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

Mixed Lot

My wife, Beth, thinks that I work too hard and it's difficult not to agree when I start a posting in the middle of the night.  The truth is that when you run a business you are bound to it and in that sense it never leaves you.  My business is something that I can rely on to provide for my family and so naturally I am protective of it.  It's intimate too, because although there are many people in and around it there is actually only one person who lives with it night and day, warts and all - and that is me. 

Today I have arranged to take in some jewellery for the next auction and to collect some cameras too.  I enjoy this aspect of my work because you just don't know what might turn up.  One lady handed a gilt framed drawing to me once (fresh from her attic) and said "Oh this old thing is by John Crome".  I can remember showing a colleague and us just thinking Oh My God!  Antique dealers are full of stories and, just like fisherman's tales, they can get exaggerated.  Many sales take place privately (a growing aspect of my work) and some of the best stuff is never seen - so it's sometimes frustrating when you handle something special and no one believes you "No, it really was a 17th Century manuscript!"  I am alone in knowing that it was which is why I need Betty back.
Betty was the best secretary I ever had (when I had a 'proper' job).  Behind closed doors she was my trusted advisor and I could and did share every last morsel with her openly and honestly.  She would say "Oh Gary, what have you done this time!"  and I would say "Oh Betty, it's all gone a bit wrong" and she would say "Never mind, we can sort it out" Which is exactly what we did - every time.  The key thing was the we thing - I was never alone whilst Betty was in my life.  I'm not alone now, of course, because I work alongside fantastic people - all of whom I value - but Betty, a Betty, would complete our team.  Unfortunately, Betty buggered off and got married - Beth and I went to her wedding and I remember those days like they were yesterday but in fact it was a long long time ago.  Time moves on and things change.  I like to think the next Betty is around the corner.
I don't know, of course, what is round the corner, none of us do.  In my dreams I imagine a once-in-a-lifetime find.  I suppose the closest so far would be Bob Dylan's harmonica but that's still some way short of what I really hope for.  How about a chess set belonging to Ṣalāḥ ad-Dīn Yūsuf ibn Ayyūb, a marble board with ebony and ivory pieces hand carved in 12th Century Syria; or a lost work by Tiziano Vecelli; or the sunken treasury of King John, lost to The Wash in 1216 just days before his death.  Dreams, maybe, but no one can deny that our business, this business, offers a chance - a chance to find something that can make a fortune.
The irony is that money means very little to me.  I do what I do because I enjoy it.  They say that dealing in antiques is in the blood.  It's a little bit addictive - like gambling.  It's in my blood.  It's in my heart too, and in my head which is why I am thinking, thinking when I should be sleeping.

Mixed Lot

The morning after sale day is always welcome, if I am honest.  Hosting an auction is tough and it takes much more than you might think to get everything right.  Not that we get everything right all the time.  Sitting here with my coffee, I can have some respite from work.  There is so much to do - but not today. Henry, my three year old son, is playing with Buzz Light Year - my one and only purchase from yesterday's sale - and I am thinking about the prospect of a full English breakfast.
We don't get everything right but I have to say a BIG thank you to my people yesterday.  Our business will only thrive if the people that work within it are right - and yesterday convinced me that each and every one of my team are bang on it. That gives me confidence for the future.
Of course, yesterday was the first time we had held an auction on the fourth Thursday of the month.  That our regular customers supported us was much appreciated.  It felt good yesterday.  It felt right.  It felt like we took another step forward.  Best result?  Well, £220 for the Merrythought Alsation Puppy (LOT 22) was a shock.  The 1950's Rolex watch (LOT 200) sold for £650 and the Victorian diamond and cat's eye ring (LOT 100) made £320.
Our next sale is on the 14th October.  That may seem like a little while away but it will soon come round.  In the meantime we have the Great Norwich Yard Sale on Sunday, 3rd October - do contact us for details about that.  Oh, and The Cloisters Fair this Saturday and next Wednesday.
On Monday I will take the train down to London to meet a couple of dealers I know - I am hoping they will hoover-up a couple of the unsold lots from yesterday - and on Tuesday I will be driving down to Brighton where I hope to buy well.  I was down there recently (and in Lewes) and was surprised at just how much quality there is down there - and at reasonable prices.  I need to buy well - most of my stock has been sold!
Back to Henry and his excitement about receiving Buzz Light Year reminds me of my childhood - and of all the toys I played with and damaged in the process.  We offered a lot of DINKY toys yesterday - all played with miltary vehicles just like those that littered my childhood bedroom floor.  They reached £170 but that would have been £1,700 if they were all boxed and mint.  Today's toys are tomorrow's treasures.  It's probably a bit late for Buzz but then he is an Intergalatic hero, isn't he Henry?

