h Mixed lot of world stamps~ 10-20
95 Various linens~ 8-12
96 Four London-themed prints 30-40
97 Mixed lot of ceramics 10-20
98 Mixed lot incl Carltonware~ 8-12
99 Cigar cutter fashioned as a horse* 30-40
100 Pair of WW1 medals - 6602 GNR A.E. Davison Royal Artillery* 30-40
101 Mixed lot incl WW2 medal, coins incl George IV* 20-30
102 19th Century Staffordshire flatback figure of a couple* 40-60
103 Carved wood elephant as a lamp & pair of blue Chinese pattern lamps 10-20
104 Tub of lead soldiers* 20-30
105 Boxed Chanel ladies watch*~ 10-20
106 Pair of binoculars and a pair of opera glasses 8-12
107 19th Century folding child's chair 10-20
108 Original watercolour of Florence 1923 10-20
109 Cased Raymond Weil ladies watch*~ 10-20
110 Mixed lot 10-20
111 Blue crystal vase 20-30
112 9ct gold emerald ladies ring* 30-40
113 9ct gold diamond ladies ring* 30-40
114 9ct gold sapphire and diamond ladies ring* 30-40
115 Pair of Ashworth Bros plates 10-20
115a Viners silver-plate tea set~ 8-12
116 Eight plates incl Cloisonne and Goss 10-20
117 Gents Seiko watch*~ 10-20
118 Cased Rotary manual watch A/F*~ 8-12
119 Mixed lot of prints incl hunting scenes 30-40
120 Rockwood guitar and amp 60-80
121 Box of games 10-20
122 Pair of Victorian ribbon plates + one other 8-12
123 Mixed lot of onyx type lamps 10-20
124 Thomas Elsmore Parisian Granite meat platter 10-20
125 Pair of antique brass candlesticks 8-12
126 Mixed lot incl brass lamp etc 8-12
127 Mixed lot of ceramics 20-30
128 Mixed lot of pictures 10-20
129 Mixed lot of flatware incl silver/plate 20-30
130 Brass and copper planter 30-40
130a Box of old dolls~ 8-12
130b Six various plates~ 10-20
131 19th Century flatback figure of a couple* 30-40
132 Two Meissen plates A/F* 40-60
133 Mixed lot incl 3 x teapots, three trios, ceramic jelly mould etc~ 8-12
134 Lizard skin bag, sword, & assorted china 10-20
135 Mixed lot of ceramics 10-20
136 Hall table~ 8-12
137 Mixed lot of pens*~ 10-20
138 Mixed lot of watches*~ 10-20
139 9ct gold pink sapphire ring*~ 30-40
140 Guilloche enamel and Sterling silver atomiser* 30-40
141 Small Wedgwood bud vase* 8-12
142 Mr Punch brass bell* 10-20
143 Mixed lot of watches*~ 10-20
144 Photo album + contents~ 10-20
145 Mixed lot of prints incl hunting scenes 30-40
146 Oriental tea service 20-30
147 Acoustic guitar in case~ 10-20
148 Vintage oil lamp 10-20
148a Mixed lot incl Torquay ware~ 8-12
149 Set of four glass candlesticks~ 8-12
150 Staffordshire flatback figure of a couple* 30-40
151 Two pocket watches* 20-30
152 Vintage watering can 10-20
153 Pair of Booths Real Old Willow Pattern Jugs 10-20
154 Cased set of spoons* 10-20
155 Two vintage picture frames* 10-20
156 Set of vintage postal scales* 10-20
157 Mixed lot of prints incl hunting 20-30
158 Two boxes of mixed 8-12
159 Set of six Crown Ducal dishes 10-20
160 Five Victorian dishes 10-20
161 Pot stand~ 8-12
162 Mixed lot of ceramics 10-20
163 Three yellow metal rings* 20-30
164 Victorian 18ct turquoise ring* 40-60
165 Henry VIII silver groat (Canterbury)* 80-120
166 Victorian painted spectacles case* 20-30
167 J.J. Wainwright aneroid barometer 30-40
168 Small Staffordshire flatback figure of a couple* 30-40
169 Pair of antique spectacles in original case* 20-30
170 3 x bowls + wooden napkin rings 12-18
171 Two pairs of binoculars 10-20
172 Mixed lot of glassware incl Carnival glass 10-20
173 Mixed lot of vintage linens 10-20
174 Mixed lot of glassware~ 8-12
175 Edwardian tantalus (key with porter) 40-60
