Barnes Auctioneers Diary

Mixed Lot

2011-06-09T21:23:00.003+01:00

It's been a while since I posted. And I'm not about to explain why or say much more than this blog is shutting down. Please visit http://www.barnesauctioneers.co.uk/ for future information.

I leave you with a picture of some 1930's Venetian glass beads - just one of the many super lots we have in our General Auction including Antiques & Collectables on Wednesday, 22nd June 2011 at 1pm (public viewing from 11am).

"Wipe the tear baby dear from your eye"

Auction Update

2011-06-07T13:14:00.010+01:00

Our next General Auction including Antiques & Valuables will take place at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich on Wednesday, 22nd June at 1pm (public viewing from 11am).

Amongst the lots are some super banknotes including this 1952 £5 note signed by P.S. Beale, Chief Cashier

The Cloisters Fair will be on tomorrow 8am-3pm as usual but not next week (15th) as St Andrew's Hall is not available to us.

Please telephone 01603 304337 or 07810 646711 for more information.

Auction Update

2011-05-31T18:26:00.011+01:00

Our next General Auction including Antiques & Valuables takes place at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich tomorrow (Wednesday) at 1pm (public viewing from midday). Here are just some of the lots we have in the sale including:

LOT 43 - Victorian photograph album Est 10-20

LOT 144 - Two WW1 medals - both Cpl W. Butler, Royal Artillery Est 40-60

LOT 9 - Taxidermy of a jay bird Est 10-20

LOT 190 - Original 1862 Colt police pistol in box with accessories Est 1,000-1,200

LOT 58 - US police cap Est 20-30 (as modelled by the luscious Linda Brady - our most senior condottieri)

We also have a heavy gents 9ct gold ring, a Rolex hunter pocket watch, and a Newlyn Arts & Crafts copper bowl - just some of the little gems in store for you. Don't forget that we will still be accepting entries for tomorrow's sale right up until 10am!

Whilst you are with us you will also be able to visit The Cloisters Fair 8am-3pm 50p entry (free before 9am).

Auction News

2011-05-31T07:51:00.002+01:00

Our next General Auction including Antiques & Valuables will take place at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich tomorrow, Wednesday 1st June 2011 at 1pm (public viewing from 11am).

We are accepting entries at St Andrew's Hall between 10am and 4pm today and tomorrow. Do remember that our auction takes place now every Wednesday to coincide with The Cloisters Fair and that you can bring in your lots on any Tuesday or Wednesday.

Please do check back here later for some images from tomorrow's sale.

Weekly Update

2011-05-23T09:20:00.002+01:00

Just to remind you that we have three events on at St Andrew's Hall this week:

1) General Auction - Wednesday, 25th May at 1pm (public viewing from 11am) - we will be accepting lots for this sale throughout Tuesday 10am-4pm and on the morning of the sale until 10am

2) The Cloisters Fair - Wednesday, 25th and Saturday, 28th May 8am-3pm (4pm Saturday) 50p entry (free to Trade before 9am)

Please note that we are having update problems with our main website www.barnesauctioneers.co.uk at present - please visit here for updates at present

General Auction Today

2011-05-18T06:30:00.007+01:00

It's our General Auction today at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich. The sale starts at 1pm with public viewing from 11am. Of course, whilst at St Andrew's Hall you are also able to visit The Cloisters Fair 8am-3pm 50p entry (free to Trade before 9am)

Auction News

2011-05-16T11:15:00.004+01:00

Our next General Auction will take place at St Andrew’s Hall in Norwich at 1pm on Wednesday, 18th May 2011 with public viewing from 11am.

We will be accepting entries for the sale between 10am and 4pm tomorrow (Tuesday) and until 11am on Wednesday morning.

Illustrated we have three super lots:
LOT 95 – Gold-plated Rolex hunter pocket watch
LOT 190 – 9ct gold Rotary gents wind-up watch
LOT 194 – Victorian carved bog oak in form of an Irish harp

Please note the following changes to our selling format:
1) General sales held at St Andrew’s Hall in Norwich every Wednesday at 1pm and including antiques & valuables on the first Wednesday of every month.
2) Public viewing from 11am onwards.
3) Entries accepted every Tuesday between 10am and 4pm at St Andrew’s Hall and on Wednesdays between 8am and 4pm. Other times available by appointment – just call us to arrange a mutually convenient time.
4) Private viewings for the antiques & valuables auction available by appointment on the Tuesday prior to sale day – just call us to arrange a mutually convenient time.

Mixed Lot

2011-05-09T19:06:00.004+01:00

Once upon a time when my life was known to me, I charged about the Kingdom in search of treasure. Sometimes, I found nothing but that hardly mattered as I holed up in the corner of a pub garden somewhere. What I didn't know then, but know now, is that there is a pub in North Norfolk with an antique centre alongside it. Hang on - pub and antique centre? Heaven!

And so it was that we visited Keys of Aylsham today. It was a bit like visiting your Great Aunt -predictable and smelly. My Great Aunt used to serve up tinned salmon on a bed of lettuce. It made me want to vomit. So we left Aylsham and headed for The Three Horseshoes at Scottow - yes, the pub with an antique centre alongside it.

Douglas Bader used to drink at The Three Horeshoes. That's historic. Now it has converted a barn alongside the pub into an antique centre of exceptional quality. We wanted to buy everything but it's all in the margins and the place is priced for the Chelsea Weekenders. No profits for boys with notes in pocket.

I did buy a little bit today - nothing that worth mentioning but enough to pay for our drinks in the Ribs of Beef later on in the afternoon. Deals are done over pints and today was no exception - significant news coming soon. The number of fish we saw in the River Wensum - partly attracted by dry roasted peanuts - was astounding. The beers flowed once more. The laughter in the sun and the tales and traumas and tittle tattle of it all. Oh, how wonderful to be an antique dealer in England in the summertime.

Mixed Lot

2011-05-06T09:42:00.005+01:00

THIS IS AN ADULT POST - If you are an uptight middle-class Liberal Democrat then please leave now. If you are looking to become a valued customer of Barnes Auctioneers then please visit http://www.barnesauctioneers.co.uk/ where I promise we're a little more professional.

I hate those late night conversations that start 'How many people have you slept with?' That's because, whatever the reality, it's important to walk a steady line between truths. On the one hand, too many and you look like a (man)slut, too few and you look like a weedy virgin. The bottom line is that it is good to be experienced but not to the extent that you frighten the shit out of the person you are about to sleep with. I should point out that I haven't had a conversation such as this for many years (being a happily married man) but last week I had to advise someone who had been asked the question by a potential girlfriend.

'Eight' I said.

'Eight?'

'Yes, eight!'

'That's not many!'

'No, but it means you know your way around but are not a tart. How many have you slept with?'

'Thirty'

Now let's do the sexual partner calculation:

1) MAN TELLS MAN X DIVIDE BY THREE

2) MAN TELLS WOMAN X DIVIDE BY TWO

3) WOMAN TELLS MAN X MULTIPLY BY THREE

4) WOMAN TELLS WOMAN X MULTIPLY BY TWO

'So, you've slept with about ten women?'

'Yes'

'Well then - just be honest'

'That doesn't sound like very many'

'I think ten is ok' I said reassuringly (lied).

What has all this got to do with antiques? Not much really, except that it's a mistake to believe everything everyone ever says or writes. Take this blog, for example - it's rooted in real soil but one or two (not all) of the fruits are plastic. Our auction on Wednesday may have been dreadful (it was actually - for many reasons that have now been addressed) but I'm not about to say or write that publicly. What I would actually say is that 'we enjoyed Wednesday's sale and look forward to the next one on 18th May'. See what I mean? When I say 'Barnes Auctioneers goes from strength to strength' what I actually mean is 'Barnes Auctioneers hasn't gone under yet'.

I believe that's it's best to be so outrageous that it must be true (or do I?) An example:

'Here we have LOT 26 - a mixed lot of sheet music. And I can tell you that this sheet music used to be the personal property of John Lennon'.

After all, where does myth and legend come from? Robin Hood was actually a violent criminal. Richard the Lionheart was actually French. And Jesus Christ was a regular shaver (somehow in time that got mistranslated as 'saviour'). We all put our own spin on things. Look at Alisdair Campbell (I'd rather not) who last told the truth in 1977. Look at Donald Trump: businessman, career publicist, and master of misinformation. He says his hair is real and we sort of accept that because we want to believe it to be true (even though it's clearly been shaven from the head of a teenage prostitue in the outskirts of Moscow and shipped out to him at great expense). His claim is so outrageous that we kind of go with it.

Decisons on catalogue descriptions really bring this into focus. Gemma and I looked at a Norfolk Pattern Royal Doulton cup and saucer pre-sale and decided not to put 'A/F' alonside the description even though there was a large (contemporary) crack along one side of the cup. Possibly we did that because one would expect a 150 year old cup to be less than perfect. Another argument is that we did it to deceive. Actually, we did it because we are marketing our lots, not putting them down.

Our Terms & Conditions make it very clear that we expect potential buyers to inspect lots before bidding on them. We all have different opinions. Another example - on Thursday we had a Victorian bracelet. Potential descriptions included:

1) Victorian 18ct gold turquoise & seed pearl bracelet Est 200-300

2) Victorian 18ct rolled gold bracelet Est 80-120

3) Victorian pincbeck bracelet A/F Est 40-60

I judged that it was 'yellow metal' and estimated it accordingly. After the sale, one customer told me that it was gold 'Possibly, but it's not marked' I said 'And one of our jewellery people thinks that it is actually pinchbeck'. Pinchbeck is a yellow metal that was common in the 19th Century, used as a substitute for gold.

I think it's best to, wherever possible, tell the truth and nothing but the truth but there are times when a little bit of marketing spin is good. So I have a Victorian bracelet 'It could be gold' even if it's probably not. I haven't lied.

Two days later, my friend reported back 'Thirty-one!'

'Eleven!'

'Sorry, yes eleven!'

'Back of the net!'

'And she said it was the best she had ever had...'

'Yeah, she probably lied mate...'

Additional Lots for Tomorrow's Sale

2011-05-03T19:31:00.009+01:00

Our next General Auction including Antiques & Valuables will take place at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich tomorrow, Wednesday 4th May 2011, at 2pm (with public viewing from midday).
It is our new practice to accept lots up to 10am on the morning of the sale - so please do bring your entries down tomorrow morning.
A catalogue will be made available in the saleroom from midday.
Here we have seven lots from the sale:
LOT 1 - Pair of glass vases Est 20-30
LOT 197 - Victorian turquoise & yellow metal brooch/pendant* Est 20-30
LOT 198 - Victorian snuff box* Est 10-20
LOT 195 - Large silver-plated (over copper) punch bowl* Est 40-60
LOTs 2/44/74/127 - Mixed lot of collectable salt & peppers (one pair illustrated) Est 20-30
LOT 136 - Hallmarked silver candle snuffer* Est 20-30
LOT 181 - Victorian yellow metal bracelet* Est 80-120

Please see http://www.barnesauctioneers.co.uk/ for full Terms & Conditions

Selection of Lots from Tomorrow's Sale

2011-05-03T18:48:00.010+01:00

Our next General Auction including Antiques & Valuables will take place at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich tomorrow, Wednesday 4th May 2011, at 2pm (with public viewing from midday).
It is our new practice to accept lots up to 10am on the morning of the sale - so please do bring your entries down tomorrow morning. A catalogue will be made available in the saleroom from midday.
Here we have five lots from the sale:
LOT 177 - 9ct yellow gold gents diamond set signet ring* Est 200-300
LOT 187 - 18ct yellow gold emerald (0.48ct) & diamond (0.90ct) flower cluster ring* Est 800-1,000
LOT 186 - Bag of mixed broken jewellery etc* Est 10-20
LOT 108 - Antique cast iron roller for leather shoe manufacture Est 40-60
LOT 93 - Magic lantern Est 30-40

Please see http://www.barnesauctioneers.co.uk/ for full Terms & Conditions

Auction Update

2011-05-03T06:19:00.003+01:00

Our next General Auction including Antiques & Valuables will take place at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich tomorrow, Wednesday, 4th May 2011 at 2pm (public viewing from midday).
Pictured, are a pair of Satsuma earthenware vases recently back from Sotheby's Paris office where they were dated to 1860. Our estimate - £600-800 (LOT 200). We also have a good selection of jewellery and ceramics in the auction tomorrow.
Our sales now take place on the first and third Wednesday of every month to coincide with The Cloisters Fair. To promote this change we have decided to remove the entrance charge for the fair for this week only.

Mixed Lot

2011-05-01T17:12:00.003+01:00

I am shattered. That's because I was up at 2am this morning and by 7am was zipping down the A146 to Beccles and the antique street market where Daniel, Helen and I sold for England. Antique dealing is a little bit like gambling on the horses - it's all too easy to back a loser. Today, however, our nag came home a 16-1 winner. All three of us returned home with a fistful of dollars and we'll be back for more of the same on the 4th September (double stall please Kate - you promised!)
Selling in a small country Suffolk town is rather different to trading in Norwich - there are more farmers for starters. It's all rather more genteel too - thieves and homeless people are notable by their absence. All of the people were very nice and more than happy to spend their money. How wonderful. A bit of sun and a lot of shade. A lot of wind too and a hog roast. No hint of hostility or hassle or humbug. A lot of laughter and a bit of gossip. Most enjoyable and profitable. Well done to the organisers.
Arriving home to a glass of red and a home-cooked stew; how divine. Over dinner, I asked Henry why he stuck Easter egg foil so far up his nostril that Beth thought he would have to go to hospital (until it was eventually blown-out) 'I don't know' he answered before rolling his bread between both palms to create a 'sausage'. Take a glimpse into my world and wonder at what might happen next...

Mixed Lot

2011-04-29T20:16:00.002+01:00

Helen, Daniel and I will be heading south on Sunday to stall at the annual Beccles antique street market. The weather forecast is good and we are looking forward to it.

One of the great things about our trade is that we are all (mostly) friends. The stallholders will all know each other and, although we're there to sell, it will be quite the party atmosphere. We did discuss taking a gazebo (having wimped out because of the rain last year) but actually I can't be arsed. It's not going to rain - just like it didn't rain on Kate and William today.

On that issue - wasn't the wedding wonderful? Beth and I watched most of it and I must confess to a little tear or three (see, I am a softie really). Some of my friends were dismissive of it, critical of the expense, political when faced with the romantic occasion. What sad fucks they are. If we can't celebrate love and romance as a nation then we are no nation at all.

I could write a bit more about all that or I could cuddle up with my wife on the settee. So bye bye.

Ps - see you at Beccles on Sunday.

The Cloisters Fair - offers invited

2011-04-28T07:48:00.004+01:00

Barnes Auctioneers are today, following discussions with Norwich City Council, announcing the sale of The Cloisters antiques and collectables fair.