Catalogue 23rd September 2010

Here is our auction catalogue for tomorrow (23rd September 2010).  Public viewing is from midday with the sale itself starting at 2pm at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich

General Auction 23rd September 2010

Lot Description Estimate

1 Vintage gramophone A/F 10-20
2 Large watercolour seascape 30-40
3 Vintage Astra Paris fur coat 30-40
4 Large ceramic elephant 10-20
5 Box of assorted clear glass ware 10-20
6 Mixed lot of copper-ware panels 10-20
7 Two boxes of books incl old annuals 10-20
8 Victorian inlaid table 20-30
9 Nest of three tables and a cane table 10-20
10 Acoustic guitar in case 40-60
11 Three hall chairs 10-20
12 Pair of large ornamental cannons 20-30
13 Two mixed boxes 10-20
14 Box mixed china 10-20
15 Cased Praktika camera 10-20
16 Art Deco silver picture frame hallmarked Birmingham 1924* 40-60
17 Victorian Bristol blue glass and silver scent bottle* 40-60
18 Silver (ring holder?) with Mother-of-Pearl horns, hallmarked Birmingham 1906* 40-60
19 Victorian Mother-of-Pearl card case* 40-60
20 Cased silver service rings - hallmarked 1913* 60-80
21 Vintage cigarette case* 8-12
22 Merrythought alsation puppy soft toy 10-20
23 Blue & white vase 20-30
24 Wooden sewing box on legs 8-12
25 Box of die cast cars 10-20
26 Biscuit barrel with two glass vases, amber glass ashtray, & blue cup & saucer 10-20
27 Six pieces of tribal art incl chess set 18-24
28 Vintage set of drawers A/F 8-12
29 Large art glass fish 10-20
30 1960's cedar skiing box containing various* 8-12
31 3 x gents watches in a wooden box* 10-20
32 19th Century silver scent bottle (possibly French) with stopper* 80-120
33 Boot hook with silver handle - Birmingham hallmark, 1907* 18-25
34 9ct gold heart shaped pendant and chain* 8-12
35 Old stool and pigeon racing box and an old wooden box 30-40
36 Pair of vintage gold watches* 10-20
37 18ct gold and black pearl pendant* 80-120
38 Vintage telephone 10-20
39 Box of china and three backpacks 8-12
40 Set of Edwardian cut crystal wine glasses in two boxes 80-120
41 Two large glass painted Oriental pictures A/F - please note damage to glass -
handle at own risk 20-30
42 Christmas fire guard 8-12
43 Three part Wedgwood set (Kutani Crane) 40-60
44 Buzz Lightyear toy 4-8
45 Box of coloured glass incl Whitefriars 10-20
46 Chinese blue & white bowl 30-40
47 Burslem Ware pot 10-20
48 Pair of brass horse harnesses 30-40
49 Box of bijouterie* 10-20
50 Silver Victorian/Edwardian evening bag/purse (4.5oz)* 80-100
51 Pair of Victorian silver wine labels both hallmarked London 1893* 80-100
52 Five assorted and signed Netsuke* 30-40
53 Box of costume jewellery* 10-20
54 Godzilla F/A-18 Hornet boxed toy 20-30
55 Three hall chairs 10-20
56 Large Guernsey Pottery lamp (electrical item - see conditions) 20-30
57 Pair of oil paintings 10-20
58 WW2 German helmet* 40-60
59 Mantle clock with key 30-40
60 Peter Dawkins wall sconces (2) 10-20
61 Large German vase 10-20
62 Mixed lot of pictures 10-20
63 Box of assorted glassware incl carnival glass 20-30
64 Mantle clock with key 20-30
65 Mixed lot 20-30
66 Lutz glass vase 10-20
67 Spirit level 4-8
68 Mixed lot 10-20
69 Old case 4-8
70 Pair of horn drinking vessels 20-30
71 Mixed lot 10-20
72 Mixed box of treen (7) 18-24
73 Large ornamental cannon 10-20
74 Motorcycle leathers incl jacket (size 42) 10-20
75 RAOB Lodge items incl medals/sashes* 80-120
76 Pair of vintage woodworking planes 10-20
77 1950's Eagle Dan Dare Comics Dan Dare pocket watch* 40-60
78 Hallmarked silver comb and silver topped bottle* 8-12
79 Napoleon III stud 8-12
80 H J Wood King & Queen toby jugs 40-60
81 Price Kensington toby jug 10-20
82 Set of glassware 10-20
83 Early coffin stool 30-40
84 Glass dressing table set 8-12
85 Two boxes of die-cast cars 20-30
86 Mantle clock with key 20-30
87 Boudoir chair 10-20
88 Three ceramic plaques 10-20
89 Pair of mounted figures 10-20
90 Large framed original picture of children playing in a field 20-30