176 Pair of binoculars 8-12
177 Mixed lof of bottle openers & a penknife~ 8-12
178 Four vintage dolls~ 8-12
179 Vintage smoking cabinet (key with porter) 20-30
180 Georgian seal fob* 40-60
181 Five original photographs of Cliff Richard at a family wedding (1960's)* 30-40
182 Cased horn-handled carving set* 20-30
183 Four hallmarked silver spoons* 20-30
184 Five silver hallmarked coffee bean spoons in James Walker box* 10-20
185 Victorian double-ended scent bottle* 20-30
186 Mixed lot of scrap 9ct gold/yellow metal* 60-80
187 Cased set of fish knives and forks 10-20
188 Vintage soda syphon 8-12
189 Pair of Staffordshire dogs* 30-40
190 19th Century Staffordshire flatback figure of a couple* 30-40
191 Pair of gas mask spectacles* 10-20
192 Hallmarked silver tablespoon - Henry M Norris, Exeter 1839* 30-40
193 Mixed lot of pictures~ 10-20
194 Old brass pump spray~ 8-12
195 Victorian hallmarked silver pen/pencil (Francis Webb, Birmingham) 40-60
with bloodstone seal end*
196 Set of six abolone lobster picks*~ 8-12
197 Gents Waltham hallmarked silver hunter pocket watch with jewel 40-60
lever movement*
198 Hallmarked silver sherry label* 10-20
199 Hallmarked silver port label* 10-20
200 9ct gold gent's dress pocket watch, slim Asprey No. 99370 with 600-800
16 jewel micro regulator movement*
201 Hallmarked silver tablespoon, Laurence Nowlan, Dublin 1819* 30-40
202 Old vesta case* 8-12
203 9ct gold diamond and opal ring* 20-30
204 9ct gold diamond ladies ring* 20-30
205 9ct gold diamond ladies ring* 20-30
206 1920's cigarette holder* 10-20
207 19th Century flatback figure of a couple* 30-40
208 Mixed lot incl silver plate 20-30
209 Cigarette holder and a cigarette case* 10-20
210 Small vintage photo album* 8-12
211 Antique watch chain* 20-30
212 Mason's Mandalay lidded jar* 20-30
213 Hallmarked silver tankard* 30-40
214 Victorian seaweed pattern tea set c.1840's - approx 20pcs~ 10-20
215 Art Deco vase~ 10-20
216 Solid silver ladies torque* 18-25
217 Victorian solid silver brooch* 10-20
218 Vintage tie pin in original case* 10-20
219 Mixed lot of watches incl Accurist*~ 10-20
220 Wade Bramble jug 8-12
221 Mixed lot incl large meat platter~ 10-20
222 Mixed lot of diecast~ 10-20
223 Ornate mirror~ 8-12
224 Set of vintage postal scales with weights* 10-20
225 9ct gold padlock & chain* 40-60
226 Royal Crown Derby butter/cheese dish~ 10-20
227 Five early trios~ 10-20
228 Mixed lot incl postcards/playing cards/cigarette cards etc~ 10-20
229 Cased taxidermy of a fox with pheasant~ 60-80
230 19th Century Staffordshire figure of a couple* 20-30
231 10ct gold seed pearl ring*~ 40-60
232 9ct gold opal, diamond and ruby ring*~ 40-60
233 9ct gold topaz adjustable ring*~ 30-40
234 Mixed lot of GB & world stamps~ 20-30
235 Pair of Staffordshire dogs* 60-80
236 Mixed lot of costume jewellery etc*~ 10-20
237 Silver-mounted tiger's claw brooch*~ 20-30
238 Tin of mixed coinage~ 10-20
239 Collection of first day cover stamps~ 10-20
240 Two boxes of mixed world stamps~ 10-20
240a Box of French stamps~ 8-12
241 Box of mixed glass~ 8-12
242 8 setting Orange Tree pattern tea set~ 10-20
243 9ct gold & diamond ring*~ 60-80
244 Pair of tall blue & white vases~ 40-60
245 Masons plate & three others~ 10-20
246 Small pair of vases*~ 10-20
247 Boxed Tradition proof lead figure of Sir Thomas Erpingham KG*~ 10-20
248 Mixed lot* 20-30
249 9ct gold cigarette holder in a hallmarked silver container* 20-30
250 Three hallmarked silver cricket fobs* 20-30