Gary Barnes of Barnes Auctioneers bought the fair, which is based at St Andrew's Hall, from the previous organiser back in 2007 and gradually incorporated it into his own business. However, expansion plans for the auction rooms will leave less time to manage the fair and Mr Barnes feels that the time is right to sell.

'The Cloisters Fair is a super little stand-alone business' he explained 'but it needs more attention than we have been able to give it of late. Ideally, we are looking for someone to take it on who has experience of the antiques trade but that's not essential because actually it's more about managing an event and working with people'

The antique fair has been trading in the city centre every Wednesday for almost forty years and offers an established part-time income with unlimited potential.

Mr Barnes stated 'We're looking for someone to come in with a sensible offer and won't sell unless the price is right. We're not abandoning the fair either - our business will still be based at St Andrew's Hall and we intend to continue supporting the fair working alongside the new owner'

Anyone interested in further information about the antique fair can call Mr Barnes on 01603 304337 or email barnesauctioneers@btinternet.com

AUCTION UPDATE

2011-04-26T12:27:00.002+01:00

Please accept our apologies for the late notice but this Thursday's General Auction including Antiques & Valuables has been moved back to next Wednesday, 4th May at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich. Public viewing is from midday with the sale commencing at 2pm.
We are accepting entries all day tomorrow and Saturday at The Cloisters Fair. Please contact us on 01603 304337 or 07810 646711 or email barnesauctioneers@btinternet.com

Mixed Lot

2011-04-23T10:15:00.005+01:00

There are few things dumber than a socialist in a polling booth but the colleague that bet £20 against me doubling my money on a broken Conway Stewart fountain pen is a prime candidate. That's because fountain pen collectors are usually retired, wealthy, and obsessive in acquisition. They are good buyers in a buoyant market and, let's be honest, the proletariat don't buy fountain pens because they can't even write. In fact, the great unwashed typically use a thumbprint to sign-on the dotted dole line. Most of us may be tightening the purse strings, but not fountain pen collectors.
Unusually, I found the pen in a charity shop in Diss. I say unusually because it's rare these days to find anything that hasn't been nicked out of the backroom of a charity shop. Five pens for £30, except that four were Bics 'Is it possible to just buy the one?' I asked the assistant.
'I'll go and ask the manager' came the reply.
Now, here is the problem - as soon as I took the loupe from my pocket and inspected the green marbled Conway Stewart fountain pen closely in front of the entire shop, it became clear to all and sundry that I was an antique dealer. The volunteer, armed with that knowledge and concerned that the shop may have missed something, went to speak to the boss. Of course, they had underestimated the pen: Conway Stewart are one of the most popular quality makes and this one had a 14ct gold nib. Even damaged, it was a good find.
The assistant returned 'We can let you have that one for £15'
There are arguments for and against negotiating with charity shops. Having worked in the charity sector for many years, I use my discretion. In this instance I simply questioned '£30 for 5 or £15 for just one?'
No negotiation was required, the volunteer instantly capitulated and the deal was done at £10. My friend and I then retired to the local where we sank a jar over three games of pool (which I shouldn't have but did win 2-1).
What did the pen make? Well, that's between me and my maker (oh, and the twit I have to go and collect my £20 from).

Mixed Lot

2011-04-21T02:23:00.002+01:00

Five years ago today I married Beth at Seckford Hall in Suffolk. It was in every sense a dream wedding as was our honeymoon in Cuba. My platform, what I do in life, and how I am able to conduct it is only possible because of Beth. She has always supported me, even when I have let her down. She is my sanctuary - I know and trust her and love her like no other. My path is unconventional, to say the least, and many have joined me for part of the journey but none more so than her. My target is so far into the distance that I have absolutely no idea whether or not I will hit it, just an inner-belief that I will. That she allows me to take the shot at all is testament to her confidence in me. That she has confidence in me gives me confidence in us and steadies my hand. If I miss it will not be for a lack of support from her. I have no intention of missing.

Norwich Evening News Article in Full

2011-04-21T02:16:00.002+01:00

A city antiques fair is gearing up to celebrate its 40th anniversary – and wants to hear from local people with memories of it in bygone times.
Gary Barnes, organiser of the historic Antiques and Collectables Fair at the Cloisters in St Andrew’s Hall is putting a book together to celebrate its 40-year run. By October 2012 the fair will have been held 2,000 times. The fair first began trading in October 1972 in the Old Library off Guildhall Hill in the city centre, but not much else is known about its origins.
Mr Barnes, 44, of Yarmouth Road, Thorpe St Andrew, is appealing to any local people who have come into contact with the fair and might be able to shed light on its history.
Mr Barnes said: “I believe it to have been set up by a co-operative of ten auctioneers and I have an old newspaper clipping about the fair from 1972, but it says nothing about who set it up.
“We want to know more about the history of it and the people involved in it.”
He would particularly like to draw up a list of everyone who has ever traded at the fair, which is thought to be thousands of people.
Mr Barnes runs Barnes Auctioneers of Norwich with his daughter Gemma, 21, and took on the running of the fair four years ago. Mr Barnes said the fair’s appeal lies in its variety. It also reflects the thriving vintage scene in Norwich.
His favourite memory of his years in charge is of an American woman who bought a 1970s reprint of the Domesday Book. He said: “I tried to explain that it was a copy, but she wouldn’t listen. She paid me £5 and ran out of the hall shouting to her husband ‘I just bought the Domesday Book, let’s get out of here before they realise what it’s worth!’
The fair is held every Wednesday in St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, from 9am-4pm and on selected Saturdays.
If you have any information to share contact Mr Barnes on 01603 304 337 or visit barnesauctioneers.co.uk.

Ooh and a little bit of That

2011-04-18T21:00:00.003+01:00

So, at 3.30pm the Evening News call and say 'Can you meet our photographer at St Andrew's Hall at 4.30pm?' 'Of course, that's fine' I say. Check out the Norwich Evening News tomorrow to see what that is all about. Sitting in the sun, watching the world go by, outside the front of Cinema City - how glorious. To be in England, in the summertime with my love, close to the edit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sFK0-lcjGU How divine :-)

Mixed Lot

2011-04-18T07:06:00.004+01:00

Decisions decisions decisions - which car boot sale to attend on a Sunday? In the end we opted for Banham over the perhaps more obvious (and closer) contenders of Hellesdon and Arminghall. Stalham was also a possible but, like Hellesdon, starts later and we were up and ready by 6.30am. Not sure of the weather we headed south as Banham is (partly) undercover. Not that we were the first to arrive - in fact we were one of the last. Still, we managed to secure a little spot undercover as hoped and started to set-up - one half of the stall being long-lost crap from the store room and the other half being baby-related crap that has been cluttering-up the house for far too long.

Not that Beth and I are competitive, but it was billed a little bit as Antiques versus Mothercare. Who would take the most money? At first I was concerned because everyone at Banham appeared to be pregnant - even the men. There may be some truth in the 'Norfolk Dumpling' because you don't find this bodyshape anywhere else - they kind of have a shelf fitted just under their saggy tits. Of course, some of the women (quite a few in fact) were actually pregnant, which gave Beth a head start. She sold things I didn't even know we had. Soon I started to catch-up with a few bits and pieces, but nothing over £5. Still, lots of small regular sales add up.

Most importantly, we sold the high chair. That was our primary aim for the day - it is huge, not so much a high chair as a multi-equipped nursery with service tray. I was looking around the stalls when Beth sold it and when I got back she told me that a tall beautiful blonde European woman would be coming to collect it any moment. Beth went to the loo and I started to brush my hair in anticipation of the arrival of an Eva Herzigova look-alike. A few minutes later a little short black bloke started to nick the chair 'Oi mate, that's sold!'

'It's mine, I just bought it' he said.

'I don't think so mate' he certainly wasn't blonde or beautiful or even female for that matter 'just leave it there!'

'My wife just told me to pick it up' and he pointed to Eva in the distance who waved and smiled to me as she opened the boot of their 4 x 4.

'Ah...'

Beth and I couldn't stop laughing at that.

Things got a little more serious the next time she went off. A great hulking Eastern European bloke asked me how much one of the quilted nursery books was. 'A pound each' I said, making it up as Beth hadn't priced anything.

'Do you think I am a fool?'

'Ha ha ha - no mate, very funny!'

'Do you think I am stupid?'

Despite holding the hand of a small child, this bloke just went into psychological meltdown before my eyes. He clearly wanted to kill me (quite a few people would like to do that, actually). At first I thought he was joking but then I realised that he was serious - all over the price of a book. Eventually, prompted by the relative safety of a supportive crowd of Dumplings, I said 'Either button it or go back to Lithuania'. Now that was a risky strategy...

'I don't give a fuck' he said, before wandering off muttering to himself.

By midday, and with an amount of money taken to have made it worthwhile, we returned to Norwich. I think Beth took a little more than me - I guess that to some people second-hand baby clothes are essential whereas a Victorian blue & white coffee pot is not.

Next Sunday it is the first Great Norwich Yard Sale of 2011 - check out http://www.barnesauctioneers.co.uk/The%20Great%20Norwich%20Yard%20Sale for more information.

Mixed Lot

2011-04-15T03:37:00.008+01:00

I am inspired to speculate on the events surrounding the discovery of the Mary Celeste on the 4th of December 1872. It may be that those on board the intact and seemingly seaworthy yet abandoned merchant ship had jumped overboard in a kind of mass suicide pact. Or they may have steered course a little too close to the Bermuda Triangle. Or they may have been eaten by the Kraken. However, whatever caused the mysterious disappearance of all on board will never be known for certain. Similarly, I am not sure that we will ever know where all of our customers were yesterday, although my guess is that it was something to do with the Easter holidays (Lord forgive me for saying but isn't it about time we got over that particular death - it was a long long time ago, after all).

Holidays and half-terms are not good for us and so we try to avoid them. Yesterday, however, we collided spectacularly, like Princess Diana in a tunnel. Talking of the Royal Family, I am not too happy about the forthcoming nuptials either because it will yet again interfere with trade. It's all very well getting excited about a transfer-printed mug imported from China bearing the words 'In Celebration of the Woyal Redding' but who is going to pay for it all? No one will be visiting antique fairs and auctions because the wretched ceremony will be beamed live on the BBC. Still, I suppose it will serve to reassure American tourists that at £20, a 1977 Silver Jubilee coin is a bargain...

Birds Eye exports to the Far East are non-existent. I know this because of the Thai girl who works at a local delicatessen/cafe that I frequent in central Norwich. Whilst serving me the other day she asked if I would like to try her noodles. Of course, I do like to nosh a noodle or two but commented that next time she would capture my trade more readily if she were to serve fish fingers.

'What fish fingers?' she asked.

'They are a breaded fish' I replied

'Nooooooo' she smiled, thinking I was joking 'you make fool of me!'

'No, I am serious, we English love fish fingers!'

'Nooooooo' she laughed 'fish not have fingers!'

'They are not fish fingers they are fish fingers!'

'Nooooooo' she said again.

'They are made by Bird's Eye'

'Nooooooo' she laughed again 'nobody eats bird's eyes - you make me smile!'

So, one of my tasks for today is to take her in a pack.

That Norwich has such a rich history dating back more than a thousand years is something that we all value and, in my opinion, has always been and continues to be enhanced by those settling here from far away. Once upon a time the Saxons and the Vikings. Later the Huguenots and the Flemish. And today from all over the globe. It'll help our DNA too - we don't want to become like our country cousins; all cross-eyed and six-fingered.

Last night was spent drowning our sorrows in The Doghouse (not that we sobbed for long - it was our first ever beating and you just have to take something like that on the chin - it was one battle, not the whole war). Seven of us around the table and as usual the conversation ebbed and flowed. Of course we covered the usual subjects - corporate strategy, human resources, planning and implementation - before agreeing that everything could be solved with another round. And then another. We even started a drinks kitty - proposed, and seconded before being put into action by The Union.

The Union consists of three members of my team. Their strength in advocacy is considerable in that whilst they are a numerical minority (more of my people are outside of The Union than inside) they make up three-quarters of The Quadrophonics (the fourth member of that particular group being yours truly). Confused? This often leads to delicate industrial relations - not easy when the vast majority of people within the inner-circle are socialists. To make matters worse, they were re-enforced last night by a good friend of ours who, despite graduating in politics, determined to remain of Marxist persuasion. I am not quite sure how someone can be educated to degree level and be a socialist but there it is. You would think that at some point during three years of cognitive development the penny would drop and they would abandon the principle in favour of something more sensible. I hope one day to found a charitable trust, dedicated to the salvation of those afflicted with this 20th Century Curse.

It's easy to spot a socialist because they only come in two guises:

1) Sub-human underclass/scrounger - claims Housing Benefit to pay for fags and ASDA vodka: likes to watch Jeremy Kyle most mornings (except for signing-on day): and thinks it's good parenting to pierce their three-month old baby girl's lobes with Argos earrings.

2) Lovely nice financially secure middle-class people - make regular donations to worthy causes: drink large glasses of pinot grigio: wear Karen Millen.

These two 'classes' of socialists are so far apart it makes me giggle. Because look closely enough and you will discover they make for uncomfortable bedfellows. Lovely nice socialists are happy to pay taxes to support the welfare of those less fortunate but there is absolutely no chance of them inviting Johnny UB40 round for supper. The dining tables of Cringleford and Eaton are not open to the social underclasses of Mile Cross and Lakenham. Duck with plum jus can never be preceded by Pot Noodle as a starter.

And so as the evening came to a close there was just time for one last volley of cannon fire from the lefties - at my recent posting re 'precision bombing the Germans'. Evidence of a mind prone to national elitism and the expense of others they argued. Not at all I countered. And then, just as the red flag was in the ascendancy it fell dramatically as one of the Marxist brethren shouted 'Yeah, but I don't like the fucking Algerians'

It's amazing how the veneer of socialist respectability can be lost in an alcoholic haze...

Auction Lots

2011-04-13T19:24:00.005+01:00

Our next General Auction including Antiques and valuables takes place tomorrow, Thursday 14th April 2011 at 2pm (public viewing from midday) at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich. Here are some images from the sale - a full catalogue will be available in the saleroom.

Auction Lots

2011-04-13T19:21:00.005+01:00

Auction Lots

2011-04-13T19:17:00.007+01:00

Featured Lot

2011-04-13T03:52:00.007+01:00

This is England. And in England we like to do things on time (unless you work for British Rail of course) - like precision bombing, for example. It's no good saying 'We'll bomb the Germans some time this evening'. No, it's important to bomb the Germans at 19.00 hours, precisely. Timekeeping is an integral part of who we are - we invented it after all (in Greenwich). These days, of course, everyone is buying quartz watches because they are highly accurate. That's fine if you live in a Bovis Home but actually owning an Accurist or a Sekonda says a lot about you - it says you are common as muck. Gentlemen (and ladies, naturally) prefer timepieces and what better than a 9ct gold pocket watch made in 1925 by the well respected A.L.Dennison which just happens to be our featured lot (no.190) in this week's auction with an estimate of £400-600.