91 Print of Sprowston Mill + one other 10-20
92 Mixed lot 10-20
93 Mamod steam engine 20-30
94 Bugle 8-12
95 Mantle clock with key and enamel dial 80-120
96 Box of annuals 10-20
97 Large 9ct gold citrine ring* 60-80
98 Victorian 14ct gold ruby and seed peal brooch* 30-40
99 1970's gold and amethyst ring* 40-60
100 Victorian/Edwardian 18ct gold cat's eye & diamond (.30 ct) ring* 300-400
101 Victorian/Edwardian 18ct gold diamond (0.48ct) ring (size Q)* 400-600
102 Victorian silver brooch in form of a thistle* 18-25
103 Cameo brooch* 10-20
104 1950's Eagle Dan Dare Comics Jeff Arnold pocket watch* 40-60
105 Conway Stewart fountain pen with 14ct gold nib* 20-30
106 Mixed lot 8-12
107 Ebony lion bookends 20-30
108 Ltd Ed Parachute Regiment plate 8-12
109 Boxed cutlery set 20-30
110 Antique wall clock 30-40
111 Ten pieces of stoneware 10-20
112 Mixed lot 10-20
113 Mixed lot of postcards 10-20
114 Four pieces of mixed glass 8-12
115 Vintage fur coat 20-30
116 Watercolour of The Strand by E Stranger signed and dated 1947 20-30
117 Vintage laboratory scales with weights 20-30
118 Carved thistle walking stick handle (top only - no stick)* 8-12
119 Parker fountain pen with 14ct gold nib* 20-30
120 WW2 German officer's cap* 40-60
121 Mixed lot of bijouterie etc* 10-20
122 Box of mixed 19th Century Coalport 20-30
123 Framed glass painted picture of French warships in battle 10-20
124 County of Norfolk Avery scales 20-30
125 Gerald Cooper framed print of flowers 10-20
126 Mixed lot 10-20
127 Cranberry water carafe 10-20
128 Victorian blue glass vase 10-20
129 Two Trench Art matchbox holders* 30-40
130 18ct gold and heart-shaped diamond cluster ring (1ct size M1/2)* 300-400
131 Early 19th Century Marsala silver wine label hallmarked Birmingham 1827* 80-100
132 Brass Middle-Eastern smoking pipe 8-12
133 Mixed lot of cutlery 8-12
134 Norwich acorn plate 8-12
135 Mixed lot incl ceramic animals 8-12
136 Victorian glass vase 10-20
137 Wood & Sons toby jug 20-30
138 Mixed lot 8-12
139 Mixed lot 8-12
140 Two rare photograph albums, the first by R.B. Holmes of Indian subjects c.1890
1920 (41 in all) as well as 8 smaller photographs (by Arora and Tundan): the
second showing Indian subjects incl military (similar era) - see paperwork* 400-600
141 Pair of figurines 8-12
142 Mixed lot of costume jewellery 8-12
143 Vintage mirror# 8-12
144 Pair of barometers 10-20
145 Assorted door ornaments 8-12
146 Two leather wallets 8-12
147 Crown Devon sugar jar 4-8
148 Vintage projector and two boxes of slides including Punch and Judy and The
Death of Nelson 40-60
149 Small mixed lot* 10-20
150 Victorian silver pin cushion (possibly Russian) in form of an owl* 80-100
151 Early 19th Century silver ladle with 1699 coin and horn handle* 100-140
152 Set of six silver service rings in original case, not inscribed, hallmarked
Birmingham 1908, maker's initials JR (possibly John Rose)* 200-300
153 9ct gold and smoky quartz ring* 30-40
154 Ivory shoe horn and boot hook* 8-12
155 Large 19th Century ceramic elephant with cherubs 40-60
156 9ct gold ring* 10-20
157 9ct gold emerald & white stone ring* 40-60
158 18ct gold & diamond gypsy ring* 40-60
159 Antique wall clock 30-40
160 18ct gold & three diamond ring* 40-60
161 9ct gold square cut peridot ring* 30-40
162 Mixed lot 10-20
163 Mixed lot of 1960's/1970's men's shirts/leather jackets 20-30
164 Tray of earring studs* 10-20
165 US Tank Regiment helmet* 30-40
166 1950's Eagle Dane Dare Comic Ingersoll Jeff Arnold pocket watch* 40-60
167 Shipping/cruise liner interest - candlestick made from the decking of the
RMS Mauretania - The Old Lady of the Sea 1907 holder of the Blue Riband* 20-30
168 Mixed lot of watches* 10-20
169 Two blue and silver glass vases 10-20
170 Seven copper jugs 40-60
171 5 x plated silver shipping service ware* 40-60
172 Coffee table 8-12
173 Cut-throat razor* 4-8
174 6.4g scrap gold* 30-40
175 Early 19th Century silver Madeira wine label hallmarked London 1823* 120-180