* Indicates in or near cabinets
~ Indicates something secret

Fourth Preview of Upcoming Lots

More pictures of lots for this Thursday's sale at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich - just a selction including Staffordshire flatback figures, hallmarked silver, Limoges, Doulton Lambeth, original photographs of Cliff Richard, etc etc - see previous posts for more. Full catalogue available here on Wednesday evening - public viewing at midday Thursday with kick-off at 2pm - don't miss it!

Third Preview of Upcoming Lots

Our next auction takes place at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich next Thursday, 10th February 2011 at 2pm (public viewing from midday). Here are some more images for you with more to follow over the course of the next few days.
LOT 164 - Victorian 18ct turquoise ring Est 40-60

LOT 80 - Pair of twisted stem hallmarked silver candlesticks Est 40-60

LOT 81 - Miniature portrait on glass of Lord Nelson Est 80-120

LOT 165 - Henry VIII silver groat (Canterbury) Est 80-120

LOT 166 - Victorian spectacles case Est 40-60

Second Preview of Upcoming Lots

Our next auction takes place at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich next Thursday, 10th February 2011 at 2pm (public viewing from midday). Here are some initial images for you - more to follow over the course of the next few days.

LOT 180 - Georgian seal fob Est 40-60

LOT 185 - Victorian double-ended scent bottle Est 20-30

LOT 20 - Norfolk regiment cap Est 20-30

LOT 140 - Guilloche enamel and sterling silver atomiser Est 30-40

LOT 225 - 9ct gold padlock chain Est 40-60

First Preview of Upcoming Lots

Our next auction takes place at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich next Thursday, 10th February 2011 at 2pm (public viewing from midday). Here are some initial images for you - more to follow over the course of the next few days.
LOT 200 - 9ct gold gent's dress pocket watch, slim Asprey No. 99370 with 16 jewel micro regulator movement Est 600-800

LOT 175 - Edwardian tantalus Est 40-60

LOT 29 - Large spelter figure on base Est 40-60

LOT 195 - Victorian hallmarked silver pen/pencil (Francis Webb, Birmingham) with bloodstone seal end Est 40-60

LOT 100 - Pair of WW1 medals - 6602 GNR A.E. Davison, Royal Artillery Est 30-40

We're still accepting entries so do contact us if you have something that you would like to enter - 01603 304337 or 07810 646711

Mixed Lot

It is an excellent time to sell antique costume and fine jewellery. In fact, there has probably never been a better time. That is partly because the price of gold and silver remains high, and partly because of the increasing importance we place on individuality. Buyers want something different and are prepared to pay a premium for it.

We offer free valuations and advice with regard to antiques and valuables and I was particularly pleased to be asked to consider a collection of antique jewellery brought into us yesterday, a stunning array that includes Victorian brooches and rings and later 1920's including an exquisite Art Deco turquoise bracelet. We have been instructed to sell the collection and hope to provide more information on that soon.

Another lot to look out for, that will be in our sale next week, is a stunning 9ct gold slim Asprey's pocket watch - again, pictures soon. Asprey's are one of those magical names, much sought-after and collected. What is a 9ct gold slim Asprey's pocket watch worth? Why not come along to our sale on the 10th February and find out?

It's The Cloisters Fair today at St Andrew's Hall - who knows what will come in for our auction next week? All I know is that it could be anything - anything at all. My favourite though has to be, and always will be, the headless skeleton...

Postscript - by the way, I am on Twitter - not that I really understand or get the hang of Twitter yet - so do follow me on there (garyofnorwich)!