Our General Auction including antiques and valuables takes place tomorrow (Thursday, 14th April 2011) at 2pm at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich (public viewing from midday). We'll be posting some more pictures up later this evening - so do pop back for more, at precicely 19.00 hours.

Auction News

2011-04-12T08:47:00.002+01:00

Our auctioneer, Gary Barnes, will be at St Andrew's Hall today between 10am and 4pm accepting lots for this week's auction. We'll also be taking in entries tomorrow (Wednesday) between 8am and 4pm. Barnes Auctioneers offer free valuations and advice too - so there is absolutely no obligation to sell.
The auction will take place this Thursday at 2pm (public viewing from midday) at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich. Please do call us on 01603 304337 or 07810 646711 if you require further information or visit our 'official' website at www.barnesauctioneers.co.uk

Mixed Lot

2011-04-10T18:33:00.005+01:00

It's really annoying to produce and pay for an all-new website only to find that the old (this) one still receives more visitors. Take this week as an example, the blog has received more than 500 unique visitors compared to http://www.barnesauctioneers.co.uk/ which has received just 144. Maybe it's because the blog is a little more current or maybe it's because I swear a lot.

The statistics make interesting reading. I'm particularly popular in France at the moment, and Serbia... Of course, the vast majority of visitors are local although not all are fans. In fact, many are enemies looking for cracks in my armour. There are many cracks in my armour - if I were the Hundred Years War it would be about now that Joan of Arc shows up. Bitch!

It's tough going at the moment on all fronts but I am hoping for my own heroine to sweep down and join me on the Road to Damascus. She and I had talks this week, about our future in business together and I am crossing everything I have that she will soon be with me. I have many friends and supporters and colleagues but there is nothing like a partner in crime. Did I say crime? I meant, antiques...

We've already had a giggle at some of the stories coming in from you guys about your experiences at The Cloisters Fair. Some of them couldn't possibly make it into next year's book celebrating our fortieth anniversary (see previous post) because they are too rude. One ex-stallholder told me that she had slept with three other dealers during her time at St Andrew's Hall. And one of them was a woman. Fascinating, but not really printable. Except here, of course, because I don't give a shit. Keep your stories coming though because in the words of the song 'It's all about you'.

It's our auction on Thursday and we're hoping for a good one. We do need things to sell though (just a minor point) so please do get in touch on 01603 304337 or 07810 647711. We're about to offer a new twist too - sooner rather than later - so watch this space.

I'd write more but Beth has just put the boys to bed and we have dinner to prepare and wine to consume. It's a Sunday so time to relax before the hurly burly...

Mixed Lot

2011-04-06T04:53:00.005+01:00

It's The Cloisters Fair today and I'm really looking forward to it. Of course, Fanny Craddock will complain that their table lights have gone off (try plugging them into the socket, dear) and Joe Bloggs will complain that Fanny smells (tell her, not me mate), but there it is. Of course someone will (still) moan about the 50p entrance fee and and someone else will ask if it is possible to just 'use the toilet' (try the hedge, buddy). And, of course, everyone will tell me I drink too much and ask when the new saleroom will be ready. Sometimes the whole thing makes me want to scream 'Get me out of here' like a jungle contestant, but not today. Today, although it is still early (see me at lunchtime), I am relaxed. Perhaps it is the way the calendar falls this month, which has resulted in an additional week between auctions. Perhaps it is a maturing of my personality. Or perhaps I am just in a very very good mood.

It feels like I have been the custodian of The Cloisters Fair for an eternity. We have a new stallholder joining us in two weeks time, selling vintage clothes. She will join a long line of dealers stretching back to October, 1972. I wondered, as we spoke, just how many people have stalled at The Cloisters during that time. What records I have would suggest that it could be as many as 5,000. Certainly, by the time we reach our 40th anniversay next year (expect a very special invitation-only evening celebration) we will have held the fair on no less than 2,000 occasions. I am writing an anecdotal account about The Cloisters Fair and would welcome your contributions. We have already agreed a deal with a book publisher so do send in your tales - you may find you end up in print!

There were ten dealers stalling at the first fair (which actually began in the old library on Guildhall Hill before moving to St Andrew's Hall in 1976) and today we will have sixteen. It's always been 'intimate'. There have been times when it has held a magnificent array of 'proper' antiques and other times when we've struggled to put a show on at all - one Saturday, in particular I recall just four of us filling the hall. Some stallholders come and go quite quickly whilst others stay for a long long time. No one individual dominates the history of The Cloisters Fair - its had five 'guardians' - instead it has its own life and persona.

I can remember my predecessor, Gabby, handing me her table plan one day and saying 'Do you want to run it?'. Much as she loved the fair, she felt that her time with it was up. We met a few days later, in a cafe in Aylsham, and I bought the fair for an undisclosed sum. Gabby was a hard act to follow because she was well loved and respected in the trade (and still is). She also has a nice arse.

It's fair to say that the past few years have been tough trading, with an ecomonic depression and many stallholders leaving (natural wastage - I only kicked a couple out). But this morning, looking at my table plan and comparing it to the one I inherited, I'm thinking 'these people with me today are my friends, not just my stallholders'. That's why I am smiling. That's why I am in a good mood. That's why I know I will enjoy today.

Mixed Lot

2011-04-03T01:51:00.007+01:00

THIS IS A PERSONAL BLOG WITH HIGHLY CONTROVERSIAL VIEWS AND EXPLICIT LANGUAGE. LEAVE NOW IF YOU ARE EASILY OFFENDED. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ABOUT BARNES AUCTIONEERS THEN PLEASE VISIT http://www.barnesauctioneers.co.uk/

I don't like the Japanese very much. Any country that is responsible for the pixallation of pornography and eating shark fin soup cannot possibly rank amongst the enlightened elite. I don't buy their continued attempts to distance themselves from the crimes of war either - we all know that their natural instinct for cruelty cannot be contained for long. It's only a matter of time before they invade Burma and start slitting bellies again... The 'Land of the Rising Sun' (perhaps they should change that post-tsunami to 'Land of the Rising Waters') is responsible, however, for the single most devastating ongoing environmental disaster the world suffers - the mass production of modern plastic shit. That's why, when the Japanese tourist looking in my flat display case yesterday bought absolutely nothing, I was very relieved. Because if she had bought something, it would have been evidence to support the argument that my stock needs an injection of quality.

We had a few tourists visit The Cloisters Fair yesterday including a lovely woman from Toronto in Canada. She collects fire hose nozzles (!!) and I happened to have an antique copper one on my stall (!!). Not only did she take that but several other things too. She looked in my cabinet (minutes after the daughter of Nippon) and said 'I'll have that and that and that'. We like Canadians! I've been to Toronto in Canada and to an amazing antique centre there. The Canadians (like the Americans) have a natural interest in old stuff and are usually enthusiastic and surprisingly knowledgeable about antiques. More Americans and Canadians please: fewer Japanese.

One stallholder yesterday achieved a long-held ambition of mine in selling everything on his table. 'I don't want to take anything home' he said to me 'Can I put it all in the auction?' Of course, I was happy to oblige but before I managed to collect my thoughts on the matter he sold the lot to a visiting trader. Dan and I attempted to buy Bill the Toe's entire stall too but our valuations were somewhat different and the deal fell onto stony ground. I've had some success with pictures of late, not that they are my natural habitat, and curently have a number in on consignment including an absolutely super John Thirtle (1777-1839 Norwich School).

We visited Fakenham on Thursday and went into the 'new shed' at James Beck's place. It's certainly lighter and brighter than the previous one. Tom bought a few things including an ornately decorated High Victorian ceramic cheese dish from the nearby antique centre. I came away with absolutely nothing but then I'm getting fussy in my old age...

It's all in the buying though - that's where the battles are lost and won. Next week I am determined to buy and to that end will almost certainly go to at least two sales. There are so many to choose from - Aylsham on a Monday, Watton on a Tuesday, etc etc - that I am spoilt for choice. No doubt I'll end up where the wind takes me, it's just an adventure after all. It's an amazing adventure, vibrant and full of life. There are pit-stops too (mainly in pubs) because we can do that whenever we want. We are adults after all - just not very grown up. The evidence to support that was in Delaney's during the week and in 'The Fruit Based System'. We still play that game (which began in Tallinn in Estonia in 2006) - and so can you, so here is a little reminder:

1) Raspberry

2) Blueberry

3) Strawberry

4) Kiwi fruit

5) Melon

6) Apricot

7) Orange

8) Apple

9) Rhubarb

10) Lemon

And, of course 1001 variations of it. Pathetic nonsense - yes. Past its sell-by date - of course. Still hilarious after a couple of pints - definitely.

I could go to The Range or Homebase and become a dab hand at DIY. Or I could buy the complete set of Star Wars films and watch them from the comfort of my DFS sofa. Or I could drink tea and eat biscuits. Maybe I should do those things - the things that normal people do. But I don't understand them. Think I'll stick to hallmarks and alcohol.

Mixed Lot

2011-03-30T20:04:00.001+01:00

I went to a funeral today and witnessed a three year old boy walking behind his father's coffin. I am a Christian. I am an angry Christian.

Mixed Lot

2011-03-28T06:45:00.005+01:00

I am bruised the length of the left-hand side of my torso and have absolutely no idea how it happened. Beth is convinced that my liver has imploded as a direct consequence of excessive alcohol consumption. That I spent the majority of last Friday in bed with food poisoning was almost certainly a coincidence. Other theories include 'You must have been in a fight' (yes, but I think I would probably remember that) or 'Perhaps you were abducted by an alien craft and experimented on'. The latter theory carries some weight because it would explain why I don't remember anything of the incident that led to my body looking like something hanging from the back of a butcher's van.

There is no time for dwelling on the mystery; I have a busy week ahead, not least because it is our year-end. In addition to that we have The Cloisters Fair on Wednesday and Saturday (the latter with a little twist - more details to follow) and a house clearance to complete. I'm also committed to a day charging around the countryside with a new colleague (which I am very much looking forward to - always happy to help new people ease their way into the business) and an afternoon in my study with two existing colleagues to provide them with 'instruction' on how to sell through eBay. In between all that I need to allow for two days child care and a funeral. Oh, and a haircut.

Most of us (apart from socialists and hippies) lead busy lives and it's for this reason, and many others, that I baulk at completing the Census form - although I did online last night. Predominantly, it is the fact that we are required by law to answer questions of a deeply personal nature that I most object to. It is not the State's business to demand knowledge of my whereabouts on the night of the 27th March 2011 and had the data related to the previous Thursday I would not have known in any case (see Facebook status update for that day)!

Scrap gold and silver continues to rise - it really is extraordinary. The markets have little faith in the ability of the world economy to make a full recovery and it is this strength of opinion that is responsible for driving up the price of precious metals. Don't make the mistake of hanging on too long though - because at some point the price will begin to fall back to a more balanced level. Better to sell now and be safe than be greedy for just that little bit more. We achieved excellent gold and silver prices at our last auction - do contact us on 01603 304337 to discuss how we can help to sell on your behalf.

Mixed Lot

2011-03-25T05:09:00.005Z

I've been wearing women's clothes for most of the week. It's not as bad as it sounds though (I just wanted to get you to the second sentence without falling asleep). What I have actually been doing is wearing Beth's socks. They are too tight for me but there it is. My socks have disappeared and I have absolutely no idea where they are. Why do socks disappear like that?

There are many unexplained things in life - like why someone would pay £80 for a silver ring at yesterday's auction that we couldn't sell for £3 the time before... The sale was certainly profitable with more than 90% of lots getting away including both star entries - the 18ct gold pocket watches. The Baskerville seal ring sold too, for £418 ABP. The French Foreign Legion hat went for £94 ABP, the Victorian pinchbeck brooch for £99 ABP, and the Julian Trevelyan print (pictured) for £182 ABP. We nearly didn't have a sale at all. During the preview, one of our cabinets collapsed - fortunately, the Moorcroft was in the other cabinet...

We look forward now to next week and two house clearances which should ensure that our next sale on the 14th April is a bumper one. It's been a while since we had a house clearance so it will be good to get back into that particular saddle. House clearances provide much of the 'bulk' of a sale - you have to have a bit of large tat amongst the tiny finery. Talking about tat, LOT 85 - A dog ramp, sold for £2! The sale of the dog ramp stirred much amusement within the room. We should have listed it as a mystery item because no one had seen such a thing before. Apparently, they sell for £40 new! It is essentially a device to enable elderly dogs to access a vehicle. I nearly bid on it myself - after all, I am a lot older than my wife and there will come a time when...well, let's not go into that now.

After the sale we did what we do in The Doghouse (not before reassuring a CCTV controller that the gun toting woman in shades on St George's Street was actually just a rather eccentric member of my team and posed no genuine threat to passers-by). The Doghouse is our natural habitat. Linda, Helen, Daniel, and I (The Quadraphonics) were joined by Martin and Steph for several lime cordials and a bit of gossip. I don't really remember getting home, my last memory being chilli and beers at The Cottage on Silver Road. The barmaid there used to work at The Shed (an old watering hole of mine). The sun shone all day yesterday just like it always used to in The Shed's garden. Spring is almost upon us and life is good.

A lazy day for me today - lazyish as I do have a 'top executive meeting' at The Dog House to attend to over lunch. Then it's The Cloisters Fair tomorrow (Saturday) - 8am til 4pm 50p entry (trade free between 8am and 9am).

Quick Plug

2011-03-24T03:46:00.003Z

It's our auction today - see previous posts for the catalogue/some images.
In the meantime, a quick plug for the Beccles Street Antique Market that takes place on Sunday, 1st of May, erm in Beccles (of course).
The divine Kate Lees arrived at The Cloisters yesterday armed with lots of fliers - so do pop in to see us if you want to grab one. The antique market in Beccles is a super event - and a must see/do/buy if you like to have a rummage and to find something special. Helen and I have booked (and actually paid!) for our pitch and are ready to rumble. We're hoping that we don't get rained off like last time. Kate advised 'You need a gazebo and then you need to pour some concrete into some paint pots and then tie each corner of the gazebo onto a pot' but that just sounded too complicated - Helen and I agreed that we would just wing it...

Sale Catalogue - 24th March 2011

2011-03-23T20:05:00.004Z

This is our catalogue for tomorrow's General Auction including Antiques & Valuables at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich. The sale starts at 2pm with public viewing from midday.

