Clarks’ continued their great start to their autumn sales program with another fine sale, once again totally dominated by internet bidding. Auctioneer Paul Clark said “This is the new era & it is one we have always embraced from the off” adding “technology has transformed the antiques business & the saleroom, much to the benefit of the seller & collectors – we are all having to adapt quickly to the changes that surround us”.
The sale included the sale of a hand signed W. O. Bentley book which saw a prolonged internet battle before the hammer came down at £460. Other books saw good prices including a small collection of John Le Carre proofs at £240. A topographical postcard album came in at £130 whilst a WW1 sweetheart silks album saw £220 bid.
The sales main interest though came in the shape of numerous entries on behalf of Mrs. Lauraine Sadleir MBE & the late Mr. Michael R. Sadleir. Mrs. Sadlier won her MBE for work she did with members of the DCLI post war. These items mostly revolved around WW2 & including some German entries & most were submitted to the collection by fellow comrades. A WW2 de-Nazified Hitler Youth dagger made a great price at £620 whilst two reproduction Scottish sgian-dubh daggers twinned with brass badges & other items astonished at £1200. A Third Reich radio receiver recovered from the occupation of Guernsey perhaps would not fit in most folks display cabinets but still saw bids of £420 & a WW1 brass flare gun made £190 despite faults.
All nine enamel signs sold well. Auctioneer Paul Clark added “These were not as rare as the three that made £8800 in our previous sale but nonetheless were well received by collectors”. Other collectables saw great prices too, notably five boxed Matchbox diecast cars which made £240 at the hammer. A Sunderlands truck by “Qualitoy” impressed when an online bidding war reached £130 despite playwear.
Auctioneer Paul Clark added “There is no doubt things are changing & fast. Desirable items are often making retail prices at auction & sometimes far surpassing expectations of all – sellers, collectors, dealers & auctioneers are entering a brave new world – we all need to be ready”.
Paul Clark said “Another lockdown has now been cast upon us with the increasing threat of a second wave of Covid19. We will all need to adapt to live with this whilst it is still prevalent – it could be a while yet & life won’t be easy for anyone”. Entries invited for New Years Day which will go ahead, come what may.