176 Rare hallmarked silver bead bracelet in original case* 40-60
177 Victorian silver cape-buckle hallmarked Birmingham 1896* 80-120
178 Very early silver-topped horn spoon* 40-60
179 9ct gold pocket watch - full hunter/good working order* 300-400
180 13416: Pte L G Kiddell Norfolk Regiment 1st Battalion, Died France 4th June 1916
Born Lakenham, Norwich (Leslie George)* 800-1000
181 9ct gold Celtic design topaz ring* 20-30
182 Two tone diamond crossover ring* 30-40
183 Mixed lot of watches* 10-20
184 Two chargers 10-20
185 Oil on board painting of a pig 20-30
186 Box of dolls 20-30
187 Copper pans and pots and a bowl (5) 20-30
188 Small lot of costume jewellery 8-12
189 Large green jardiniere 20-30
190 Mixed lot of cannons 10-20
191 Satsuma vase and blue & white plate 10-20
192 2 Famile Rose Chinese plates and a cup and saucer 20-30
193 Mixed lot incl turquoise duck, Chinese black vase, ginger jar, etc 20-30
194 Box incl magazines, sheet music, and a radio 8-12
195 Amano Studio Pottery vase 10-20
196 Three various jugs 10-20
197 Tag Heuer wristwatch - gents 80-120
198 Tag Heuer wristwatch - gents 80-120
199 Bavarian black bear* 10-20
200 9ct gold Rolex watch - Birmingham 1952 - good working order in original case* 800-1000
201 Rare very early (possibly 16th Century) Scottish purse* 400-600
202 9ct mounted swivel 1/2 Sovereign (1901) brooch* 160-180
203 Set of silver coin cufflinks/studs* 18-25
204 9ct gold and diamond cluster ring (size R)* 80-100
205 9ct gold and diamond cluster ring (0.25ct size N)* 80-100
206 9ct white gold diamond cluster ring (0.25ct size M)* 80-100
207 Conway Stewart fountain pen with 14ct gold nib* 20-30
208 Mixed lot of pottery (5) 10-20
209 Mixed lot of glass incl decanters 10-20
210 Mixed lot 10-20
211 Mixed lot of die-cast incl Corgi Aston Martin DB-5 10-20
212 "The Compliments of the Season" glass plate 8-12
213 Poole Isle of Wight plate 8-12
214 Mixed lot 8-12
215 Five-piece pewter service 8-12
216 Mixed lot 10-20
217 Post Office clock (believed to be from Diss Station) A/F 20-30
218 18ct solitaire ring* 40-60
219 9ct white gold and diamond ring* 30-40
220 9ct gold diamond and topaz ring* 30-40
221 Silver cameo with marcasite on silver chain* 20-30
222 Box of 23 military Dinky die-cast toys* 200-300
223 Box of mixed coinage* 30-40
224 A mosaic pin brooch and a mosaic brooch* 12-18
225 Victorian silver and glass double scent bottle* 120-180
226 Victorian/Edwardian 9ct gold chain and padlock (11.5g)* 120-150
227 Tag Heuer LINK automatic watch with paperwork* 400-600
228 Pink glass rose bowl/Masons dish/Spode dish 10-20
229 Flower pot/studio pottery 10-20
230 14ct gold jade bracelet* 60-80
231 14ct gold jade ring* 40-60
232 14ct gold jade diamond pendant* 40-60
233 14ct gold jade earrings* 40-60
234 Nest of tables 8-12
235 WW2 German uniform 30-40
236 Box of bric-a-brac 8-12
237 Oval mirror# 8-12
238 Box of Spiderman and Cyberman 10-20
239 Ballistic vest# 10-20
240 Basket of photo albums etc 10-20
241 Two stoneware flagons 10-20
242 Hallmarked silver bangle* 12-18
243 Seiko and a Sekonda ladies watches*# 8-12
244 Mixed lot of watches# 8-12
245 Super 8 Projector# 10-20
246 Super 8 Projector# 10-20
247 Mixed lot of Supr 8 films# 10-20
248 19th Century Atlas# 10-20
249 Mantle clock with key# 10-20
250 Wills 1927 British Butterflies - set of 50 cig cards# 18-25
251 1922 Churchmans Boxing cig cards - set of 25 (catalogue at £125)# 30-40
252 Epsom 2480 A4 photo scanner with power transformer# 10-20
253 Wills Old Furniture set of 25 large 1st Series cig cards - 1923 (cat £65)# 18-25
254 Wills Roses 1936 large cig card series - set of 40 (cat at £64)# 18-25
255 Gas mask# 8-12
256 Mr T money box# 4-8
257 Kumfy storage bottle# 8-12
258 Framed picture of Jesus Christ# 4-8
259 Art glass pheasant# 8-12
260 Art glass bird# 8-12
261 Ceramic mantle clock# 10-20
262 Glass vase# 8-12
263 Leg magic workout system# 10-20
264 Wills Garden Flowers 2nd series cig cards# 8-12
265 Set of 1928 Gallaher Zoo Tropical Birds cig cards# 18-25