General Auction incl Antiques & Valuables
24th March 2011 - Public Copy Catalogue

Lot Description Estimate

1 Large Martini mirror 30-40

2 Octagonal table 80-120

3 Miniature cabinet 40-60

4 19th Century pinchbeck cameo brooch* 30-40

5 Gold wedding band - 22ct 2g* 30-40

6 Diamond solitaire ring* 40-60

7 Two vintage necklaces in ornate vintage pearl case* 10-20

8 Piano stool 30-40

9 Bag containing Praktica camera etc 20-30

10 Mixed lot of assorted jewellery etc 10-20

11 Mixed lot of unframed prints 20-30

12 Boxed Dinky Citroen car* 10-20

13 Boxed Dinky Austin van* 10-20

14 Box of '78 records 8-12

15 Vintage record player 10-20

16 Small octagonal table~ 10-20

17 Vintage wooden chest/trunk 40-60

18 Pine coffee table 20-30

19 Pine corner unit 30-40

20 Three vintage compacts* 10-20

21 Silver-plated dish* 8-12

22 Silver mirror and two silver brushes* 60-80

23 Round embossed silver mirror - Birmingham 1919* 30-40

24 Pair of Victorian ebony and hallmarked silver glove-stretchers* 20-30

25 Large early 19th 9ct gold Century brooch* 40-60

26 9ct gold wedding band (3g)* 20-30

27 Denby vase 10-20

28 19th Century oil portrait of a gentleman 10-20

29 Mixed lot of glass & ceramics 10-20

30 Oil on panel village scene at Westwell in Cotswolds - E. Brook~ 10-20

31 Autographed cricket bat - Darren Gough~ 20-30

32 Mixed lot~ 8-12

33 Three vintage saws - please be careful!!! 10-20

34 Coffee table~ 10-20

35 Boxed cricket Subbuteo~ 8-12

36 Mixed lot of pictures~ 10-20

37 Mixed lot of CDs~ 10-20

38 Oil on canvas - Peter Bullen 20-30

39 Mixed lot~ 10-20

40 Boxed salt and pepper~ 8-12

41 Picture of Elm Hill in Norwich~ 8-12

42 Chinese vase, pair of figures, & bowl 10-20

43 LD lamp base 8-12

44 Mixed lot of diecast~ 10-20

45 Mixed lot of diecast~ 10-20

46 Pair of lamps 10-20

47 Mixed lot of diecast~ 10-20

48 Mixed lot of CDs~ 10-20

49 Norwich School painting - John Thirtle(1777-1839)~ 800-1200

50 Vintage motorised pond yacht with steerage 80-120

51 Mixed lot~ 10-20

52 Pair of vintage spectacles*~ 10-20

53 1960's military watch* 40-60

54 Oval embossed silver hand mirror* 30-40

55 Hallmarked silver ashtray - Birmingham 1973* 30-40

56 Antique French white metal brooch in original box* 20-30

57 Antique enamel faced silver ladies pocket-watch* 40-60

58 Two sets of cufflinks (incl one with tie pin) - Stratton & Tivoli* 30-40

59 Decorative display of flamingoes 40-60

60 Mixed lot of diecast~ 10-20

61 Mixed lot of coins~ 10-20

62 Cased cutlery set 20-30

63 Royal Worcester cake plate & slice 10-20

64 Mixed lot of old cutlery etc 10-20

65 Art Deco dish 10-20

66 Cane unit~ 10-20

67 Pair of boules and a jack 10-20

68 Album of approx 200 postcards incl local scenes 40-60

69 Moorcroft Lagoon vase (shape 152/5) - Ltd Ed no.45 of 75 and
signed to base by Philip Gibson (now retired)*~ 300-400
70 Box of 10 x new condition Spice Girls books 10-20

71 Vintage bass guitar 20-30

72 Mixed lot incl pigeon timer etc 10-20

73 Royal Doulton & set of three Edwardian vases 20-30

74 Mixed lot of jewellery display heads 20-30

75 Hallmarked silver cigarette case - Birmingham 1936 5oz* 80-100

76 Cased set of Viners hallmarked silver teaspoons (approx 80g)* 30-40

77 Hallmarked silver Beaverbrooks bracelet in original case* 20-30

78 Cased silver necklace* 10-20

79 Four antiquarian books incl 1670 edition 'A Manual of the Private
Devotions etc' & 1695 Edition 'Rule & Exerises of Holy Living' 30-40
80 Burleigh Ware blue & white vase 20-30

81 Beswick Beatrix Potter - Mrs Tittlemouse* 20-30

82 Beswick Beatrix Potter - Goody Tiptoes* 20-30

83 Royal Albert Beatrix Potter - Taylor of Gloucester* 20-30

84 Beswick Beatrix Potter - Benjamin Bunny* 20-30

85 A dog ramp 8-12

86 Mixed lot of first day cover stamps 8-12

87 Cased set of fish knives & forks 10-20

88 Mixed lot of Royal Albert ceramic ware 10-20

89 Vintage writing slope~ 30-40

90 Mixed lot of CDs~ 10-20

91 1940's military army watch* 40-60

92 Hallmarked silver cigarette case - Birmingham 1919 3oz* 40-60

93 Small silver crucifix* 8-12

94 Cased set of John Elkan silver shirt studs* 20-30
95 Josiah Wedgwood silver & jasperware pendant & chain* 10-20

96 Two silver skull rings* 20-30

97 Mixed lot of framed prints (6) 20-30

98 Mixed lot of records~ 10-20

99 Mixed lot~ 10-20

100 Silver-plated tray - makers name JD & S* 10-20

101 Fob pocket watch* 30-40

102 Pair of brass Dutch figures* 10-20

103 Old silver ring* 10-20

104 Purple stone college ring* 10-20

105 Ltd Ed print 'Ischia' (Italy) Julian Trevelyan 122/158 200-300

106 19th Century teapot~ 8-12

107 Mixed lot of records~ 8-12

108 Bag of costume jewellery* 10-20

109 Victorian gold and ivory pendant in the form of a claw*~ 30-40

110 Jardiniere stand~ 10-20

111 Japanese set of 6 c cups, plates, saucers~ 8-12

112 Mixed lot of thimbles incl a silver example (in cabinet) 10-20

113 Mixed lot of railway incl track~ 8-12

114 Mixed lot of CDs~ 10-20

115 Accurist chronograph gents watch* 20-30

116 Mixed lot of watches* 10-20

117 Two Ten-shilling notes*~ 8-12

118 Moorcroft Pole to Pole Seals vase (now discontinued) 8.5" tall*~ 160-200

119 Gascoins fountain pen in original box*~ 10-20

120 Silver cigarette case - Birmingham 1921* 30-40

121 Silver picture frame - Sheffield 1988* 30-40

122 Silver vesta - hallmarked Birmingham 1894* 20-30

123 Mixed lot incl costume jewellery and a picture frame* 10-20

124 Silver set necklace & bracelet in case* 30-40

125 Amber necklace & earring set* 20-30

126 Black stone ring & set silver earrings* 20-30

127 Large CZ silver ring* 10-20

128 Silver amber ring* 8-12

129 Red stone college ring* 10-20

130 Oak mirror~ 10-20

131 Back Garden signed Leslie Davenport, watercolour & ink, 1951, framed 300-400

132 Fire screen~ 10-20

133 Mixed lot of CDs~ 10-20

134 Vintage print of Trowse in Norwich~ 8-12

135 Cased Platignum fountain pen*~ 8-12

136 Mixed lot of pictures~ 10-20

137 Edward I penny (1307-1310) - struck in Bristol* 10-20

138 Elizabeth I threepence - Tower Mint* 30-40

139 Mixed lot of bank notes* 10-20

140 £20 misprint banknote* 100-200

141 Hallmarked silver purse - Birmingham 1910* 60-80

142 Hallmarked silver cigarette box - Chester 1919* 30-40

143 18ct gold wedding band (3.4g)* 40-60

144 Pocket watch* 20-30

145 Emerald gold pendant*~ 200-300

146 Rare Norwich vacuum jar saved from Garlands fire in the 1970's~ 10-20

147 French Foreign Legion cap~ 20-30

148 Mixed lot of die cast~ 10-20

149 19th Century silver scent bottle with stopper*~ 20-30

150 Cased silver bracelet*~ 10-20

151 Mixed lot of CDs~ 10-20

152 Mixed lot~ 10-20

153 Bag of costume jewellery* 10-20

154 18ct gold & emerald pendant*~ 40-60

155 18ct gold & emerald earrings*~ 30-40

156 Mixed lot of plates~ 10-20

157 Mixed lot of vinyl records~ 8-12

158 Mixed lot~ 8-12

159 Mixed lot of diecast~ 10-20

160 Silver cigarette box - Birmingham 1924* 30-40

161 18ct gold wedding band (6.3g)* 100-120

162 18ct gold & platinum mounted diamond ring* 80-120

163 Hallmarked silver vesta* 10-20

164 Fob pocket watch with gold inlay on back + wallet* 30-40

165 Marcel Drucker watch & matching bracelet* 20-30

166 Silver-topped scent bottle* 18-25

167 Three Royal Tournament medals (1 silver & 2 bronze)* 20-30

168 Pair of Art Deco silver-plated knife rests* 10-20

169 George V silver coin* 8-12

170 Two pairs of 9ct gold earrings & silver heart* 30-40

171 Mixed lot~ 10-20

172 Burleigh Ware blue & white vase 20-30

173 Mixed lot~ 10-20

174 Mixed lot~ 8-12

175 18ct gold & emerald earrings*~ 30-40

176 19th Century spoon*~ 20-30

177 Mixed lot~ 8-12

178 1960's Moeris Swiss automatic James Bond 007
Gents wristwatch in gwo* 600-800
179 Hallmarked silver pin dish - Broadway & Co, Birmingham* 20-30

180 Mixed lot of pins incl Peyton Pepper silver* 20-30

181 Blue & white oriental vase 30-40

182 Mixed lot of pictures~ 10-20

183 Mixed lot~ 10-20

184 Mixed lot~ 8-12

185 Stunning pair of Victorian Sterling silver knife rests - George
Shiebler & Co, New York* 80-120
186 Mixed lot~ 8-12

187 Mixed lot~ 8-12

188 Mixed lot~ 8-12

189 Mixed lot~ 10-20

190 Silver dish with 1780 Thaler to base - 66g* 40-60

191 Mixed lot of items (4) incl silver-handled button-hook & a
continental silver pill box* 20-30
192 Masonic enamelled lodge medal* 30-40

193 Two Dutch coins* 8-12

194 Very rare 18ct gold Doctor's pocket watch - London 1934 made by
Bensons for HRH Prince of Wales - 68.5g excluding movement* 1800-2000
195 Mixed lot of coins incl silver & a banknote in an antique
leather purse* 30-40
196 9ct gold Avia ladies watch* 20-30

197 Mixed lot~ 10-20

198 Mixed lot~ 8-12

199 Mixed lot of pictures~ 20-30

200 Silver basket - 1922 Birmingaham 11oz* 180-250

201 22ct gold wedding band A/F (6g)* 120-140

202 1935 Deco 9ct gold diamond & sapphire ring* 40-60

203 Sampson & Mordan ivory combination pen, propelling pencil &
quill & fruit knife c.1885* 120-180
204 Four silver-handled pickle forks* 20-30

205 Silver cameo brooch by Charles Horner designed by Mary
Gregory* 40-60
206 No Lot

207 Large figurine of a Japanese Geisha 30-40

208 Medium sized Sakura figurine of a Japanese Geisha 30-40

209 Two small figurines of Japanese Geishas 30-40

210 Large figurine of a Japanese Geisha 30-40

211 No Lot

212 No Lot

213 No Lot

214 No Lot

215 No Lot

216 No Lot

217 No Lot

218 No Lot

219 No Lot

220 No Lot

221 No Lot

222 No Lot

223 18ct gold & platinum diamond dress ring* 80-120

224 Large (16g) 18ct gold gentleman's seal ring formerly the property
of Charles G Baskerville, inscribed from his children (Trinity 1856-
1906) along with a Victorian housekeeping and birthday record
book from the Baskerville family* 400-500
225 18ct gold (73g excluding movement) half-hunter pocket-watch
hallmarked Chester 1902* 1800-2000

* Indicates in or near cabinets
~ Ignore this it is messy

More Images for Thursday's Sale

2011-03-22T20:50:00.012Z

Our General Auction including Antiques & Valuables takes place this Thursday, 24th March 2011 at 2pm at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich (public viewing from midday). We've already posted a picture of LOT 194, a very rare 18ct gold Doctor's pocket-watch (see below) but here are a few more lots to tempt your palate:

LOT 224 - Large (16g) 18ct gold gentleman's seal ring formerly the property of Charles G Baskerville, inscribed from his children (Trinity 1856-1906) along with a Victorian housekeeping and record book from the Baskerville family* Est 400-500
LOT 50 - Vintage motorised pond yacht with steerage Est 80-120
LOT 140 - £20 misprint banknote* Est 100-200
LOT 24 - Pair of Victorian ebony and hallmarked silver glove-stretchers* Est 20-30
LOT 131 - Back Garden signed L. Davenport, watercolour & ink, 1951, framed Est 300-400

The full catalogue will be printed on here tomorrow evening (and posted to everyone on our emailing list) and available in the saleroom on the day.

Something Extra Special

2011-03-22T20:03:00.004Z

We have taken in some absolutely super lots for our next General Auction incl Antiques & Valuables which takes place at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich on Thursday 24th March at 2pm (public viewing from midday). But, something extra special sits at LOT 194 - a very rare 18ct gold Doctor's pocket watch (pictured) made by Bensons of London in 1934 for HRH Prince of Wales - estimate £1,800-£2,000
It's one of a number of excellent watches we have in the sale which is also well stocked with silver and gold items as well as antique jewellery. We also have some excellent pictures including a Leslie Davenport and a Julian Trevelyan limited edition print.
A full catalogue will be posted on here tomorrow evening and to everyone on our emailing list too. In the meantime, we'll post a few more pictures for your information.

Mixed Lot

2011-03-21T07:36:00.003Z

Yes it's our auction this week. Yes it's on Thursday at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich at 2pm (public viewing from midday). Yes, there is still time to enter lots (any time between 10am and 3pm on Tuesday - 10am and 4pm on Wednesday). Check out http://www.barnesauctioneers.co.uk/ our new 'official' channel - now can I please get on with a bit of creative writing?

Hmm, the moment has gone - so instead, just look at this wonderful picture of my boys Stanley and Henry (the youngest two of my five children). Stanley is already a proficient dealer 'I'll eat one more mouthful of dinner and then I can have a pudding, deal?'

'No, Stanley, you must eat three more mouthfulls!'

'I eat two more mouthfulls, deal?'

'Ok, two -deal'

Henry, however, is the one that shows a genuine interest in what I do - even 'helping' me to wrap eBay parcels on Saturday.

Barnes Auctioneers is a family business after all - isn't that a pip?

Mixed Lot

2011-03-18T02:01:00.003Z

Apparently, my wife is a 'milf'. That was what I was told this week by one of her best girlfriends and sitting opposite her in The Cottage on Silver Road last night I found myself thinking 'yes, she is'. Not that Beth realises she is. She is completely oblivious to the admiring glances she receives from men. It happens all the time. I have been with many many beautiful women (and some damned ugly ones too) but none have ever received the level of attention that Beth attracts. It feels kind of weird knowing that every bloke in the room wants to shag your missus but there it is - it's a burden that I will have to put up with for the rest of my life.

Beth and I were in The Cottage to celebrate Daniel's birthday - which just happens to coincide with St Patrick's Day. We had intended to eat somewhere posh but events beyond our control led us to one of Norwich's last remaining 'proper pubs'. The place was packed and an Irish band were playing. The barmaid offered us homemade Irish stew and colcannon along with a pint for £6 - and it was delicious. Compare that to my experience at Shiki (see previous post) and I'd have to say Anglo-Irish 1 Japan 0.

There is something about our relationship with the Irish. It's almost okay that they attempt to blow us up from time to time. Their zest for the simple pleasures of food and drink and music appear at first to be a reflection of their state of evolution. But in reality, it's the 'advanced' nations that could learn a thing or two - like those that build nuclear reactors on moving tectonic plates... I am certain that our evolution is finite. In eating and drinking and shitting and pissing and dancing and laughing and having sex, the Irish have it about right.

The stuff of life was very much brought home to us yesterday when we learnt of the death of one of our NCT friends. He leaves behind a young family and our thoughts and prayers are with them. Imagine having to tell a three-year old child that their father has died. How utterly dreadful. Beth and I cuddled up on the settee at home and agreed that we are a very lucky family indeed.

All of this rather distracted me from my work. Or perhaps, for a moment, I lost interest in what I do. In the pub, surrounded by people with careers and salaries, for a split second I thought 'what the fuck am I doing?'. Then I looked at my watch but didn't notice the time; I noticed that is was a fine 1972 Moeris Swiss automatic. Suddenly I was back on my path.

The Moeris (pictured), which is an official James Bond wristwatch, isn't mine, unfortunately. It's in our next sale on Thursday, 24th March at St Andrew's Hall. We're currently accepting entries for that so do please contact us if you are interested in selling your antiques and valuables. After all 'Nobody does it better'

Mixed Lot

2011-03-17T05:09:00.004Z

If you are easily offended then close this page down and visit our official website at http://www.barnesauctioneers.co.uk/ Otherwise, read on...

I don't know what it was that I ate at Shiki last night but whatever it was left me with the distinct feeling that my stomach had absolutely no chance of digesting it. I am usually an advocate of Japanese food but this shit had almost certainly been prepared at the Fukushima Daiishi nuclear plant before landing on my plate on a bed of salad. Next time I'll stick to a bento box.

There was a bit of an Oriental flavour all round at The Cloisters yesterday. One of my colleagues recently invested in a load of Satsuma ware and I must confess that my initial reaction was 'She'll struggle to shift that' but in fact the stuff sold like hotcakes, mainly to one trade buyer who issued the command we all dream about 'I'll have that one and that one and that one and that one and that one...' She ended up having the kind of day that was once commonplace in our world but less so now. She even outsold Dave the Jump, which is almost unheard of down our way.

Dave the Jump is so named because in his military career he conducted over 3,000 parachute jumps, predominantly as an instructor. We have several nicknames for the various characters that come and go in The Cloisters incl:

Bill the Toe (has gout)

Bill the Cleaner (anti-foxing agent)

Bill the Vinyl (sells records)

Lenny the Bastard (don't cross him)

Tall Tony (6'7")

M'Lady (Queen of The Cloisters and shoe aficionado)

Gillian the Thong (for reasons that should be obvious)

Mike the Badge (deals in them)

Diecast Alan (deals in them)

The Lord aka The Mad Baron (our titled visitor)

Coins & Medals (guess what she sells?)

Of course, there are many more...

Most of the names are terms of endearment - there are very few people we dislike down at The Cloisters and some we love, like Val who returned to the fold this week after some time away through ill health. 'I thought you were dead!' one customer said to her...

Thousands of people have come and gone through The Cloisters - it is the longest running weekly antique fair in East Anglia after all. 'I used to have a stall in here in the 1970's' said one woman to me yesterday. Her membership of the club was affected by divorce and the need to get a 'proper job'. Others leave for their own reasons but all are welcome back - like ex-players of a football club. Ok, perhaps The Cloisters isn't quite 'The Theatre of Dreams' but it is a very special place nonetheless. It's the history that sets us apart, embedded in the medieval walls. You don't get that anywhere else.

Latest recruits, Kyle and Martin, have just stepped onto the turf and we welcome them with open arms. Good luck to them - they will need it if they are to stand the rigours of eccentricity and alcoholism necessary to maintain membership of the club...

New Website

2011-03-13T07:43:00.004Z

We've decided to grow up (just a little) and to that objective have a new website http://www.barnesauctioneers.co.uk/
All future official information will be posted through the new website including sale notices and news updates.
This blog will remain in diary format - it's where you'll always get the gossip first!

Mixed Lot

2011-03-11T06:06:00.004Z

Faced with a possible 'staff uprising' I decided to take matters into my own hands yesterday and kill a couple of them in cold blood. I don't think my HR friend, Sue, would approve (she's coming in to 'sort me out soon') but what other possible course of action could I have taken when faced with demands such as 'Needing to go to the toilet during the course of the day' and 'Not being hit with a stick'? Unfortunately, Daniel's sword fighting skills appeared to exceed my own and upon stabbing me (for real) in the stomach he commented 'I think you're dead mate'. Hmm, perhaps the boy King Edward VI was right after all when he sent an army to Norwich in 1549 to quell Kett's Rebellion...

Actually, my team regularly exceed the call of duty and I appreciate everything they do for me. It's because of them that we do what we do well and they proved that again yesterday as we sailed through another excellent sale. Not so many lots this time round but certainly some real quality. The Fenton Brothers tray - £880 The Namiki pen - £260 The Henry Bright drawing - £250 I could go on but our success will just bore you.

The most interesting thing we sold yesterday, however, was 'A Gentleman's Tooth'. Lot 182 aroused a great deal of interest - just who was the 'Gentleman'? Listed as 9ct gold (but almost certainly 14ct) the tooth had arrived into our saleroom the day before, fresh from defeat at the hands of a ham sandwich, apparently. That rules out Bill the Toe as everyone's prime suspect because he is a vegetarian. The tooth sold for £28 by the way - I suspect the Gentleman's dental repair will cost rather more...

Off on a tangent (one of my favourite things) but aren't the intelligentsia dull? We had a couple come in yesterday and they looked at a picture in our sale. It was 'Rubenesque' to say the least, although available at a fraction of the price of the real thing. They discussed and debated and swung for and agin it for not less than half an hour. At the death they determined that it just fell short of their requirements for the entrance hall. Lenny the Bastard and I looked at it for three seconds 'Nice Print' he said 'Great tits' I replied.

Of course, as is our practice, we ended it in The Doghouse. We are English after all. Not for us the Norman administration of procedures and practices (and census forms). We leave that to the middle-classes and they are as far removed from us as it is possible to be. They have been since 1415 when they trembled in the rear caravans at Agincourt. No doubt, the intelligentsia disapprove of our excessive consumption of alcohol. That they do means nothing to us - they know and we know that when it comes to the dirty business of selling that nobody does it better than the front ranks. That, and sword fighting.

Catalogue for Sale Tomorrow

2011-03-09T21:23:00.004Z

Confused?

We are no longer able to post the auction catalogue on Blogger and have instead emailed it to everyone on our mailing list as a Word Document. If you have not got our catalogue in your email inbox it can only be for one of two reasons:

1) It has been placed into your junk mail box instead by your spam filter - check your trash/junk mail box and it will probably be in there (remember to mark as 'not spam' so the same thing doesn't happen next time)

2) You are not on our mailing list - doh! Send us an email and we will add you for next time.

Our General Auction including Antiques & Valuables is at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich tomorrow (10th March 2011) at 2pm, with public viewing from midday.

The sale includes antique quality silver, fine & vintage costume jewellery, militaria, pictures including a Henry Bright drawing, small furniture, glass & ceramics incl Moorcroft, coins, medals, stamps, records & cds, toys, and much much more. Oh - and a 'Gentleman's tooth' - more of that in the next issue of 'Mixed Lot'...

2011-03-09T19:05:00.008Z

Our next General Auction including Antiques & Valuables will take place tomorrow at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich. Public viewing is from midday with the sale itself starting at 2pm. We will be EMAILING a catalogue to everyone on our mailing list this evening (not posting it on here as has previously been the case). However, here are some photographs from the sale - we'll try to post a few more later (and note those previously posted).
LOT 180 - Pair of solid silver servers, fully hallmarked Birmingham 1905, B.D. Wilmot Est 80-120

LOT 82 - French Foreign Legion cap Est 30-40

LOT 17 - Autographed cricket bat - Darren Gough Est 30-40

LOT 175 - Henry Bright pencil & crayon drawing c.1860 Est 300-400

Photographs for Tomorrow's Sale

2011-03-09T18:53:00.009Z

Our next General Auction including Antiques & Valuables will take place tomorrow at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich. Public viewing is from midday with the sale itself starting at 2pm. We will be EMAILING a catalogue to everyone on our mailing list this evening. However, here are some photographs from the sale - we'll post a few more later (and note those previously posted). Here we have:

LOT 100 - Burleigh Ware cruet & toast rack Est 20-30

LOT 155 - 1932 bayonet (possibly French/Swiss) Est 40-60

LOT 181 - Antique blotter/tape measure Est 40-60

LOT 197 - 9ct gold Tudor gents wristwatch in original box Est 400-600

LOT 7 - Pair of Staffordshire figures A/F Est 20-30

Moorcroft Lots for Thursday's Sale

2011-03-07T16:56:00.005Z

There has never been a better time to treat yourself to a piece of Moorcroft, one of the best-known and most sought-after British pottery manufacturers. Some of the earlier designs command huge figures at auction but the more reasonably priced later pieces could well represent a better investment, particularly where lines have been discontinued. Every display cabinet should have at least once example of Moorcroft and we have two super vases in our sale this Thursday:

LOT 94 - Moorcroft Pole to Pole Seals vase (now discontinued) 8.5" tall Est 160-200

LOT 188 - Moorcroft Lagoon vase (shape 152/5) - Ltd Edition no. 45 of 75 and signed to base by Philip Gibson (now retired) Est 400-500

We are still accepting entries for Thursday's auction - by appointment tomorrow (Tuesday) or anytime between 8am and 4pm on Wednesday at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich.

The sale itself takes place at St Andrew's Hall at 2pm on Thursday with public viewing from midday. Telephone 01603 304337/07810 646711 if you have any questions or drop us an email to barnesauctioneers@btinternet.com

Next Auction - Thursday 10th March 2011

2011-03-05T14:58:00.006Z

Our next auction including antiques and valuables will take place on Thursday, 10th March at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich. Public viewing is from midday with the sale starting at 2pm. We are accepting entries now so do contact us on 01603 304337 or 07810 646711 to arrange a convenient time. Alternatively, you can drop your entries off to us at St Andrew's Hall between 8am and 4pm on Wednesday.

In the meantime, here is a sneak preview of LOT 200 - a magnificent solid silver service tray by Fenton Brothers of Sheffield, fully hallmarked 1930, approx 1.7Kg/54 troy oz Est 600-800

Mixed Lot

2011-03-03T05:53:00.004Z

There are certain people that we just don't want in our lives. Take my dentist, for example. Roel Bester at the Treetops Surgery on Pottergate is quite possibly the best dental practitioner in the world. If he were an international footballer he would be Lionel Messi. If he were an actor he would be Colin Firth. If he were an auctioneer he would most probably be me. But, although my faith in his ability is resolute, I never actually want to see him. Yesterday, however, I had to see him.

I had to see him because my tooth was a bit like the Gaddafi regime - about to crumble. Too much sugar action and not enough flossing. Too many nights stumbling into bed in a drunken stupor (and forgetting to brush my teeth). Too British - as Daniel said to me last night in The Dog House 'We're not supposed to have good teeth'

Hmm, all very well but I quite like being able to bite things. Thankfully, by some miracle of God or science or nature (take your pick) my teeth are generally quite healthy. And I am determined that they should remain so which is why I chose to drink alcohol as opposed to Coca-Cola in the pub last night. Post-dental trauma demanded a proper drink in any case. As the anaesthetic began to fade I began to feel the pain. Most of my colleagues advised paracetamol. I ignored them.

The Cloisters Fair was a bit quiet yesterday. Most of the action appeared to centre around my 'clearance table'. Every once in a while we clear the storeroom of all of the junk that has accumulated over time and sell it off in the lobby at £1 a pop. The feeding frenzy that ensued was similar to a David Attenborough documentary on survival on the African Plain. The carcass was consumed in minutes, leaving the bare bones for all to see for the rest of the day.

All of that means, of course, that I am pushed to put together more lots for our next auction (just a week away). A successful auction demands fresh lots and plenty of them. As auctioneer, I alone see into the punters' eyes as we offer-up a lot. Offer-up a box of tat that failed to sell last time round and they look about as interested as an anorexic in a pork chop. Offer-up a hallmarked silver teapot fresh out of an attic on the Earlham Road and they change. They still look disinterested, but they salivate. (Proper) dealers are like lions moving in for the kill - they will display complete disinterest in something they really want to have right up until the chase. The moment before the chase, however, they salivate. I like it when they do that.

Yes, it helps to have healthy teeth in this business. There's nothing like it, at the death of it, to know that you did it close up and personal. Visceral perhaps, but necessary. Thankfully, most of the antique dealers I know have false teeth - which gives me an edge (thanks to Roel Baster).

SALE TODAY AT THE CLOISTERS FAIR

2011-03-02T06:19:00.003Z

We are clearing out our storeroom and offering everything for £1 a pop at The Cloisters Fair today.
Auction house store rooms are full of stuff - come along to St Andrew's Hall today and find a bargain!
We're also taking lots in for our next auction - so why not bring something along for us?
The Cloisters Fair takes places every Wednesday at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich between 9am and 3pm and entry is just 50p (trade buyers between 8am and 9am free entry).

Mixed Lot

2011-03-01T09:56:00.004Z

Rocket Science - the Norwich Dictionary defintion being 'Something that is beyond the Pleb'

Now, call me old fashioned, but I was taught maths at school. They don't teach maths in school any more for fear of offending stupid people. That's crazy though, because stupid people are too stupid to realise that they are stupid.

Fortunately, most people are not stupid, which is why they will see through some of the outrageous 'offers' that some local auction houses have been making to vendors of late. These include everything from the promise of a night out with Megan Fox to a personal baptism with Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. No doubt driven by a desperate need to stay afloat - although I wouldn't trust most to maintain a firm grip of your heel...

Most outrageous of all, however, is the concept of 'No lotting fee' which is becoming increasingly employed as a marketing tool to persuade vendors to place items on consignment in the belief that any fees incurred will be minimal. Many auction houses like this tactic because it makes them look like they give a shit.

Perhaps some are genuine but in truth the maths just doesn't stack up. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out that auction houses have a fee structure that usually includes:

1) A lotting (administrative fee) levied on each entry (typically ranging from £0 to £5)
2) A selling premium (typically ranging from 0% to 25%)
3) An insurance premium (typically 1.5%)
4) Collection fees (anything from £0 to £60 an hour)
5) Storage charges (anything from £5 a week)
6) Disposal of unsold goods fees (the charges for which are about as clear as government in the Dark Ages)
7) Statement fees (anything from £0 to £5 per sheet)
8) Electrical testing charges (anything from £1 to £5)

The list is endless and in fact I am out of breath just thinking about it all.