* in or by cabinet
# administrative note

More lots for this Thursday's Sale

Here are a selection of pictures for this coming Thursday's General Auction including Antiques and Collectables:

LOT 176 - Rare hallmarked silver bead bracelet in original case
LOT 177 - Victorian silver cape-buckle hallmarked Birmingham 1896
LOT 175 - Early 19th Century silver Madeira wine label hallmarked London 1823
LOT 130 - 18ct gold and heart-shaped diamond cluster ring (1ct size M1/2)
LOT 202 - 9ct mounted swivel 1/2 Sovereign (1901) brooch

MORE pictures to follow

Sale takes place at St Andrew's Hall on Thursday, 23rd September 2010 at 2pm (public viewing from midday). Any questions call 01603 34337 or 07810 646711

More lots for this Thursday's Auction

Here are a selection of pictures for this coming Thursday's General Auction including Antiques and Collectables:

LOT 151 - Early 19th Century silver ladle with 1699 coin and horn handle
LOT 152 - Set of six silver napkin rings in original case, not inscribed, hallmarked Birmingham 1908, maker's initials JR (possibly John Rose)
LOT 226 - Victorian/Edwardian 9ct gold chain and padlock (11.5g)
LOT 201 - Rare very early (possibly 16th Century) Scottish purse
LOT 101 - Victorian/Edwardian 18ct gold diamond (0.48ct) ring (size Q)

MORE pictures to follow

Sale takes place at St Andrew's Hall on Thursday, 23rd September 2010 at 2pm (public viewing from midday). Any questions call 01603 34337 or 07810 646711

Lots for Auction 23rd September 2010

Here are a selection of pictures for this coming Thursday's General Auction including Antiques and Collectables:

LOT 225 - Victorian silver and glass double scent bottle
LOT 18 - Silver (ring holder?) with Mother-of-Pearl horns, hallmarked Birmingham 1906
LOT 150 - Victorian silver pin cushion (possibly Russian) in form of an owl
LOT 17 - Victorian Bristol blue glass and silver scent bottle
MORE pictures to follow

Sale takes place at St Andrew's Hall on Thursday, 23rd September 2010 at 2pm (public viewing from midday). Any questions call 01603 34337 or 07810 646711

Lots for Auction 23rd September 2010

Here are a selection of pictures for this coming Thursday's General Auction including Antiques and Collectables:
LOT 200 - 9ct gold Rolex watch - Birmingham 1952 - good working order
LOT 16 - Art Deco silver picture frame hallmarked Birmingham 1924
LOT 50 - Silver Victorian/Edwardian evening bag/purse (4.5oz)
LOT 100 - Victorian/Edwardian 18ct gold cat's eye & diamond (.30 ct) ring
LOT 19 - Victorian Mother-of-Pearl card case

MORE pictures to follow

Sale takes place at St Andrew's Hall on Thursday, 23rd September 2010 at 2pm (public viewing from midday).  Any questions call 01603 34337 or 07810 646711

Mixed Lot

There has been much to reflect upon these last few days.  Of course, I can't share it all with you because this is a public blog and I do have a private life and a business life that inevitably requires a certain degree of stealth in order to succeed.  But what is most interesting to me are the people that I buy from, sell to, and work alongside.  New faces, old faces, changing faces - all occupying a place in my world and influencing it in different ways.
Our business is beginning to gain real momentum and that is down to the emphasis we put on people.  Our service is bespoke and that means individual relationships are key.  Take our growing staff team, for example: two new people on board for the auction last week and only a matter of time before others join us.  We are now hosting two auctions a month at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich (on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month) - which means we have one next week on the 23rd September (midday viewing, 2pm sale).
We have some cracking lots in for next week already including some WW2 militaria, clocks, coins, and jewellery.  We will be taking in lots all day on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week - so do come in and see us.
The Cloisters Fair has been more vibrant of late, in part because we have a number of new stallholders supplementing the old faces.  It's a great atmosphere down there at the moment and as custodian I am very proud to be at the helm of East Anglia's longest running weekly antique fair.  Pop down on any Wednesday or our next Saturday - 25th September.
Last Sunday I put my gavel down and returned home to be a husband and a father.  My daughter, Laura, is off to study psychology at Sheffield University and it was our last chance to have the whole family together for a while.  A super lunch at Giraffe with lots of laughter was just perfect for re-charging my batteries.  Family, I guess they are the people in our lives that really matter.

Auction Catalogue September 9th 2010

General Auction 9th September 2010


Lot Description Estimate
1 Viners of Sheffield plated silver service on tray 20-30
1a Mixed lot of coinage 10-20
2 Trench Art matchbox holders* 30-40
3 Box of mixed 19th Century Coalport incl platter/dishes/coffee cans etc* 60-80
4 Italian vintage necklace* 8-12
5 Two Edwardian chairs 10-20
6 Mixed lot 8-12
7 Framed glass painted picture of French warships in battle 10-20
8 Crystal ship's decanter 10-20
9 Mixed lot of books on horse brasses etc 10-20
10 Crystal bowl with matching glasses 10-20
11 Large Oriental vase 40-60
12 Mixed lot 8-12
13 Large Satsuma vase 40-60
14 Box of sheet music 8-12
15 Vintage tapestry tray and 2 x blue & white plates 8-12
16 Mixed lot of annuals 10-20
17 Box of books 8-12
18 Regimental badge - Hampshire* 8-12
19 Framed map of Norfolk 10-20
20 Two Imperial Service medals* 30-40
21 Two vintage hedgehog figurines* 10-20
22 Small picture frame* 8-12
23 Godzilla F/A-18 Hornet boxed toy 30-40
24 Coffee table 8-12
25 Mixed lot 8-12
26 Mixed lot of Cds etc 20-30
27 Mixed lot incl books, board games, & video processor/enhancer/mixer 8-12
28 Vintage fire guard 4-8
29 Mixed lot of cd players 8-12
30 1960's skiing cigar box 8-12
31 Coffee table 8-12
32 Mixed lot of vintage clothing 8-12
33 Mixed of signed posters 20-30
34 Three hall chairs 10-20
35 Mixed lot incl silver plate 10-20
36 Pair of Oriental vases 40-60
37 Large Guernsey Pottery lamp (electrical item - see conditions) 30-40
38 Mixed lot of books 4-8
39 Large framed print of Othello 40-60
40 Two oil paintings 10-20
41 1960's boxed Corgi Hovercraft* 20-30
42 Mamod steam engine* 30-40
43 Hallmarked silver comb and a hallmarked silver topped bottle* 18-25
44 Hand carved top to a walking stick* 8-12
45 Shipping/cruise liner interest - candlestick made from the decking of the
RMS Mauretania - The Old Lady of the Sea 1907 holder of the Blue Riband* 30-40
46 9ct gold ring hallmarked Birmingham and set with a large topaz stone* 40-60
47 Conway Stewart fountain pen with 14ct gold nib* 20-30
48 Mahogany mirrored panels 10-20
49 "The Better Land" - large Victorian framed print 8-12
50 Large gilt framed print of "The Marriage of Giovanni Arnolfini and Giovanna
Cenami" by Jan van Eyck 10-20
51 Pair of hunting prints 30-40
52 Large framed original picture of children playing in a field 40-60
53 Wicker basket with snakeskin, eel skin, & lizard skin handbags, and mink
collars 40-60
54 Mixed lot 10-20
55 Mixed lot of costume jewellery 10-20
56 Two oil lamps 8-12
57 Mixed lot of pictures 10-20
58 Mixed lot incl die-cast/candlesticks in a brown bag 10-20
59 Two fox furs and a collar 10-20
60 Pair of watercolour R E Ward 30-40
61 Print of Sprowston Mill + one other 10-20
62 Pair of miniature Satsuma vases* 20-30
63 10ct rolled gold bangle A/F* 8-12
64 Victorian 15ct and diamond crevat pin* 20-30
65 Mixed lot of brass plaques 10-20
66 West German vase 8-12
67 Two blue-glass vases 10-20
68 Framed original painting of a vase of flowers by Stanley Miller 20-30
69 County of Norfolk Avery Scales 20-30
70 Silver plated dish marked "N&W" 8-12
71 Boudoir chair 12-18
72 Mixed of vintage costume brooches 10-20
73 Mixed lot incl wooden animals 8-12
74 Mixed lof of vintage games 10-20
75 Vintage trunk 8-12
76 Pair of vintage woodworking planes 10-20
77 Vintage bicycle 10-20
78 Mixed lot 10-20
79 Three boxes of mixed books 20-30
80 Print of a Jack Russell 8-12
81 3 x boxes of costume jewellery 20-30
82 1 x box and 1 x jar of buttons 10-20
83 5 x silver bangles* 30-40
84 3 x silver brooches* 10-20
85 Brass aeroplane* 8-12
86 Small brass jug* 4-8
87 Assorted badges, watch chain, etc (6)* 8-12
88 Three plastic rings* 4-8
89 Four silver rings* 8-12
90 Austrian vase 8-12
91 4 pieces of mixed glass 10-20
92 Mixed lot of Clarice Cliff dinner ware (28 pieces) 40-60
93 Wall Street Mint 10 troy oz silver bullion bar* 90-110
94 Sunshine Mint 5 troy oz silver bullion bar* 40-60
95 Sunshine Mint 1 troy oz silver bullion bar* 8-12
96 7 x Victoria silver threepenny bits* 8-12
97 19 x George V silver threepenny bits* 10-20
98 Mixed lot of 9ct & 18ct gold jewellery - 30g of 9ct + 6.5g 18ct* 300-400
99 Mixed lot of watches* 10-20
100 US Marshall Service Millennium Commemorative Ltd Ed no.1184 Marshall's
Badge in presentation box* 40-60
101 Hallmarked silver bangle* 12-18
102 Oriental painted scent bottle* 10-20
103 Carved ivory needle case* 20-30
104 Victorian pendant* 30-40
105 Hall table 18-25
106 Rococco style centre piece* 80-120
107 Beswick Jay* 30-40
108 Two retro chairs 10-20
109 Assorted door ornaments* 8-12
110 Two lighters + cig case* 4-8
111 Ten pieces of stoneware 20-30
112 Hall table 18-25
113 Mixed lot 8-12
114 Price Kensington toby jug 8-12
115 Box of costume jewellery 10-20
116 Box of mixed coins 30-40
117 Silver and tortoiseshell Norfolk Regiment sweetheart pendant* 20-30
118 Napoleon III medallion stud* 10-20
119 Two necklaces* 8-12
120 Sekonda 17 jewel movement watch* 8-12
121 Cased cut-throat razor* 8-12
122 Edwardian pocket telescope* 10-20
123 Tub of marbles 8-12
124 Box of sixty Wade Whimsies 30-40
125 Mixed lot of sewing items etc in vintage tin 10-20
126 Mini Wedgwood teapot 10-20
127 Cranberry water carafe 10-20
128 Victorian blue glass vase 10-20
129 Sugar shaker 8-12
130 Mixed lot of costume jewellery 8-12
131 Mixed lot of bank notes and coins 8-12
132 Brass Middle Eastern smoking pipe 8-12
133 Assorted costume jewellery 10-20
134 Mixed lot of stamps 20-30
135 Assorted ceramic animals etc 8-12
136 Victorian glass vase 10-20
137 Two chargers 10-20
138 Crown Devon sugar jar A/F 8-12
139 Mamod steam engine 20-30
140 Pair of vintage necklaces* 8-12
141 9ct gold diamond and topaz ring* 80-120
142 18ct gold, diamond & ruby ring* 120-180
143 Three ivory items* 10-20
144 Two Crown Ducal Orange Tree Tureens - 1929 10-20
145 Ansonia clock 30-40
146 5 x plated silver shipping service ware* 60-80
147 Cricket ball bookends 8-12
148 Jewellery box in the style of Robert "Mouseman" Thompson 8-12
149 Small chair 10-20
150 Brass bowl with contents 8-12
151 Peterson pipe* 10-20
152 Two leather wallets* 10-20
153 Wood & Sons Toby Jug 30-40
154 H T Wood King & Queen Toby Jugs 40-60
155 Pair of vintage leather and lace shoes in original box 8-12
156 Box of mixed gloves 8-12
157 Mixed lot of lace and embroidery 10-20
158 Norwich Acorn plate 10-20
159 1905 Royal Doulton Harvest Jug with hallmarked silver band* 30-40
160 Victorian cameo brooch* 30-40
161 Georgian intaglio glass seal A/F* 10-20
162 Miniature framed portrait* 10-20
163 Vintage glass bead necklace* 10-20
164 Two small 1920's boxes incl phenolic example* 10-20
165 Large postcard/photo album containing large quantity of photographs and
pictures including military* 100-120
166 "Thurne" original watercolour by Keith Johnson 40-60
167 "Landscape with Mill" original watercolour by Keith Johnson 40-60
168 Mixed lot of picture frames 8-12
169 African mask and a Welsh dragon 8-12
170 Print of flowers 8-12
171 Bohemian green glass vase 8-12
172 Hexham Wildlife Studio Owl 10-20
173 Three wool rugs 10-20
174 18ct gold, diamond, and tanzanite ring* 120-180
175 Victorian money box* 10-20
176 9ct gold, diamond, and topaz ring* 80-120
177 Vintage bicycle 10-20
178 Ebony lion bookends 30-40
179 Art Deco crocodile skin handbag 20-30
180 Vintage laboratory scales with weights 20-30
181 Art Deco crocodile skin handbag 20-30
182 Mr Peanut money box 10-20
183 Pair of Oriental vases 40-60
184 Mixed lot 8-12
185 Pair of ice skates 8-12
186 Box of mixed pictures 20-30
187 Mixed lot 10-20
188 19th Century gilt framed photograph 8-12
189 Pair of late 19th Century landscapes in gilt frames 20-30
190 Edwardian foot stool with cabriole legs 10-20
191 Four mixed pictures 10-20
192 Mixed lot 8-12
193 Mixed lot of magazines plus a radio 8-12
194 Mixed lot of pens* 10-20
195 Jeweller's portable scales* 8-12
196 Small carved figure of an elephant* 10-20
197 Parker fountain pen with 14ct gold nib* 18-25
198 Conway Stewart fountain pen with 14ct gold nib* 20-30
199 Trench art letter opener* 10-20
200 9ct gold Victorian bangle hallmarked William & Franks, Birmingham* 200-250
201 Mixed lot 8-12
202 Pair of pictures 8-12
203 Vintage mirror 20-30
204 Nest of tables 8-12
205 Mixed lot 8-12
206 Coffee table 8-12
207 Mixed lot of local pictures and a mirror 10-20
208 Jewllery box with contents 10-20
209 Seiko ladies quartz watch* 8-12
210 Sekonda ladies watch* 8-12
211 Selection of glass fishing net floats 10-20
212 Small car cover 8-12
213 Ballistic vest 8-12
214 Meade ETX-90 Astronomical telescope with tripod, 2 x sighter and ETX
Autostar controller 4-60
215 Leg Magic Workout system with DVD 10-20
216 Epsom 2480 A4 photo scanner with power transformer 10-20
217 Two mirrors 20-30
218 Assorted coloured glass 10-20
219 Assorted costume jewellery 10-20
220 Mixed lot 8-12
221 Two Murano animals - elephant and a rooster* 10-20
222 Silver gem set ring* 10-20
223 33g 9ct hallmarked gold chain (London)* 280-350
224 19th Century Two Stone Diamond Crossover Ring - Charles Dibden (1745-1814)
Composer & family - see related paperwork from Sotheby's etc 800-1200
225 9ct gold hallmarked fob set with black onyx* 60-80
226 Mixed lot 8-12
227 Top hat in a box 10-20
228 Sweet jar full of costume jewellery 10-20
229 Langley bowl and a red vase 4-8
230 Vintage case & contents 10-20
231 Mixed lot 4-8
232 Vintage mirror 10-20
233 Mixed lot of hats 10-20
234 Mixed lot of watches 10-20
235 Two 18th Century hand-coloured engravings - Framlingham Castle 20-30

* Indicates in or near cabinets

Mixed Lot

"Isn't Great Massingham in North West Norfolk?" asked one of my colleagues.
And so I realised my gaffe last Sunday: we headed west, not east.
Not that it mattered as the three of us sat in The Dabbling Duck comparing notes.  One of us had picked up a Robert "Mouseman" Thompson cheeseboard and I a beautiful Georgian glass intaglio seal, amongst other things of course. 
The last time I was in the pub at Great Massingham there were several fights and I was genuinely scared.  These days, under new ownership, the pub is thriving and we were lucky to get any food at all, it was so busy.  Dealing in antiques is not just about the money; it's about the culture and mostly pub culture.  Some people don't understand that but old fashioned deals are done the right way - over a pint.
We continued our drinking in Norwich, at The Jubilee (one of the last and best traditional pubs in Norwich) where we played pool and darts (badly) before ending up at The Townhouse for a traditional Sunday carvery.  Walking home with my family (who had joined us for food) I thought just how lucky I am to do what I do.  Can there be anything more rewarding than family, food and drink, friends and treasure hunting? 
Yesterday was spent at the auction rooms in Diss where I bought very little.  We arrived back in Norwich much earlier than normal and that gave me an opportunity to catch-up on some paperwork before heading back out to meet a retired antique dealer who wanted to sell his old stock.  "I used to get £100 for a pair of brass candlesticks" he told me.  "Those days have long gone" I explained - today a pair of brass candlesticks scraps for about £2.  We live in a different world now and probably that's a good thing - I've never like brass!
Business is going to get hectic in the coming months - we have already announced details of The Great Norwich Yard Sale (see below and in the newspapers today) - and I am so grateful for the support that we receive from family, friends, and colleagues. Businesses are built on relationships and I value each and every one of those.

The Great Norwich Yard Sale

On Sunday, 3rd October 2010, we will be managing the first ever yard sale at dozens of 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 11am on the morning of the sale or available as a hard copy from 73 Yarmouth Road, Thorpe St Andrew from 9am on the morning of the sale (£2).
If you would like more information about buying or selling through The Great Norwich Yard Sale then please do contact us on 01603 304337 01603 304337 or 07810 646711 07810 646711