Which is why we like to keep things simple. We are a business and we have to make money. All vendors accept that. Our job is to make as much money for a vendor as possible and take as small a slice as possible whilst still making a profit. So, we charge:

£1 lotting fee

10% inclusive selling premium

Isn't that nice and simple?

So, if you sell something through us for £100, you will receive £89

Let's do the maths for another, typical auction house, not charging a lotting fee.

£100

(£0) lotting fee

(£15) 15% selling premium

(£3) VAT

(£1.50) insurance premium

Balance to vendor - £80.50

Oh sorry, and a quick statement to let you know 'How you got on' (£2) - leaves £78.50

Oh, and you will probably have to deduct the cost of petrol to drive all the way there and back - some of those auction houses are miles away.

It's not rocket science...

Mixed Lot

2011-02-27T03:09:00.011Z

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

2011-02-25T01:29:00.004Z

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

2011-02-23T19:42:00.003Z

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

2011-02-23T18:32:00.008Z

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

2011-02-23T06:51:00.008Z

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

2011-02-21T11:05:00.009Z

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

2011-02-18T21:16:00.003Z

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

2011-02-16T04:25:00.004Z

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

2011-02-15T06:15:00.004Z

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

2011-02-11T03:46:00.003Z

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

2011-02-10T07:00:00.003Z

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

2011-02-08T21:24:00.011Z

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

2011-02-06T17:05:00.009Z

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

2011-02-04T20:02:00.006Z

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

2011-02-04T18:20:00.009Z

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

2011-02-02T03:25:00.003Z

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)!

Mixed Lot

2011-01-31T06:35:00.005Z

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

2011-01-28T12:41:00.002Z

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

2011-01-28T04:43:00.003Z

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

2011-01-26T19:39:00.007Z

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

2011-01-26T19:33:00.002Z

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

2011-01-26T06:20:00.007Z

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

2011-01-24T08:09:00.003Z

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

2011-01-22T03:10:00.006Z

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

2011-01-20T01:45:00.003Z

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

2011-01-14T05:46:00.005Z

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

2011-01-12T20:03:00.002Z

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

2011-01-12T19:12:00.005Z

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

2011-01-12T18:56:00.008Z

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

2011-01-08T05:38:00.003Z

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

2011-01-06T05:00:00.003Z

'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

2011-01-04T14:21:00.000Z

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.

Mixed Lot

2010-12-23T08:43:00.002Z

Daniel and I recently cleared a house in which we found an unopened bottle of gin from the 1960's. That may not excite many people but it excited us because it wasn't the standard 40% proof but an eye-watering 70% It was tempting to twist the top there and then but, like the professionals we are, we determined to put it aside for our annual Christmas party - and that was yesterday. This morning, I feel...rough.
Actually, yesterday was not just a celebration but the last antique fair and the last auction of the year. I think we pulled it off, just about. It was interesting (although limiting) to combine the auction with the fair - with both advantages and disadvantages in abundance. I suspect we'll incorporate some of those changes into 2011 but that's not for now. For now I'll concentrate on drinking the strong cup of coffee that Beth has just made for me.
One of our more interesting lots from yesterday was a hand finished limited edition John Myatt print - which didn't sell, unfortunately. John Myatt (born 1945) is a British artist and convicted forger who, along with John Drewe, perpetrated what has been described as "the biggest art fraud of the 20th Century" producing and selling copies of works by Masters such as Chagall and Matisse as originals through auction houses including Christie's, Phillips, and Sotheby's. He was convicted of fraud in 1999 and sentenced to one year in prison (though serving just four months). Following his release, Myatt became a collectable artist in his own right with his 'original fakes' selling for upward of £45,000 His hand-finished and signed limited edition prints are highly prized too - ours was a Monet "Morning on the Seine II" (pictured) with a reserve of £2,000. Our bid yesterday was short at £1,800 - most frustrating! We'll now look for a private buyer.
2010 has been a mixed year for Barnes Auctioneers. There have been some enormous setbacks, not least the robbery in October that could well have sunk us - although unlike the Titanic we managed to limp back to port. The economic climate too has been depressed but again, I think we have weathered the storm. I am already aware of some massive hurdles to clear in 2011 and no doubt we'll clip a couple but then that's what we are about - taking on the biggest challenges and managing to succeed when it most looks like we're going to fall. Our business is a drama but that's how I like it. It doesn't suit everyone - bit part players come and go - but we've never set out to be mainstream. Just because we do it with a glass of gin & tonic in one hand and a packet of peanuts in the other doesn't mean we don't do it with aplomb. Even our bitterest rivals concede that we have a little something...
I'd like to make a couple of predictions for 2011 but before I do I'd just like to take this opportunity to thank my team for all of their support this year. They have been magnificent throughout and knowing that they are with me for 2011 makes those challenges seem that bit easier. I'd like to thank our customers too and everyone connected with The Cloisters Fair - our bread and butter for sure. I would like to thank my family and friends for their support. Most of all I would like to thank Beth - she's backed the right horse but sometimes it's difficult to see the winning post with so much going on. Of course, I may well only be fit for the glue factory by the time the race is finished. But the race will be won - if this business were World War 2 it would be 1940 but at least we know we are the British...
So - ten predictions (some work related and some not) for 2011
1) Barnes Auctioneers will double in turnover
2) One of the 'Big Three' auction houses in Norfolk will shut down
3) A new auction house will open for business in Norwich
4) The Coalition Government will fall resulting in another General Election
5) A previously unknown Norwich School painting will be discovered in an attic somewhere
6) Margaret Thatcher will receive a State Funeral (mixed emotions about that one)
7) Two of my closest friends in the antique business will get married
8) A holiday for Beth and I - somewhere hot and romantic
9) A change of location - into the city centre for our office and for our home
10) An unexpected ally will reinforce our Eastern border

To all of you (well, not to those of you I don't like - just those of you I do) - have a Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year - and thank you for your friendship and support in 2010.

Catalogue for tomorrow

2010-12-21T19:54:00.000Z

Our next auction will take place at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich tomorrow (Wednesday 22nd December) at 11am. A catalogue will be available in the sale room but will not be posted on this site because of technical difficulties.

Mixed Lot

2010-12-19T07:15:00.000Z

Our annual Christmas party will take place this year at St Andrew's Hall on Wednesday, 22nd December at 10am (alongside The Cloisters Fair and General Auction - it's a must come-a-long kinda threesome so don't miss it). The event is an established tradition but there is another, equally important, that my colleagues seem only too willing to maintain and that is to start the 'unofficial' party several days in advance...
To report on the events of yesterday may only serve to reinforce long-held public opinion that antique dealers are miscreant sponges of alcohol. That would, of course, be a misrepresentation because we couldn't make any money at all if we lived our lives like that. We do like to enjoy ourselves though - and why not? A customer of mine recently suggested that this blog stick to 'facts, facts, and more facts dear boy!' but then what would be the point of that? Our lives are surely enriched by that in life which is ornamental, not by that which is functional? It may be the case that we would have taken more money had we been sober yesterday but my life is enriched by the people I work alongside, not by profit and loss. Money really means nothing to me. That surely exposes one myth about antique dealers?
That said, yesterday was a very good days trading - in more ways than one. It started badly, with some stallholder cancellations (because of the snow) and with the news that The Crypt cafe is to close permanently on Christmas Eve as part of Norwich City Council's cost-cutting measures (more on that in the New Year because the implications for us are enormous). However, a few sales throughout the day topped up with a cheque from Keys Auctioneers (yes, of course we use other auction houses from time to time) and I was able to assure Beth that we can afford a turkey at Christmas and not just the chicken thigh we were looking to divide between the four of us!
Sunday is usually a day off - but not today. Today is preparing for Monday when we will do it all again - though perhaps with a little less rum...

FAIR UPDATE

2010-12-17T19:43:00.001Z

We can confirm that The Cloisters Fair will take place at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich today (Saturday, 18th) as planned (despite the snow - it's really not that bad!) 8am-6pm.

First Look at Lots for Christmas Auction

2010-12-16T15:30:00.000Z

Here is a first look at some of the lots we have on offer at our Christmas Auction, which will take place at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich on Wednesday, 22nd December at 11am
LOT 50 - Gents Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust watch with stainless steel strap Est 800-1200
LOT 94 - Emerald (one stone est 2.7cts) & brilliant cut diamond (two stones est approx 1ct) three stone ring, 18ct white & yellow gold mounted, Sheffield Hallmark, Size 'N', with insurance valuation (£4250.00) Est 1800-2000
LOT 190 - Emerald (one stone est 1.1cts) and brilliant cut diamond (14 stones est 0.42cts) set border rectangular cluster ring in the Art Deco style, 18ct white & yellow gold mounted, London Hallmark, Size 'N', with insurance valuation (£2850.00) Est 1200-1500
LOT 250 - Large solid silver (800) Italian dish Est 200-300

News Update

2010-12-16T06:09:00.001Z

Our Christmas Auction will be held at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich on Wednesday, 22nd December at 11am. Please do note the departure from our regular sale date and time. We are accepting entries at St Andrew's Hall on Saturday, 18th/Monday, 20th/Tuesday, 21st December between 8am and 4pm. Another break from our normal pratice is that we will be paying vendors out in cash on the Wednesday (until 5pm) to ensure that people receive their money in time for Christmas. All will be back to normal from January...

The Cloisters Fair will be held over Christmas on the following dates:
Sat, 18th Dec - Christmas at The Cloisters Fair (8am-6pm)
Mon, 20th Dec - Christmas at The Cloisters Fair (8am-6pm)
Tues, 21st Dec - Christmas at The Cloisters Fair (8am-6pm)
Wed, 22nd Dec - Christmas at The Cloisters Fair (8am-6pm)

HOT OFF THE PRESS - we can confirm that stall prices for The Cloisters Fair will remain fixed at £15 (single) £24 (double) for 2011.

Mixed Lot

2010-12-12T03:51:00.002Z

There is one Golden Rule in the antique game that should always be observed and that is 'Don't ever pay the asking price for anything'. The Art of Negotiation is a skill that must be honed to perfection if you are to succeed in our profession. All antique dealers expect to discount and price accordingly. It is, however, an Art that should be respected and not abused as it was yesterday at The Cloisters Fair.
'It's not complete. If it was complete, I would give you fifty quid for it. But it's not complete.'
These words were uttered by a skinny Scottish skate whose teeth had not been cleaned in thirty years. He needed a bath like I needed the sale but if truth be told he was actually just interrupting my enjoyment of a cup of asparagus soup from Amaretto. He was fingering a Victorian silver parasol handle that I had acquired that very morning from Tall Tony. It's beautifully decorated in the Art Nouveau style and I wanted £50 for it. Although, he was correct in pointing out that there was no parasol to accompany the handle, he was incorrect in his assertion that this fact would make any difference to its value. But it was his attitude that hardened the price.
'I'll give you a tenner for it. It's not worth more than that to me' he said, before tossing it back into my display cabinet with disregard.
Back in the day there was always a 10% rule - to trade buyers at least. To Scottish tossers (of parasol handles) who expect something for nothing, the available discount is...silence.
'I said I'll give you a tenner for it.'
Silence.
'What is your best price then?'
Silence.
'Mate?'
Silence.
My demeanour eventually penetrated his little bony head and he wandered off to do whatever it is that little annoying Scottish people do.
It's simple to negotiate a little bit off - just respect the person you are dealing with and be enthusiastic about what you want to buy 'I really love this beautiful parasol handle - I don't suppose there is any chance you could do it for £45?' is all he needed to say. But he didn't.
The Cloisters Fair was very busy yesterday which was to be expected as we head (rapidly it seems) toward Christmas. We had a full house too with space for dealers at a premium. With so many friends in one place it's difficult sometimes to concentrate on the job in hand (we are there to sell after all). To say we laughed throughout the day would be an understatement. We laughed until the medieval timbers laughed with us before heading back to our favourite pub, The Doghouse, at the end of trading.
Oh the tales and the stories and the events and the gossip and the life and the love and the death of it all. It's all there and I wish that I was Oscar Wilde or Shakespeare so that I could find the words to portray what it is that makes The Cloisters Fair so special. It's a hive of activity and I never tire of it. It's our front parlour. It's our Rovers Return. It's our soap opera. But of all the stories of late, one (true) story stands out.
Often the best tales are never told (many of my mine are between God and me and I'll have that conversation with Him one day no doubt) and this was very nearly another for the vault. But, with the permission of the dealer agreed, I'll open the curtain momentarily and allow you a glimpse into our secret world.
'I think it's a railway watch'
The opening lines in this particular episode were spoken by my good friend and colleague, Daniel. He was inspecting an old pocket watch that had been entered into our auction for sale.
I glanced at it and saw it for what it was - an old pocket watch with a damaged enamel dial. We see hundreds of pocket watches come through our saleroom and they are all the same - worthless. Of course, there are always exceptions - we did sell an incredible Russian silver and blue enamel pocket watch recently - but this didn't look like one. It was tired and dirty and without a hope in Hell of selling at the ambitious £40 reserve that had been placed upon it. I looked at it. Daniel looked at it. Every single dealer and collector that came to our sale looked at it. No one bought it and we offered it for sale privately at a reduced price of £25. At that price it was still, in my opinion, rich. The dealer who bought it from us, a friend of mine, went away happy nevertheless.
A few days later, he phoned me. Normally, when a dealer calls post-sale it is to negotiate a refund for some reason or other which is why we like the phrase 'sold as seen'. Not on this occasion, however.
'Just between you and me, Gary...'
The pocket watch had been sold on for £600! That may seem like a fantastic profit for the dealer, and of course it is (and he did buy me a cup of tea with some of the proceeds) but more than anything it represents a moment of ecstasy for the collector who bought it because he isn't interested in pocket watches. He is interested in memorabilia related to the Zulu War of 1879.
The pocket watch was inscribed on the back 'Presented by Col. Hutton to Private John Williams 1879'.
Private John Williams (pictured) was awarded the Victoria Cross for his part in the defence of Rorke's Drift on the 22nd/23rd January 1879. The battle was featured on screen in the film 'Zulu' starring Stanley Baker and Michael Caine and is famous as one of the greatest ever British victories against overwhelming odds. Private Williams was awarded the VC for fending off Zulu warriors attacking the hospital and engineering an escape for the injured by breaking through walls with his bayonet. He saved many lives and did so without ammunition or thought for his own safety. The pocket watch that belonged to a man like Private John Williams VC is highly desirable.
'How did we miss that one, Gary?' asked Daniel in The Doghouse last night.
'Error, Daniel'
'Error, Gary'
'Another pint, Daniel?'
Actually, the credit for this has to go to the man that took the trouble to research the inscription on the back of the watch. There is a belief amongst the public that antique dealers make money easily but that is not the case. This antique dealer was meticulous and determined in his research and earned his money thoroughly and honestly. He deserved his profit.
What gems will you be able to find in our next auction? Well, why not come along and see for yourself - our Christmas sale has been moved to Wednesday, 22nd December at 11am and will run alongside The Cloisters Fair and our Christmas party. It's going to be a great finale to our year and something that you simply cannot afford to miss!

Mixed Lot

2010-12-07T08:26:00.002Z

Selling via eBay is an important aspect of my working life but the whole process of packing and posting valuables across the world is at best stressful. It's stressful because stupid Americans return antique items with a note explaining 'this item is not in as good a condition as it might be.'
I always respond 'That's because it's 150 years old - what will you look like in one hundred years time?'
'Can I have another one?'
'No, it's Victorian. It's unique.'
'In that case I'll apply for a PayPal refund and leave you negative feedback anyway.'
Nothing brings out the need to kill in me more than someone from the other side of The Pond expecting that I fall on my sword just because they have a negative feedback advantage over me. I want to cross the Atlantic and track them down. I want to put their fat head into a mangle and turn the cogs slowly. I want to enslave them and sell them as shark bait to Egyptian fishermen.
But in truth my temper is already primed by something much closer to home - the Post Office. Not that there are many Post Offices left. There is one at Castle Mall in Norwich. You can't miss it - just take a packed lunch and join the queue at St Stephen's. When you get to the front of the queue you will discover just why it has taken so long to serve you.
'Hello, my name is Robert and I am your customer service assistant for today. How may I help you?'
'I need to send a couple of parcels to some dumb Americans'.
'Well, I can assist you with that sir. Tell me, do you need house contents insurance?'
'No'
'Do you need car insurance?'
'No'
'Do you need life assurance?'
'No, but you might soon need it...'
'Can I explain about the benefits our excellent travel insurance policy?'
'For God's sake man!'
I want to cross the counter and slap him down. I want to put his fat head into a mangle and turn the cogs slowly. I want to enslave him and sell him as shark bait to Egyptian fishermen...
Maybe I have an anger problem?
The great thing about selling at an antique fair is that the customer can see and handle whatever it is that has caught their eye and then pay in cash. Forget parcel tape, brown paper, and customs labels - a little bit of bubblewrap and an old carrier bag and both buyer and seller part company in good spirits. No fees. No returns. No hassle.
That said, I have had some incredible sales online, that I could never have anticipated at an antique fair. There is certainly an argument to be made for concentrating on selling online only. I don't subscribe to that view because a savvy dealer selects the best marketplace for what s/he is selling. For example, collectable books sell well on Amazon but an antiquarian book on the churches of Norwich may well be best tried at The Cloisters.
The other reason for not simply selling via the internet is that it divorces you from life. Life is to be found at antique fairs, and auctions, and in the pub. An antique dealer who sells on the internet alone is not an antique dealer - they are someone who sells antiques online. Balance in life is everything and selling on eBay, Amazon, et al is probably best described as a necessary evil. One that cannot be ignored. But give me people, real people, and real life each and every time.
Rant over - I have to go to the Post Office (top tip - try the one in Roys' store on Magdalen Street) - wish me luck!

Mixed Lot

2010-12-06T14:36:00.001Z

Our decision to appoint a new Auction Rooms Manager has caused quite a stir. Of course, I had anticipated some interest but not to the extent that my email inbox is crammed full of attached Curriculum Vitaes from as far away as Nevada. And we haven't even advertised the position yet - the recruitment process will begin in February 2011.
Back to this week and we have taken the decision, for a variety of reasons (not least the weather and sickness in camp), to push Thursday's auction back to the 16th December. I do hope that this doesn't inconvenience anyone too much (and that the message gets through to everyone). It's not a decision that has been taken lightly. There will not be a second auction this month in any event because of the Christmas holidays. From January 2011 we will be back to our usual pattern of every second and fourth Thursday.
The Cloisters Fair will stall this Wednesday (8th) and Saturday (11th) at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich and we are expecting our customers to throw off the shackles of recession and spend spend spend. Well, actually, if we take a shilling or two and can afford a chicken thigh for Christmas dinner we will be happy. If you would like to stall on Wednesday you are too late. If you would like to stall on Saturday we have space. Just call us on 01603 304337 or 07810 646711 to book an 8ft table.
The Cloisters Fair will stall for the final time this year on the 15th December - or will it? We have had some interest in running the antique fair on Wednesday, 29th December. To be honest, that post-Christmas/pre-New Year period is probably a good time to sell as families (bored with watching repeats on telly) look to leave the house and actually do something more interesting instead. We would appreciate your comments on this - particularly if you would be prepared to stall. In any case, The Cloisters Fair will be back on Wednesday, 5th January 2011.
Inbetween those dates we have our Christmas at The Cloisters Fair - our third year. This will run every day from Saturday 18th until Wednesday 22nd December (excluding Sunday). We still have space available for this event if you would like to stall on all or some of the days. Please note that we are no longer able to host on Sundays because of increased staffing costs necessary to open the Hall.
So the calendar looks like this:

Wed, 8th Dec - The Cloisters Fair (8am-3pm)
Sat, 11th Dec - The Cloisters Fair (8am-4pm)
Wed, 15th Dec - The Cloisters Fair (8am-3pm)
Thurs, 16th Dec - General Auction incl antiques (2pm, viewing from midday)
Sat, 18th Dec - Christmas at The Cloisters Fair (8am-6pm)
Mon, 20th Dec - Christmas at The Cloisters Fair (8am-6pm)
Tues, 21st Dec - Christmas at The Cloisters Fair (8am-6pm)
Wed, 22nd Dec - Christmas at The Cloisters Fair (8am-6pm)
Wed, 29th Dec - tbc

Just a final note. If you are interested in antiques and making a full or part-time living out of it (lots of people do btw) - then do get in touch. We offer packages for people looking to change direction and can help you to start your own business in 2011.

Mixed Lot

2010-11-30T12:16:00.002Z

Barnes Auctioneers is already recognised as 'one of the most dynamic salerooms in the country' (ATC) but it's not just about making headlines across the world. It was an achievement for us to feature in the New York Times following the sale of Bob Dylan's harmonica. It was amazing to discover an original sketch by John Crome in a Norwich attic. But these are just some of the highlights and we know that, however fancy the architecture, the finest buildings are always reliant on a solid foundation. The moment we are entrusted with a job, be that a valuation or a house clearance or the sale of an item, we know that our task is to exceed our customer's expectations. Mostly that is about getting the basics right. We put as much effort into selling an old chair as we do a beautiful diamond ring. Of course, we do enjoy the headlines when they come along!

It's worth reviewing what we do, because it puts everything into perspective:
1) We host two General Auctions including Antiques and Valuables every month
2) We host weekly (sometimes twice weekly) antique fairs in central Norwich
3) We manage house clearances and the disposal of effects for Probate purposes
4) We trade online and at other venues across the country (mostly London)

WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE TO WORK WITH US:
1) We are a family-run business with thirty years experience in the trade.
2) We are friendly and offer a bespoke service designed to exceed your expectations.
3) We are cost-effective, offering free advice and information allied to consistently low fees.
4) We are based in Norwich, unlike many of our competitors
5) We are professional and honest.
6) We pay vendors in cash

CONTACT US on 01603 304337 or 07810 646711
or email us barnesauctioneers@btinternet.com if you:
a) Are interested in buying or selling at auction.
b) Are responsible for the management of an estate or the disposal of effects from a property.
c) Would like to trade at an antique fair in central Norwich.
d) Would like some free advice about your antiques and valuables.
e) Would be interested in joining our mailing list.

Mixed Lot

2010-11-29T03:07:00.002Z

It's a bit chilly outside and the weather reflects a tough economic climate. The snow and icy conditions add more pressure to the business of making money too as people hunker down at home with supplies of corned-beef and candles (in anticipation of a power cut). Cars remain on the side of the road, covered in a foot of snow, and everything is still. Not ideal when you want to sell them a Coalport trio...
With this in mind, I feared the worst for The Cloisters Fair on Saturday morning as I looked out across the river and witnessed the coming of the next Ice Age. Snow and antique fairs do not mix. Stallholders cancel (ten did) and customers stay at home (and eat their corned-beef sandwiches). Add to the mix a stonking hangover (no regrets though - cracking boys night out on the Friday) and prospects were bleak. I was tempted to shut up shop and cancel the whole thing but then I remembered the phrase 'the show MUST go on'.
Seven. That's how many stallholders (myself included) entered into the Dunkirk Spirit on Saturday at The Cloisters Fair. The Cloisters Fair is a Norwich institutuion. It's been running since the early 1970's under different organisers. It stalls every wednesday and (usually) on two saturdays a month. It's the epicentre of our trading and a place where people meet and work and play. It's usually full of life but at 7.30am on Saturday morning it was very, very quiet. 'Is it just the two of us, Gary?' asked Brenda as she shivered in the snow before continuing 'Do you think they will let us in (to St Andrew's Hall, where the fair takes place) only this snow affects my arthritis'.
Before long we were joined by Jenny. Then Gillian. Like the brave (or foolhardy) signing up with the sheriff to protect the town against marauding bands of commanche, they came. One by one. Linda next. Then the Other Linda. And finally, Julia. Then we were seven, the Magnificent Seven.
Filling a hall with just seven stallholders is a challenge (although our record is four stallholders) but we managed it (just). There were one or two that swayed early on as the snow continued to fall and the customers continued to stay away. But you have to hold the line even when you can see that defeat is inevitable. We are British after all. So we did (hold the line) and in adversity we prevailed. One by one we started to take some money. It's a strange truism that things often go right when expected to go wrong. Although I spent most of the day slumped in a corner, I did manage to sell enough that my stall(s) looked quite empty! At the end of the day, one of the girls rushed up to me and (grasping me with both hands) smiled 'I've had my best day ever, thank you'. Contrary to popular opinion, antique dealers are not all rich - some of us are content just to make an honest living and that's been difficult lately. It felt good to know that she was going home having had a good day. There certainly were no grumbles as I collected the rents!
Of course, Sod's Law dictates that next Wednesday we have more antique dealers than stalls to put them on. The weather, if it continues to snow, may knock that conundrum out cold though. Whatever the scenario, The Cloisters Fair will stand. It will always stand.
Sunday was my last day of rest for a while and I spent it with a mate of mine who, despite being intelligent, is a Norwich City supporter. We went to The Doghouse to watch the local derby. Maybe it's a sign of the times that the pub was virtually empty. I drank beer, ate crisps, and watched my team capitulate. He'll have bragging rights now (until next time) - it's not easy, living in Norwich and supporting Ipswich Town.
This week, as well as The Cloisters Fair on Wednesday, we will be preparing for our next auction, which takes place on Thursday, 9th December. We are hoping to finish the year off in some style with our best sale yet. Do call us on 01603 304337 or 07810 646711 if you would like to enter something or if you just want some free advice and information. We don't bite...

Mixed Lot

2010-11-26T05:48:00.002Z

It's healthy to have a vice or two and mine are well documented. Yesterday, I realised that I have another - buying and selling. Buying and selling (primarily antiques in my case) is similar to gambling. It's similar in that you cannot always be sure that your financial outlay will return a profit. There are, as always, some exceptions such as in the buying and selling of scrap gold or silver (buying at X to sell at Y). Buying antiques to sell generally, however, involves an element of risk. The dealer asks 'What can I sell that on for?' and then negotiates to buy in the hope that they will achieve a profitable margin. Sometimes that judgement is sound and sometimes it's not. But, and this is my point - that judgement call is addictive. It's a vice. When I buy something for £50 and sell it for £100 I feel, well I feel, I actually feel overwhelmed with my own brilliance. Then I fall back down to earth, for example at yesterday's sale when an lot of mine sold for just £28 when I had originally bought it for £40...
Not that yesterday's sale was a disappointment - far from it. It was an excellent sale with some great prices achieved on our 'cornerstone' lots. The Chester hallmarked silver tray, for example, selling for £528 ABP. The Arts & Crafts dish for £198 ABP. We had little jewellery in this time round - we're saving that up for our special Christmas sale on Thursday, 9th December. It was the silver that did it for us yesterday.
A few months ago we announced our intention to move from one sale a month to two. Despite some initial reservations, we have managed to prove that to be the right strategy. Our ambition is to move to a weekly sale wef April 2011. We have some big decisions to make, not least whether or not St Andrew's Hall is the right venue for our auction rooms. We also have to determine whether or not a Thursday is right for us. It has been suggested that a Tuesday may be better. We really would appreciate your views on both of these issues (and anything else that you feel relevant) - just email us at barnesauctioneers@btinternet.com
I have made two decisions already. The first is that Barnes Auctioneers will remain a solely family concern and that we have abandoned any idea of partnership with another saleroom or individual. It is no secret that we entered into quite detailed discussions with two potential investors some months ago and that they have been ongoing. Ultimately, and inevitably, though we would need to compromise on our path and I cannot do that. I cannot leave the path I am on because in the far distance I can see something. I saw it back in 2008 when we held our first sale in twenty years. I know that we must reach that point and that at that point we will realise our ambition together as our own little Band of Brothers and, in any case, as our greatest King once said 'The fewer men, the greater share of honour'. We English didn't need the Scots at Agincourt...
The second decision I have made is to let go of Barnes Auctioneers. What I mean to say is to let go of managing every aspect of the business and concentrate of what I do best. If we are to grow it is critical that we have the best people in key positions. In particular we need a full-time auction rooms manager and it is my hope that we will achieve that by April 2011. That will enable me to put greater energy into the vision and strategy side of the business. We already have an amazing team of people and we will grow together in our own unique style.
Naturally, as is our practice, we celebrated after the sale yesterday. Most of us, along with a couple of friends, went on to Delaney's for a shandy or three. We raised a glass and the anecdotes and the story-telling and the raucous laughter began and went on and on into the evening. I guess the forthcoming advert will need to say 'WANTED - Auction Rooms Manager - preferably with a sense of humour'

Public Catalogue for 25th November 2010

2010-11-24T19:18:00.001Z

Our next sale takes place tomorrow at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich at 2pm (public viewing from midday) - catalogue below:

General Auction 25th November 2010

Lot Description Estimate

1 Writing bureau incl contents 30-40

2 Vintage standard lamp (decorative item only - not tested) 30-40

3 Large mirror 10-20

4 Copper ice bucket 10-20

5 Pair of Alberto Lena figures 20-30

6 19th Century bowl A/F 10-20

7 Thorens musical beerstein 10-20

8 Pair of brass wall bracket stands 20-30

9 Vintage boot stretcher 8-12

10 Nest of three tables 8-12

11 Box of mixed records 10-20

12 Pair of original Victorian watercolours 30-40

13 Vintage map of the British Isles 20-30

14 Mixed lot of costume jewellery and a pocket watch* 10-20

15 Hallmarked silver fork* 30-40

16 Two small ceramic cream jugs* 10-20

17 Beswick figure of a man* 10-20

18 Mixed bank notes and coins* 10-20

19 Turkey platter 4-8

20 Pewter Quart tankard 8-12

21 Vintage umbrella 4-8

22 Silver-plated egg-cup stand 8-12

23 Vintage bottle of Chevalier champagne 20-30

24 Glass vase 10-20

25 Album of cigarette cards 30-40

26 Four Shannon Pottery storage jars 8-12

27 Old chamber pot 4-8

28 Vintage set of dominoes 4-8

29 Gentleman's travel set and a travel writing set 8-12

30 Large quantity of ceramics incl blue & white, Willow Pattern, etc 30-40

31 Theodolite 8-12

32 Coral & seashell decorative ornament 12-18

33 Vintage case 4-8

34 Vintage silver-plated picture frame 8-12

35 Porcelain group figurine of chess players 10-20

36 Mixed lot 10-20

37 Pair of silver teaspoons* 8-12

38 Pair of opera glasses* 8-12

39 Still life oil on board 10-20

40 Vintage mantle clock and barometer 30-40

41 Three walking sticks 4-8

42 Pye Radio 30-40

43 Plated service (3) 20-30

44 Hand painted pug tin 30-40

45 Mixed lot of shipping plated ware 30-40

46 Mixed lot incl teaspoons/pens etc 10-20

47 Oriental coffee set 10-20

48 Two Gothic style upholstered chairs 80-120

49 Mixed lot incl draylon curtains 8-12

50 Mixed lot incl biscuit barrel 4-8

51 Vintage upholstered chair 10-20

52 Pair of oval pictures 8-12

53 Silver-plated service (4) 10-20

54 KT ceramic coffee set 10-20

55 1950's picnic set 10-20

56 Oval mirror 10-20

57 Mixed lot incl antique clock pendulum weights 10-20

58 Set of step ladders 10-20

59 Vintage case 10-20

60 Bed warming pan 10-20

61 RAF jacket 10-20

62 Pair of decorative plates 8-12

63 Two belts 8-12

64 Lot of Essex County Magazines 8-12

65 Ornate wall mirror 10-20

66 Set of six Susie Cooper plates 20-30

67 Mixed lot of stamps incl GB/Commonwealth etc 20-30

68 Glass decanter 4-8

69 Still life oil on board 10-20

70 Mixed lot of vintage bags and a collar 10-20

71 Mixed lot of costume jewellery* 10-20

72 Mixed lot incl hallmarked silver and silver-plated items (8)* 60-80

73 Five napkin rings* 8-12

74 Mixed lot incl small copper dish, hallmarked silver sugar nips, haemetite

necklace* 8-12

75 Vintage plant stand (pictured)10-20

76 Vintage set of fish knives & forks 8-12

77 Vintage doll 8-12

78 Franklin Mint Patricia figure 10-20

79 Four 'Lochs of Scotland' bowls 10-20

80 Mixed lot of plates 8-12

81 Sylvac Christmas holly dish 8-12

82 Mixed lot 10-20

83 Vintage trouser press 8-12

84 Floral display - framed oil on canvas 20-30

85 Mixed lot of commemorative mugs 10-20

86 Vintage ladies watch* 10-20

87 Pair of Coalport cup & saucers 10-20

88 Pair of glass scents A/F 4-8

89 Hip flask 4-8

90 Watercolour of Fritton Lake 10-20

91 Corgi Massey-Ferguson Tractor in box 8-12

92 Lace tablecloth & 3-piece embroidered dressing table set 8-12

93 Old mantle clock 20-30

94 Mixed lot of costume jewellery incl cameo brooch* 10-20

95 Mixed lot of coinage* 10-20

96 Royal Doulton loving cup (Margaret Thatcher) 8-12

97 Still life oil on board 10-20

98 Mixed lot of copper & brass 8-12

99 Silver plated cake-stand (Wood & Sons) 10-20

100 1789 map of Norwich by Anthony Hochstetter 80-120

101 Muriel Dawson fine art print 30-40

102 Gentleman's dressing set 20-30

103 Pair of antique wall lights 40-60

104 Large mirror 10-20

105 Floral vase 10-20

106 Silver-plated circular tray 10-20

107 980 silver pendant with chain* 8-12

108 Mixed lot of costume jewellery* 10-20

109 9ct white gold amethyst & diamond ring* 60-80

110 9ct gold white sapphire eternity ring* 30-40

111 Mixed lot 8-12

112 Victorian umbrella 10-20

113 Ornate circular mirror 10-20

114 Hall table 10-20

115 Mixed lot of tea and cigarette cards 10-20

116 Silver gravy boat* 20-30

117 One silver-plated and one pewter tankard 8-12

118 Meat platter 4-8

119 Mixed of lot of Meakin ware incl two tureens and a meat platter 10-20

120 Vintage sewing box incl contents 30-40

121 Mixed lot of ceramics incl Sylvan musical pottery mug 10-20

122 Two evening bags 4-8

123 Mixed lot 8-12

124 Mixed lot of cuddly toys 8-12

125 Victorian plant stand 80-120

126 Vintage Chinese basket 30-40

127 Chad Valley wooden jigsaw & a print of Newmarket Races 10-20

128 Two Spode collectors equestrian plates 10-20

129 Mixed lot of Essex related items incl prints, map, ephemera, books, etc 40-60

130 Silver-topped glass bottle 8-12

131 Lot of mixed glass 10-20

132 Set of ladders 10-20

133 Ornate wall mirror 10-20

134 Mixed lot of vintage lace & linen 10-20

135 Silver pepper* 10-20

136 Pair of Victorian scent bottles as lamps* 80-120

137 Three boxed Matchbox cars* 18-25

138 Mixed lot of costume jewellery* 8-12

139 Ceramic hanging ornament 8-12

140 Mixed lot of crystal glass incl decanter 10-20

141 Mixed lot of pictures 10-20

142 Hardly used 120 Bass piano-accordion (pictured) 140-180

143 Mixed lot 10-20

144 Small antique wine table 40-60

145 Bronte Christmas Past - Susan Ridyard print 8-12

146 Vintage boxed set of spoons 8-12

147 Tub containing large quantity of military and other photographs 20-30

148 Vintage Burroughs adding machine 10-20

149 Child's cased violin 20-30

150 Plaster bust of a maiden 180-240

151 Mixed lot of watches* 10-20

152 Victorian mother of pearl needlecase* 8-12

153 Mixed lot of cutlery incl silver* 10-20

154 Pair of Susie Cooper dishes* 10-20

155 Black stand for lights 8-12

156 Box of various size picture lights 10-20

157 Pair of signed Ltd Ed Peter Solly prints - Pulls Ferry/Norfolk Poppytime 30-40

158 Watercolour by M Lewis 20-30

159 Framed photograph of Mousehold Heath - Nicholas Smith 10-20

160 Box of dolls 8-12

161 Mixed lot of ceramics incl Clarice Cliff bowl 20-30

162 Dresden plate 10-20

163 Chef's knife box 4-8

164 Box of lamp shades 4-8

165 Lof of pretty rings 10-20

166 Hallmarked silver tray* 40-60

167 Louis Phillipe I coin* 12-18

168 Silver pendant* 8-12

169 9ct gold citrine & diamond ring* 30-40

170 Baltic amber & silver bracelet* 20-30

171 9ct gold Vertex ladies watch* 20-30

172 Silver salt scoop* 8-12

173 Pair of WW1 medals - 19573 SJT P Marshall - Qeen's R* 40-60

174 Pair of WW1 medals - 17850 Pte E Marshall - Norfolk Regt * 40-60

175 Sewing box with contents 10-20

176 Set of steak knives & forks 8-12

177 Mixed lot of evening bags/purses etc 20-30

178 Pair of 1920's glass candleholders 4-8

179 Mixed lot incl glass and ceramics 4-8

180 1950's eiderdown 10-20

181 Set of silver-plated butter-knives and a set of cocktail forks 10-20

182 Vintage case 12-18

183 Portrait of Mrs William Gibson of Kent - J Swale 30-40

184 Portrait of Mr William Gibson of Kent - J Swale 30-40

185 Print and a book on St Andrew's Hall 10-20

186 Vintage tray 4-8

187 1970's picture of a boat 4-8

188 9ct gold bracelet decorated with lions* (pictured) 200-300

189 Silver-plated Yeoman's sweet tray* 10-20

190 Victorian glass & ormolu watch display case* 80-120

191 Pocket watch and chain* 10-20

192 Mixed lot of buttons etc* 8-12

193 Vintage Services gents wristwatch* 20-30

194 Selection of seven small silver items* 20-30

195 Three-piece hallmarked silver service* 300-400

196 Hallmarked silver jug* 40-60

197 9ct gold sapphire ring* 40-60

198 Selection of hallmarked silver and silver-plated items (8)* 80-120

199 18ct gold diamond & sapphire 'Princess Diana' ring* 300-400

200 Cottages at Sunset - oil on canvas landscape by Percy Lionel, signed & dated 1904 150-180

201 Mixed lot 8-12

202 Two leather chairs 30-40

203 Set of place mats and a set of coasters 4-8

204 Set of old The Graphic magazines 8-12

205 Three wise monkeys 8-12

206 Ornate brass charger 8-12

207 Mirror 8-12

208 Two umbrellas and a walking stick 8-12

209 Vintage chair 10-20

210 Mixed lot of Roman bricks from Wanstead Park 20-30

211 Mixed lot 8-12

212 Fishing rods 8-12

213 Vintage lamp 4-8

214 1974 IWC gents wristwatch* 800-1200

215 Silver gilt christening spoon (import London 1927)* 40-60

216 Vintage brooch* 8-12

217 Pair of champagne goblets (Sheffield 1895)* 120-180

218 18ct gold diamond (0.36ct) & emerald (1.1ct) ring* 800-1000

219 Hamilton & Inches 9ct gold gold themed buttons in original case* 200-300

220 Pair of Victorian hallmarked silver tongs* 60-80

221 Silver cream jug* 20-30

222 18ct gold Victorian French hardstone cameo brooch/pendant* 300-400

223 Signed pencil drawing - Henry Bright* (pictured) 80-120

224 Hallmarked silver Arts & Crafts dish, London 1907, George Jackson & David

Fullerton* 60-80

225 Stunning hallmarked silver tray approx 1.15Kg Chester 1937, Blanckensee* 300-400

* Indicates in or near cabinets

Sneak Preview (2)

2010-11-23T20:24:00.001Z

Our next Barnes Auction including Antiques & Collectables will take place at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich on Thursday, 25th November 2010 at 2pm (public viewing from midday). A full catalogue will be available on this website from Thursday morning - but do keep checking back as we add sneak previews to tempt you...
LOT 220 - Pair of Victorian hallmarked silver tongs Est 60-80
LOT 40 - Vintage mantle clock and barometer Est 30-40
LOT 224 - Hallmarked silver Arts & Crafts dish, London 1907, George Jackson & David Fullerton Est 60-80
LOT 225 - Stunning hallmarked silver tray approx 1.15Kg Chester, 1937, Blanckensee Est 300-400
LOT 137 - Three Matchbox cars Est 18-25

Sneak Preview (1) of this Thursday's Sale

2010-11-23T18:25:00.000Z

Our next Barnes Auction including Antiques & Collectables will take place at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich on Thursday, 25th November 2010 at 2pm (public viewing from midday). A full catalogue will be available on this website from Thursday morning - but do keep checking back as we add sneak previews to tempt you...
LOT 65 - Ornate wall mirror Est 10-20
LOT 4 - Copper ice bucket Est 10-20
LOT 200 - Cottage at Sunset - oil on canvas landscape by Percy Lionel, signed and dated '04 Est 150-180
LOT 120 - Vintage sewing box incl contents Est 30-40
LOT 8 - Pair of brass wall bracket stands Est 20-30

Mixed Lot

2010-11-20T09:18:00.001Z

It's been a difficult week, partly because we cleared a house for an ex-RAF serviceman who is being forced to sell his home and contents to pay for nursing care (a legacy of Animal Farm Socialism) and partly because of the sheer physical effort required for that and another clearance the following day. House clearances are not pretty, there are always issues and lots of heavy things to shift. And I am not getting any younger (I know this because my wife never fails to make a joke of it when we are out with friends) - not that I give two hoots (notice, I toned that down as I was going to say 'not that I give a shit' but received lots of criticism for swearing in my last post. Not that I give a shit). The great thing about being a forty-something is that it doesn't matter anymore whilst thirty-somethings still have the dreaded four-o ahead of them (it's a psychological, not an actual, barrier). Still, no aching limbs this morning, apart from my groin which was abused on a repeated basis by a woman in leather boots at the Sugar Hut last night...
My wife, who was aware of the abuse but did little to protect me, managed to out-drink me last night. Monsoon certainly slips down very nicely and was a perfect partner for the most amazing Thai food I have had in a while. We finished off with caterpillar for pudding and our friend Glenn ate it's arse.
All this is very well but I do have a business to run. The damage inflicted by the £30,000 raid on our store room was the most terrible blow but not actually as bad as having to repeat myself on the subject to all and sundry. People, I know, are just being sympathetic and supportive but I am thinking about producing a Question and Answer sheet to avoid any further comment. The bottom line is that those responsible have not been caught and are unlikely to be caught. The business continues to trade and 90% of those affected have now been paid. Barnes Auctioneers is a profitable concern and it can stand the pressure that this whole episode has inflicted upon it. We have tightened our security arrangements and can now concentrate on getting back to normal.
'Normal' for us doesn't actually resonate. It's not what we want and it's certainly not what we do. I've mentioned before that it's all about the adventure. There is nothing better than charging around the countryside, not knowing what we might find. We were in Aylsham last week, at Keys Auction (yes, of course we buy and sell at other places) with a van full of furniture. "Why can't you put it in your own sale?" asked the auctioneer up there (an understandable question given the circumstances) "Because it is a pile of shit" is what I wanted to say "We only sell smalls" is what I actually said. He wasn't impressed and packed us off to the local tip. Actually, we were a bit naughty with that one and for that I apologise to him and to Keys. They are one of Norfolk's more reputable auction houses and I always enjoy my visits there. They did take in some stuff from us so I'll cross my fingers and hope for a big fat cheque.
My next adventure will have to be Brighton. I've been meaning to get down there again for a while now (just need to persuade someone to share petrol with me - Dan/Helen are you reading this?). It's a Mecca really and one that makes Norwich look like a backwater. It's the future for us too, because our vision is to bring that experience home.
Ground Zero and it's our next sale on Thursday (25th November). We already have some super lots but need more so do get in touch. It's a fantastic time of the year to be selling (in the run up to Christmas) and we always anticipate good hammer prices for your antiques and valuables. You know what to do call 01603 304337 or 07810 646711 to discuss your arrangements. We will be taking in entries throughout Wednesday 24th at The Cloisters Fair (8am-4pm) at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich.