Press releases

CHARTERHOUSE

Auctioneers & Valuers

Press releases

Please find below some of our most recent press releases

January 2010

Lots of Gold at Charterhouse Auction

A Somerset client, who has been helping her mother sort out her later father’s possessions, has come across a large stash of gold, jewellery and watches, most of which was stored in little brown envelopes hidden away in the bottom of a wardrobe.

“We have been selling a number of items over the past year or so for the client, who’s farther used to be a jeweller.” Commented Richard Bromell. “A good many pieces we have sold were not in pristine condition, and were probably put on one side for repair or a rainy day. However, when the client visited our salerooms on a free valuation day, nothing quite prepared me for the huge number of gold coins, wedding rings, other scrap gold and old watches which will sell for well over £10,000 at auction!”

Entered into the Charterhouse auction of silver, jewellery, watches and antiques on Friday 26^th February from this hoard are about 50 gold sovereigns and half sovereigns, and four Queen Victoria 1887 gold specimen proof coins comprising a £5, £2, sovereign and half sovereign estimated at £1,500-2,000. Amongst the watches, there are Rolex, Omega and other prestigious names dating from the 1920’s onwards estimated from £50 up to £600.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their Spring auction programme of antiques including silver and jewellery with a selection of wine, port and spirits on Friday 26^th February followed by clocks, collectors items, medals, coins & stamps on Friday 26^th March. For further information regarding these sales, or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse in Sherborne 01935 812277 or enquiry@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk.

Lots of gold – Queen Victoria 1887 gold specimen proof coins £1,500-2,000

A Rolex Oyster wristwatch £300-500

Two Wheels against Four Wheels at Charterhouse Auction

As many parts of the country have endured snow, ice and flooding, there have been few motorbikes about but every other vehicle seems to have had four wheel drive. But, with summer just around the corner past spring, there is plenty of choice of modes of transportation at the Charterhouse auction of classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia on Sunday 14^th January.

“We have successfully sold millions of pounds of vehicles over the past 10 years that we have been conducting these popular classic car and motorbike auctions. They are now a fixture in many private collectors and dealers diary’s.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “This first car and motorbike auction of the year will no doubt create some domestic disputes as the sale is on Valentines Day - Sunday 14^th February. No doubt some clients are starting to plan their excuses to give to their loved ones or maybe to entice them to the sale!”

These Charterhouse auctions always provide many varied and interesting lots. With just two wheels and one wheel drive is a rare 1976 Seeley Honda 750 CB Café Racer. This rare motorbike was the 23^rd one built of just 300. It is 75kg lighter than the standard Honda 750 CB and could nearly achieve 130mph. Production was just for a few years between 1975-78 and it is now expected to sell for £4,000-5,000.

In complete comparison in the auction is an unusual 1959 Landrover Series II short wheel base Safari. With four wheels and four wheel drive, this lovely little Landy is white, will seat an extended family, is tax exempt and comes with an LPG conversion for the economically minded enthusiast. Estimated at £3,500-4,000 it is not only cheaper than the Seeley Honda, but slower too!

Also in this auction, is a Mercedes 280SL £12,000-14,000, a 1970 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow with just 53,000 recorded miles, full service history, bill of sale, build sheets and old MOT’s at £6,000-8,000, a 1964 Volvo 121 Amazon £1,500-2,000, and a brace of Triumph’s with an early Mk I Vitesse saloon and a Spitfire 1500, both estimated at £1,500-2,000. Also from other clients, there is a Scimitar Se4 Coupe for £4,000-5,000, the historically important Millionth Morris Minor £18,000-20,000 and a rare 1973 BMW 3.0 CSL, which has been off the road for over 20 years at £7,000-9,000.

The auction is held in conjunction with the Footman James 1^st Great Western Autojumble at The Shepton Mallet Showground, Somerset. Viewing for the auction is on Saturday 13^th February 10am-4pm and on Sunday 14^th from 10am. For reduced ticket entry and catalogues go to www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk using code CHART2 for the reduction.

For further information regarding this sale, or to arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, please contact Matthew Whitney, Head of Department at Charterhouse 01935 812277, 0775 6312649 or via email mw@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk.

Charterhouse is also accepting entries for their Spring auction programme of antiques including silver and jewellery with a selection of wine, port and spirits on Friday 26^th February followed by clocks, collectors items, medals, coins & stamps on Friday 26^th March. For further information regarding these sales, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse 01935 812277.

Pure racer – the Seeley Honda 750 CB Café Racer £4,000-5,000

Pure fun – the Landrover Safari £3,500-4,000

Summer is just around the Corner

As we are have all enjoyed the early part of January with snow, ice and freezing temperatures, it may be difficult to think that summer is just around the corner. However, Charterhouse auctioneers in Sherborne are well under way with entries of classic cars and motorbikes ready to be enjoyed in the better weather.

“We work hard to unearth interesting and exotic cars from clients garages and barns, and our Sunday 14^th February is now exception.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “The vendor has been a longstanding client who lives in Wiltshire, and is having a sort of his collection. The cars entered have all been dry stored for a long time such as the fabulous 1970 Mercedes Pagoda topped 280SL convertible sports. This has been carefully stored in a car cacoon since its purchase in 1992 and with some recommissioning work will provide its new owner with stylish, powerful and open top summer motoring.”

This Mercedes 280SL is one of the last of the 23,000 produced and has the added benefit of being tax exempt. Also from Wiltshire barn are a 1970 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow with just 53,000 recorded miles, full service history, bill of sale, build sheets and old MOT’s at £6,000-8,000, a 1964 Volvo 121 Amazon £1,500-2,000, and a brace of Triumph’s with an early Mk I Vitesse saloon and a Spitfire 1500, both estimated at £1,500-2,000. Also from other clients, there is a Scimitar Se4 Coupe for £4,000-5,000, the historically important Millionth Morris Minor £18,000-20,000 and a rare 1973 BMW 3.0 CSL, which has been off the road for over 20 years at £4,000-6,000. This is just 1 of 348 made and was previously offered by Charterhouse in their November auction, but the purchaser turned out to be a bogus buyer

Marvelous Mercedes Pagoda in the Charterhouse auction of Classic Cars, Motorbikes & Automobilia on Sunday 14^th February, £12,000-15,000

Volvo Amazon £1,500-2,000

1600 Triumph Vitesse £1,500-2,000

Car market is Hot to Trot at Charterhouse

Whilst many sectors of business are enduring difficult trading times, Charterhouse Auctioneers in Sherborne, Dorset report their best ever results, especially on the classic car, automobilia and motorbike front.

“This year we have moved from our Sherborne site, where we have been conducting auctions for the past 8 years, and teamed up with the prestigious The Footman James Classic Car Shows held at the Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet and also at the extremely popular Merlin Events organised Classics at the Castle show held at Sherborne Castle in the summer.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “These shows are the ranked as one of the best in the country and our association has certainly raised our profile. There are literally tens of thousands of enthusiasts, dealers and collectors who attend the shows and we have sold many lots to new clients.”

Throughout 2009, Charterhouse have sold over £750,000 worth of classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia in four sales at these shows. Highlights of the year include a Jaguar Mk II 3.8 litre saloon, offered for sale from a client in Cornwall, sold for over £22,000, an Aston Martin V8 Oscar India to a client bidding by telephone whilst on holiday in France, for over £31,500, a Rolls Royce 20/25 for over £32,500 as was a Bentley Hooper bodied Sports Saloon.

Charterhouse is now taking entries for its New Year programme of auctions including Beswick & Royal Doulton along with pictures, books, furniture and antiques on Friday 22^nd January. This is then followed in February with classic cars, motorbikes & automobilia on Sunday 14^th February and silver, jewellery and antiques on Friday 26^th February.

For further information regarding these sales, or to arrange a free home visit, call Matthew Whitney at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms in Sherborne 01935 812277 or via email enquiry@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Aston Martin sold for over £31,500

Rolls Royce sold for over £32,500

Bentley Hooper sold for over £32,500

Jaguar Mk II saloon sold for over £22,000

Bedroom suite is a Fairy Tale

Although Charterhouse Auctioneers regularly sell bedroom suites, they are normally Victorian or Edwardian, but they have received instructions from a Devon client to auction a Mark Wilkinson Goldilocks bedroom suite, just over 10 years old, on Friday 22^nd January.

“Mark Wilkinson is perhaps best known for his range of hand crafted and bespoke kitchens, but they have also introduced other ranges including the Goldilocks suite of bedroom furniture for a nursery or little girl’s bedroom.” Commented Richard Bromell. “Sadly, as we all know little girls grow up quickly and the vendors’ daughter is fast approaching her teens, and has simply outgrown this lovely bedroom suite!”

The bedroom suite comprises 8 pieces and includes a wardrobe, dressing table with chair, a pair of bed ends, a bookcase and a baby changer/chest of drawers. Consigned for auction in a well cared for state, it would cost nearly £8,000 to buy new, but it is estimated at a fraction of this when it goes under the Charterhouse hammer.

For further information regarding these sales, or to arrange a free home visit, call Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms in Sherborne 01935 812277 or via email enquiry@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

A dressing table, from the Mark Wilkinson range of Goldilocks bedroom furniture estimated at £1,000-1,500 when it goes under the Charterhouse hammer on 22 January.

Postcard album turns up some local gems

A group of postcard albums, which contains 100’s of cards also include some little gems of local interest, when they go under the Charterhouse hammer in Sherborne on Friday 22^nd January.

“We sell literally thousands of postcards throughout the year in our busy programme of auctions, but we always have a careful look through each album. Some cards are worth under £1, but a good card such as the firemen outside The Three Choughs in Yeovil, will be highly sort after by collectors and dealers who would probably apportion £20 for such a card in an album.” Commented Richard Bromell. “The group of albums came from a Dorset client who inherited them from a relative. He took advantage of our free home visit service we offer clients looking to sell their antiques and collectables, as he was having a sort out before Christmas.”

The postcard depicts a long procession of firemen marching past The Three Choughs in Yeovil. Also in the albums there are other local early cards including East Chinnock and Sherborne, along with other greeting cards and a series of cards recording a Boat Train Crash at Salisbury. The albums are estimated to sell up to £150 when they are in the Charterhouse 900 lot auction of pictures, books, Beswick, Doulton, collectors’ items and antiques at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset. Viewing is on Wednesday 20^th January 10-4 & Thursday 21^st 10-7. Catalogues are available from the auctioneers £7 pp or you can look at the sale online at www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

For further information regarding this sale, or to arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse 01935 812277.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their February and March auctions including classic cars, automobilia and motorbikes on Sunday 14^th February, silver and jewellery along with wine, port & spirits on 26^th February, followed by clocks, collectors items and militaria on 26^th March

A local and rare postcard from Yeovil, dating to the early part of the 20^th century, going under the Charterhouse hammer on Friday 22^nd January, along with another card, the Boat Train Crash at Salisbury

Who says school is getting easier?

The Charterhouse auction, including books in Sherborne on Friday 22^nd January, has a hand written and drawn textbook dating back to 1810, from North Petherton School.

“Education has changed and evolved over the centuries. The two textbooks we have in the sale are beautifully hand written, exquisitely illustrated, and quite technical throughout.” Commented Richard Bromell. “The books have been consigned for sale from a local family which can trace its roots back over centuries, although the books are from the Grabham side of the family.”

One book has the finely drawn title page stating it was compiled by J Grabham, North Petherton School, and dated 25^th April MDCCCX (1810). This book studies Mechanics, listing the Six Mechanic Powers (the lever, the wheel and axle, the pulley, the inclined plane, the wedge and the screw). The second book lists Trigonometrical Definitions. Also included in the lot is an early 19^th century family Bible, listing many Grabhams. The lot is estimated at a modest £60-100.

This lot of three books forms part of the 900 lot Charterhouse auction of pictures, books, Beswick, Doulton, collectors’ items and antiques 54nm0at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset. Viewing is on Wednesday 20^th January 10-4 & Thursday 21^st 10-7. Catalogues are available from the auctioneers £7 pp or you can look at the sale online at www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

For further information regarding this sale, or to arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse 01935 812277.

Illustrations from the books

December 2009

Horses are a Good Bet at Charterhouse Auction

With Christmas just around the corner, Charterhouse are well under way with entries for their first auction of the New Year at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset, on Friday 22^nd January, where they will be selling a vast array of pictures, prints, books and antiques with a special section of Beswick and Royal Doulton.

“Some subjects are more commercial than others, with children and animals being perennial favourites. In the January auction, we have two good pieces of animal art with a fine oil painting of horses, pigs, chickens and other farm animals by John F Herring Jnr and an extremely rare Beswick rocking horse grey horse with Huntsman, which is a Holy Grail to Beswick horse collectors.” Commented Richard Bromell. “The past year has been very busy and very buoyant with high prices across the board and we have received instructions from across the West Country, up to Worcestershire and over to London and with these fine and valuable pieces already entered the January sale we are looking forward to a flying start to the New Year.”

Charterhouse is now taking entries for its New Year programme of auctions including Beswick & Royal Doulton along with pictures, books and antiques on Friday 22^nd January . This is then followed in February with classic cars, motorbikes & automobilia on Sunday 14^th February and silver, jewellery and antiques on Friday 26^th February.

John F Herring jnr, horses in a farmyard, oil on canvas £8,000-12,000

Medals hit the mark, but Lamp leads the Way

The top price in the last auction for Charterhouse in Sherborne was a mid estimate of £12,000 for the important group of medals and decorations awarded to Maj Gen Sir John R Slade, which are to be retained within the family, but a small brass miners lamp lit up the saleroom, when it sold for £4,800 to a French collector.

“The medals were well advertised and marketed through specialist papers and magazines, but it was good to see they sold back to another side of the family where they will hopefully stay for many more generations.” Commented Richard Bromell. “However, the shock of the sale for me was the little brass miners lamp estimated at just under £100 which sold a totally unexpected £4,800, such is the power of marketing through our web site on the internet!”

The Charterhouse auction was split over two days at totalled just under £140,000. On the first day, there was a vast array of model trains which sold for £20,000. On the second day, other items which sold well were a pair of ethnic carved wood articulated figures of a naked male and female, which sold for £4,000, a French Empire period barometer sold for £3,300, a Chinese bowl, despite being chipped, made £3,100, a Suzani embroidered marriage cover £2,800,a bronze bell, from HMS Fearless (which saw duty during the Falklands war) £2,100 and a Seeburg juke box £2,000.

The medals awarded to Sir John R Slade, bought by another member of the family for £12,000, and the early 19^th century Davy type miner’s lamp, originally from Sunderland, sold for £4,800 to a French collector, in the Charterhouse two day December auction

Government Car Scrappage Scheme does not always Apply

There have been a few instances where owners of classic cars have been successful in receiving the car scrappage scheme payment whereby their classic car is then scrapped and they buy a new car with a subsidy from the Government and car dealer. But this does not always apply as a collector of cars has decided to auction his entire collection off at the Charterhouse December two day auction on Tuesday 15^th & Wednesday 16^th.

“The vendor has been collecting cars for about 40 years including Jaguars, Rovers and Austin’s along with Cadillac’s and Packard’s. During this time, he has amassed about 50 vehicles which meet part of the criteria for the scrappage scheme as he has owned them for more than 10 years. They are all pretty much in mint condition, but it is just a shame they are Dinky Toys die cast models!” Commented Matthew Whitney.

These Dinky Toys model cars are part of the first day’s auction on Tuesday 15^th December, starting at 1.00pm, where they will be sold alongside 350 lots of model trains. The second day’s auction, on Wednesday 16^th, features medals, coins, stamps, other collectors’ items, clocks and antiques with nearly 1,000 lots on offer.

Viewing for the two days is on Monday 14^th December 10am-4pm & Tuesday 15^th 10am-7pm. Catalogues are available from Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 or you can view the sale of over 1,400 lots on their web site www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

For further information regarding these sales, or to arrange a free home visit, call Richard Bromell, Partner, or Matthew Whitney at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms in Sherborne 01935 812277 or via email enquiry@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Dinky little cars under the Charterhouse hammer in their two day auction on Tuesday 15^th & Wednesday 16^th December in Sherborne

November 09

Bidders Bowled over by Chinese Porcelain

Two Chinese bowls sold for a massive £53,000 when they went under the Charterhouse hammer on Friday 20^th November at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset.

“The bowls were discovered in a small 1930’s walnut display cabinet worth £30, where they have been for a long time.” Commented Richard Bromell. “The Dorset family had connections with Hong Kong in the late 19^th century, and it is believed they were brought back at this time. However, what is more exciting is the family, which live all over the country, believe they may have a couple more bowls lurking in their cabinets!”

The bowls, which were in perfect condition, dated to the Daoguang period of 1820 -1850. There was much pre-sale interest in the bowls including a client acting as an agent for the Chinese Government. On the day, a row of 13 telephone bidders fought against several buyers in the saleroom, with the first bowl selling for £33,000 to a phone bidder, and the second one selling for £20,000 to the same buyer. Both sold to a specialist London dealer.

But, the Charterhouse auctions are not over yet for the year. Coming up is their huge two day auction on Tuesday 15^th & Wednesday 16^th December. On the Tuesday there is over 400 lots of trains, railwayana and model vehicles. Here, four collections form the basis of the auction, with several hundred locomotives and coaches, along with a good collection of Dinky and other die cast models, most of which are mint and in their important boxes.

The next day, on Wednesday 16^th, there is another 1,000 lots of clocks, collectors’ items, coins, stamps, medals and antiques, including the content of a large farmhouse from Carhampton, near Minehead. Entries here range from a Rockingham teaset at £3,000-3,000, a fine French barometer £1,500-2,500, a large mahogany dining table £2,000-4,000, and the exceptional group of medals awarded to Major General Sir John Slade, a survivor of the battle of Maiwand, at £10,000-15,000.

Viewing for this two day auction at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, is on Monday 14^th 10am-4pm and Tuesday 15^th 9am-7pm. The sale can be viewed on the Charterhouse website www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk or catalogues £7 post paid.

Charterhouse is now taking entries for its New Year programme of auctions including Beswick & Royal Doulton on 22^nd January. With rarities such as a rocking horse grey huntsman at £3,500-4,000 it looks set to be a great sale. Also in the same sale there is an important selection of pictures including a farmyard scene with horsed, chickens and pigs by John F Herring Jnr at £8,000-12,000 and a parkland scene with three horses and four dogs by David Dalby of York at £6,000-9,000. This is then followed in February with classic cars, motorbikes & automobilia on Sunday 14^th February and silver, jewellery and antiques on Friday 26^th February.

Chinese porcelain bowls, yellow sold for £33,000, red sold for £20,000, both to the same London specialist buyers.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles at Charterhouse

Charterhouse in Sherborne are currently in the middle of a run of auctions of planes, trains and automobiles.

“We have been very busy throughout the year having seen good interest and strong prices across the market place, despite what are being reported elsewhere.” Commented Richard Bromell. “As a firm, we travel far and wide helping and advising clients looking to sell at auction. We have a full programme of specialist sales throughout the year, having just had our classic car, motorbike and automobilia auction at The Royal Bath & West Showground in November which totalled just under £200,000. Now we are now looking forward to our two day December collectors auction on Tuesday 15^th & Wednesday 16^th where we will be selling hundred of lots of locomotives, coaches and rolling stock along with a large selection of die-cast model vehicles and planes.”

Success in the classic car auction included an MG TF 1250 sold for £18,800, an 850cc Mini Van sold for £5,500, an A40 Devon pickup made just under £5,000, an Oldsmobile Dynamic Rocket 88 pillarless coupe £10,300, a Citroen DS £2,400 despite having been stored for 15 years. In the motorbike section, top honours went to a MV 600 Tourer sold for £23,000, an MV racing bike, ex Team Firenze £21,100, and a Norton Manx 30M £18,750.

Charterhouse is now taking entries for its two day December auction of models trains and cars with clocks and collectors’ items and the auction of classic cars and motorbikes being held at the Footman James Classic Cars Show at The Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet on Sunday 14^th February 2010. For advice to enter a vehicle, please contact Richard Bromell or Matthew Whitney at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms in Sherborne 01935 812277

One of hundreds of lots of trains going under the Charterhouse hammer in their two day auction of collectors’ items, clock and militaria on Tuesday 15^th & Wednesday 16^th December

Important ‘Johnnie of Maiwand’ Afghan Medals to go Under the Charterhouse Hammer

An important group of medals awarded to Major General Sir John Slade KCB, are included in the two day auction of Collectors’ Items, Clocks and Antiques to be held at Charterhouse in Sherborne, Dorset on 15^th and 16^th December 2009.

Maj. Gen. Slade was nicknamed ‘Johnnie of Maiwand’, for his part during the 2^nd Afghan War at the Battle of Maiwand on 27^th July 1880. At this time in his career, he was a Captain. He received The Most Honourable Order of the Bath (CB) for his bravery when he took over command of E/B Battery when his commanding officer, Major Blackwood was badly wounded. He was awarded the CB for his role in the rearguard during the retreat to Kandahar.

Despite the bravery of Maj. Gen. Slade and many others, the Battle of Maiwand has gone down in history as a major military disaster. On this day, 2,500 British and Indian troops, with 6 Royal Horse Artillery guns, and 6 smooth bore guns, commanded by Brigadier General Burrows, came up against 3,000 Afghan cavalry and 9,000 infantry with 6 batteries of artillery (36 guns), under Ayub Khan. The British and Indian troops with the 1^st Grenadier Guards lost 64% of their strength, and the 66^th Foot 62%. The total loss was just under 1,000 men of the 2,500. With an estimated 3,000 Afghan troops also killed, it shows the intensity of the battle.

However, Maiwand is essentially a story of bravery and endurance in the most adverse conditions, and of unselfishness and dedication in a long and difficult retreat. It is about the extraordinary courage of the native infantry who, despite suffering huge casualties, stood their ground in the open until finally overwhelmed by numbers; of the gallant sacrifice of the young British soldiers of the 66th who were surrounded, but fought on around their Colours to the last man. Then there was the steadiness of the cavalry who stood and suffered heavily through 3 hours of bombardment without being able to take any action, and the discipline of the Horse Artillery who "maintained their military formation and morale throughout" and became the backbone of the retreat "to whom", in the words of the Viceroy, "many of the survivors of the 27th July owe their lives".

Many medals were awarded for heroism on the day, including several Victoria Cross medals, Distinguished Conduct Medals, and the CB to Captain Slade. One of the survivors was Bobbie the dog belonging to Sgt Kelly of the 66^th Foot. Bobbie accompanied the 66^th into battle and escaped the battle to join the retreat, although wounded, making her way to Kandahar. On the regiment’s return to England, Bobbie was presented to HM Queen Victoria at Osborne House and awarded the Afghan War campaign medal. The battle was also immortalised by Rudyard Kipling who wrote the poem ‘That Day’, to commemorate the experience of the 66^th Foot at Maiwand.

“The market for medals, coins, stamps and militaria is particularly hot at the moment and we have had some great results for clients recently such as the Falklands Military Medal group to Tom Collins at £40,000, and the WWII George Cross group to Leslie Owen Fox at £20,000.” Commented Richard Bromell. “The vendor took advantage of the free home visit service we offer, and although she was aware of the historic importance of the medals, was pleasantly surprised to learn of their value’.

In addition to the medals, there is an archive of letters, documents and ephemera relating to Maj. Gen. Sir John Slade, following his long and distinguished career throughout the 19^th century.

Charterhouse is now taking entries for its programme of auctions including clocks, militaria, stamps, medals, coins, trains and collectors’ items in December, followed by Beswick, pictures and books in January. For further information regarding this sale, or to arrange a free home visit, call Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms in Sherborne 01935 812277 or via email

enquiry@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

The important group of medals awarded to Maj Gen Sir J R Slade KCB (‘Johnnie of Maiwand’) included in the Charterhouse two day auction on Tuesday 15^th & Wednesday 16^th December at £10,000-15,000

October 09

Charterhouse maps out lots for Buyers

A collection of maps and atlases worth many thousands of pounds are included in the Charterhouse auction of pictures, books and antiques in Sherborne on Friday 23^rd October.

“They were collected by the Somerset vendors’ uncle for many years. Although he had a keen interest in geography, he was also part of the Special Operations Executive during the Second World War and part of me wonders whether he used any of them for part of his duties.” Commented Richard Bromell. “Today, in a world dominated in technology with satellite navigation and global positioning systems in abundance, it is a wonderful insight into travelling from a different era and the collection is estimated to sell for up to £5,000.”

The books and atlases date from the late 18^th century and through the 19^th century with many countries changing shape, ownership and names over the decades. For many years atlases have been broken down, with individual illustrations taken out and framed. However, today good atlases such as the ones going under the Charterhouse hammer are rare survivors and will hopefully remain intact.

Charterhouse is now taking entries for its autumn programme of auctions including pictures and books in October, classic cars and motorbikes in November, and silver and jewellery also in November. To arrange a free home visit, call Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms in Sherborne 01935 812277 or via email enquiry@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk.

An atlas included in the Charterhouse auction on Friday 23^rd October £700-1,000

Society Photo Albums Reveal All

An archive of photograph albums containing a vast selection of images from Tehran to country house dinner parties are included in the Charterhouse auction of pictures, books and antiques in Sherborne on Friday 23^rd October are expected to sell for several thousand pounds.

“This is the first time these albums have left the family bookshelves to appear on the open market.” Commented Richard Bromell. “In the main, they are of, and relate to Sir Charles Murray Marling and his family on their travels and relaxing with friends. However, Sir Charles was a high ranking British official who spent many years working abroad including several years at the legation in Tehran.”

Although the albums include views from Rome to Brazil, Syria and Constantinople, one album is an important archive of material relating to the International Plebiscite Commission for Slesvig in 1920. It features Sir Charles, who was President of the Commission, and documents this historical event from the arrival of the Commission, the arrival of voters arriving from Denmark on ships through to parades and ending in a letter from the Foreign Office thanking him for his valuable services rendered as President of the Commission. In addition to the vast array of photographs, there are numerous newspaper cuttings, dinner menus, identity card and drawings. However, what makes this album really stand out is the fact that all the photographs have been carefully annotated with names which means everyone is correctly identified.

The Slesvig album compiled by Sir Charles Marling

The Queen

Country house antics

Auction with a Country House Feel

The 1,000 lot Charterhouse auction of sporting items, pictures, books and antiques on Friday 23^rd October includes the residual contents removed from a large country house in Somerset.

“The vendor is has just rented the major part of the house and having moved into an adjoining flat no longer has the need for the items such as the set of ten Chinese Chippendale style chairs.” Commented Richard Bromell. “However, for me, the most exciting discovery was to reunite a set of three George III style mirrors. For the past couple of decades, the mirrors have been separated with one in the principal bedroom, with its matching pair in the drawing room. Now they have been reunited, they are estimated to sell for £3,000-5,000.”

Also from this Somerset country house, is a fine selection of light fittings. Amongst the hall lanterns and chandeliers is one which has lost a few of its cut glass drops, and when Charterhouse collected the lights, they checked with the client whether he had any of the missing pieces, to which he replied he had previously used to the hanging drops to hone in his whipping skills!

Viewing for the sale is on Wednesday 21^st 10-4 & Thursday 22^nd 10-7. Catalogues are available from the auctioneers £7pp or on their website www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Charterhouse is now taking entries for its autumn programme of auctions including classic cars and motorbikes in November, silver and jewellery also in November and clocks, militaria, stamp and collectors’ items in December. To arrange a free home visit, call Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms in Sherborne 01935 812277 or via email enquiry@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Country house surplus:

A set of ten Chinese Chippendale style dining chairs £1,500-2,000

A set of three carved giltwood wall mirrors £3,000-5,000

A French Empire style chandelier, previously used as a target for whipping practice £1,000-1,500

The Sword is Mightier than the Pen at Charterhouse

A sword, estimated at £1,000 sold for £18,000 in the Charterhouse auction of militaria and collectors items at Sherborne in September.

“The Dorset client was having a bit of a sort out of items belonging to his late mother. Over the years, she collected a wide range of pieces but had a particular passion for swords.” Commented Richard Bromell. “Initially I thought the sword to date to the early 19^th century and it was not until after the catalogue had been printed that I realised it was much earlier, but with a scabbard dating to the early 19^th century.”

On the sale day, there was a bank of thirteen telephone bidders looking to secure the sword, along with a number of dealers and collectors in the pack saleroom. In the end, there was a long battle with a Charterhouse telephone bidder going against a buyer in the saleroom who was on a mobile phone to his client. After a few minutes of intense bidding, the hammer fell to the Charterhouse bidder in the Middle East.

Also in the sale, another sword generated a good deal of interest due to its connection with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The sword had the presentation inscription “P Leckie Forbes from his Uncle A Conan Doyle” and had an accompanying signed photograph of the great author. Consigned for auction from the grandson of P Leckie Forbes, this attracted a good deal of pre-sale interest and sold for £2,300.

Elsewhere in the sale, an Italian inlaid bedside cupboard sold for a surprising £6,000 despite needing a good deal of restoration, for the client just outside Crewkerne, a rare Beswick shire horse £3,800, a Minox miniature “spy” camera £1,000, a Meissen box £1,200, a good album of GB stamps £1,800 in sale which totalled on £150,000.

The Turkish sword sold by Charterhouse in Sherborne for £18,000

The Sir Arthur Conan Doyle presentation sword and photograph sold for £2,300

September 09

Flogging a dead horse!

Charterhouse Auctioneers are regularly asked by clients to appraise their treasures via email. Although this is no substitute for handling items, it can provide a quick and easy way to value bulky, heavy or fragile items, or items in the homes of client’s who live miles away from their popular salerooms in Sherborne.

“First thing we all do every morning is to check emails our offices – even before coffee!” Commented Naomi Grabham. “And it was one such early morning email when a lady sent me some digital images of a Beswick horse. She had found out that we hold regular specialist auctions which included Beswick and therefore thought we would be the best place to sell her horse. Today, there are many books available on collecting Beswick, and her horse was not too difficult to identify as a Shire mare, but it was the unusual colour which excited the vendor and we have to be careful when advising clients as some of the horses and other animals can be re-painted making them look as is they are worth much more than they are. Although I was a bit sceptical at first, the lady provided some excellent images and I was pleased to confirm that the client was a proud of owner of an extremely rare Beswick iron grey shire mare worth several thousand pounds!”

This Beswick iron grey shire mare just one of a couple produced at the Beswick factory in about 1952. However, as a production run, this particular horse was first introduced in 1940 and continued until production ceased in 1999 with many thousands being made. Some colours are worth just £20, but the one discovered by Charterhouse is estimated at £2,500-3,500. This horse was purchased by the vendor from a house sale in Scotland during the 1970’s because she fell in love it her. But on learning its value has decided to enter it into Charterhouse’s next specialist Beswick & Royal Doulton auction on 25^th September.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for this auction on Friday 25^th September. For further information or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Naomi Grabham at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 or via email ng@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk Alternatively, you can take advantage of their free valuation days including ceramics with Beswick and Royal Doulton on Thursday 20^th August at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS.

One of just a couple Beswick Shire Mare horses in iron grey entered into the Charterhouse auction of Beswick and Royal Doulton on Friday 25^th September estimated £2500 – 3500

The Sword is Possibly Mightier than the Pen at Charterhouse

As a general rule, 20th century black and white portrait photographs do not generate high sums of money. The same can also be said of First World War army swords which can be worth a hundred or two, but when a Somerset client brought one of each into a Charterhouse valuation day, they have been estimated to sell for up to £1,500 when they go under the hammer.

“We never know who is going to come in through the door and what they are going to bring in on our valuation days.” Commented Richard Bromell. “So I was very excited to recognize the studio portrait photo of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Then the client let me have a look at the sword which has a presentation inscription from Sir Arthur. He then explained that the recipient of the sword, who was his late grandfather, was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s nephew. Rarely do such personal items appear on the open market, and with their provenance of being sold on behalf on the great great nephew of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle they are sure to attract a good deal of interest and have been estimated at £1,000-1,500 when they are going under the hammer.”

The black and white photo, which measures 36 x 24 cm, was taken by William Ransford at his Belsize Park Studio, and is inscribed “Yours very truly A Conan Doyle”. The sword is engraved on the hilt “P Leckie Forbes from his Uncle A Conan Doyle 1915”. Patrick Leckie Forbes served with the Middlesex Regiment, being attached to the RAF, during the First World War, and a copy of a photo of his is also available.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is generally best known for his series of Sherlock Holmes short stories and novels. However, as a prolific writer, he produced many other books and pamphlets during his life.

Both the photo and sword are being sold in the Charterhouse auction on Friday 25^th September at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset. Viewing for the sale is on Wednesday 23^rd 10-4 & Thursday 24^th 10-7. For further information regarding this sale, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse in Sherborne 01935 812277.

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their autumn programme of sales which includes sporting items, pictures, books along with classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia.

Richard Bromell with the signed photo of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Patrick Leckie Forbes (standing on the right) in uniform

The signed photo of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The presentation inscribed sword

I Spy with my little Camera

A rare little Minox camera, the likes of which were used as an espionage camera during the Second World War and afterwards the Cold War, is going under the Charterhouse hammer in their auction of collectors’ items on Friday 25^th September in Sherborne.

“You have to wonder whether this camera was involved in any clandestine activities during its lifetime and I wonder what the film, which is all used up, will reveal when it is developed by its new owner!” Commented Richard Bromell. “Although a good many produced were finished in an optional black anodised finish, the one we have been instructed to auction is finished in a luxury gold plate maybe indicating more James Bond than John le Carre.”

The camera, which is known as a subminiature due to its small size, was a very technical camera when new and was a favourite spy accessory as it was capable of focusing on documents from as little as 20cm, and at 8cm in length, or about the size of a finger, it was easy to be concealed. The Minox camera going under the hammer also comes with a faux crocodile leather case and with a light meter in a matching case, is estimated to sell for £1,000-1,500.

Viewing for this auction of nearly 1,200 lots is on Wednesday 23^rd 10-4 & Thursday 24^th 10-7. For further information regarding this sale, please contact Richard Bromell at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 you can see the camera on line at www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Charterhouse is now taking entries for its autumn programme of auctions including pictures in October, classic cars and motorbikes in November, and silver and jewellery also in November. To arrange a free home visit, call them at their salerooms in Sherborne 01935 812277.

Saleroom Assistant Joyce Dibble takes a peek through the lens of the spy camera in the Charterhouse auction on 25^th September estimated at £1,000-1,500

Minor is One in a Million

A Morris Minor is estimated to sell for £25,000-30,000 when it goes under the Charterhouse hammer in their auction of classic cars and motorbikes on Sunday 8^th November at The Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet.

“We have teamed up with the Footman James Classic Car Show in November again as it is one of the best classic car shows in the country attracted many thousands of car collectors and enthusiasts.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “We are always fortunate to receive some interesting cars and motorbikes in the sale, but this particular Morris Minor is probably the best known Morris in the car world as it is the millionth Minor off of the production line.”

The Morris Minor was the first ever British production car the sell a 1,000,000 cars. The first one rolled off the production line in 1948 and the last in 1972 and many are still seen on the roads today being used as everyday transportation. The Minor going under the hammer came off the production line on 22^nd December 1960. It passed into the National Union of Journalists in April 1961 to be used in their national fundraising campaign and was then subsequently auctioned live on television with the proceeds donated to The British Red Cross. It was “won” by Miss Susan George in Wales and the car was road registered as 1 MHU which is 1,000,000 in engineering terms. Ten years later, the vendor bought the car having seen it in Wales on several holidays. By this time, it had been repainted red and been involved in an accident and it was purchased as a restoration project. However, the new owner did not envisage the project to start 20 years later.

The car was fully restored to its original specification by Derek Smith, who is a lecturer in motor vehicle studies at Northbrook College, Worthing at a cost of about £15,000. It is now resplendent in its lilac colour which was only used for 349 special Morris Minor’s which were badged as Morris Minor 1,000,000 to commemorate this historic sales achievement.

Charterhouse is now taking further entries for important auction of classic cars and motorbikes in November, For further information regarding this sale, or to arrange a free home visit if you would like to enter a vehicle, call Matthew Whitney at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 or via email mw@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk.

The historically important Morris Minor 1,000,000 being sold by Charterhouse in November £25,000-30,000

Fire up the Engine

Charterhouse Auctioneers in Dorset are well known for unearthing interesting and old classic cars and motorbikes, but a recent visit to a large barn in Somerset unearthed a brace of fire engines, one of which gave Somerset many years of service, and they are both entered into the Charterhouse auction of classic cars and motorbikes on Sunday 8^th November at The Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet.

“It is a large complex of barns and the vendor has put the property on the market and is looking to downsize. Throughout the barns there are old red painted fire buckets, odd hoses and nozzles, other fire related accessories, two fire tenders and the two large red fire engines.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “The first fire engine I looked at is an late 1940’s American La France fire engine which bears the livery from an American fire department in Canton, Ohio and the second proudly bears the Porlock Fire Brigade inscription.”

Both vehicles have been barn stored and have not turned a wheel for a couple of decades now and will no doubt require some re commission work to get them back on the road, with the good new being they are both tax exempt and as fire engines do not require an MOT. Estimating these big boys toys is difficult as not everyone wants one or can accommodate them, but the Somerset engine is valued at £800-1,500, and the American La France £3,000-5,000 and both engines will be offered for auction without any reserve whatsoever.

Charterhouse is now taking further entries for auction of classic cars and motorbikes in November. Other entries include the historically important Morris Minor Million for £25,000-30,000, a racing Norton motorbike at £15,000-18,000 and a racing MV Augusta motorbike for £40,000-45,000.

For further information regarding this sale, or to arrange a free home visit if you would like to enter a vehicle, call Matthew Whitney at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 or via email mw@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk.

Big Boys Toys – the fire engines going under the Charterhouse hammer, and being sold without reserve, in their auction on Sunday 8^th November at The Royal Bath and West Showground, Somerset

Motorcycles Legends Come To Charterhouse

Two of the most revered names in motorcycle production history are being offered for sale at Charterhouse Auctioneers Classic Car, Motorcycle and Automobilia auction on 8th November at the Royal Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet.

The motorcycles in question are a 1955 Norton Manx 30M and a 1985 MV Augusta ex team Firenze 900 cc 4 cylinder DOHC racing motorcycle, both of which are being offered by a Dorset collector, after long term ownership.

“Both motorcycles have been to the Isle of Man and used on the TT parade lap”, commented Matthew Whitney. “The Norton Manx 30m has only been ridden approximately 100 miles since a full engine rebuild and the MV Augusta was the mule bike for the Firenze team so has several trick components, including full air suspension”.

The Norton Manx is synonymous with Grand Prix and TT racers Geoff Duke, John Surtees and Derek Minter, and has the legendary featherbed frame. The MV Augusta is considered to be Italian motorcycle royalty, and dominated motorcycle racing in the 1960's and early 1970's, winning seventeen consecutive 500 cc world championships, Mike Hailwood, Phil Read and Giacomo Agostini being amongst the illustrious riders.

Also being consigned from the same vendor are a child's miniature 50 cc MV Augusta road racer, which was given away as a complimentary gift when purchasing a 750S Supersports, and a 1968 MV Augusta 600 cc Tourer, known as ‘The Black Pig'. For further information regarding this auction or to consign entries, please contact Matthew Whitney, Head of the Classic Motoring Department, via email mw@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk or on 01935 812277.

August 09

Lots of Gold at Charterhouse Auction

Charterhouse regularly holds free valuation days at their salerooms in Sherborne. Whilst they see a huge and varied selection of items, they never know what to expect.

“Our valuation days are always popular with clients travelling from across the counties with their goods. Some hope they have rare Ming vase and are looking foreword to early retirement, and some are just curious to find out a little more about their treasures.” Commented Naomi Grabham. “But at a recent silver and jewellery valuation day, a lady brought in a gold sovereign coin. Sovereigns are selling well at the moment, and I was please to advise her the coin is worth £100-140 at auction, but then she mentioned she had a couple more in her handbag and after a couple more minutes pulled out another thirty three meaning she had nearly £4,000 worth of gold coins!”

The coins had been amassed by her late husband for the preverbal rainy day which is quite appropriate with the wet summer we have all been enduring. Although it is not known where the coins were kept in the vendor’s house, they do not suspect it was under the bed, but more likely is a small box in a drawer. They have been entered into the Charterhouse sale on Friday 28^th August.hh

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries of silver and jewellery for this auction on 28^th August which also has a special selection of wine, port and spirits. For further information or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Naomi Grabham or Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277. Alternatively, you can take advantage of their free valuation days including ceramics with Beswick and Doulton on Monday 10^th August, silver and jewellery on Tuesday 11^th, watches and clocks Wednesday 12^th, collectors’ items with stamps and militaria Thursday 13^th and pictures on Friday 14^th all held at their Sherborne salerooms.

Gold rush at Charterhouse, the group of gold sovereign coins worth nearly £4,000 in their August 28^th auction

Famous Lloyd George Figure Surfaces in Somerset House

Charterhouse in Sherborne have discovered the marquette from the famous bronze Welsh National Memorial statue to David Lloyd George in Cardiff, whilst visiting a client near Chard, Somerset.

“We never really know what we are going to see when we visit a client’s house. Sometimes it can be a piece of Beswick porcelain, a collection of medals or a picture.” Commented Naomi Grabham. “I have known the client for a good number of years and she has decided that it is now time for a move and she asked Charterhouse over to help her with sorting out items which will be surplus to her new house.”

This statue of Lloyd George, which stands nearly 3 feet high, was made by the Michael Rizzello who was the vendors’ brother-in-law. Michael Rizzello, who died in 1994, was one of the most distinguished figural sculptors on the 20^th century. Born in 1926 with Italian parents, he was a talented musician and artist. During his long career, he was President, Society of Portrait Sculptors 1968-73, President, Royal Society of British Sculptors 1976-86 and received an OBE in 1977. As well as producing important numerous public sculptors, he also received many private commissions including coats of arms for the National Guard of Saudi Arabia. In addition, he designed many coins and medallions including the UK £2 coin for the 50^th anniversary of the United Nations and The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, both in 1995.

Viewing for this sale on Friday 28^th August at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset, which also includes 1,300 other lots such as silver, jewellery, wine and antiques is on Wednesday 26^th 10-4 & Thursday 27^th 10-7. Catalogues are available from the auctioneers of you can view the sale on www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their autumn programme of auctions including medals, clocks, collectors items and Beswick in September, pictures and books in October and classic cars and motorbikes in November.

For further information or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Naomi Grabham at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 or via email ng@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

The marquette of David Lloyd George going under the Charterhouse hammer in their auction on Friday 28^th August, estimated at £200-400

One owner from new

Toys have come a long way since the late 1940’s, what was once a child’s plaything can now be an adult’s collectable. In the next Charterhouse Vintage & Classic Car, Motorbike and Automobilia auction on Sunday 8th November at The Footman James Autumn Restoration Show held at The Royal Bath and West Show Ground, Shepton Mallet, just such an item will come up for sale - 1949 Austin Pathfinder Junior pedal car is the item in question.

“The original price of £20 plus £5 purchase tax made the Pathfinder an expensive toy. This Pathfinder was delivered to a very excited eleven year old boy on his birthday who has owned and enjoyed it ever since.” commented Matthew Whitney. “However, now this pedal car is in need of some TLC from the next owner, although I doubt if it will be bought as a present for child with its £600-900 estimate!”.

Pathfinder pedal cars were made at a government funded, purpose built factory in Bargoes, South Wales, by disabled Welsh miners injured in the Welsh coal fields. They were based on the Jamerson OHV 750 Austin Seven racing car of the late 1930’s and were only produced for one year before manufacture changed to the more common Austin J40 we see in garages and at classic car shows.

Amongst the other interesting lots automobilia consigned for this sale includes a very rare run of Motorsport, featuring the first volume of the Brooklands Gazette from 1924 in original blue and orange binders estimated at £1000 – 1500, in the car section is the famous millionth Morris Minor produced, with chassis number 1,000,000 and original registration number 1 MHU at £25,000-30,000 and a rare Vincent Rapide motorbike which was last on the road in 1956 £6,000-9,000.

For further information or to enter classic cars, motorcycles or automobilia, contact Matthew Whitney at the Charterhouse head office in Sherborne on 01935 812277 or via email mw@charterghouse-auctions.co.uk alternatively you can view items already entered on their website at www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Austin Pathfinder Pedal Car £600 – 800

Motorsport including Brooklands Gazette £1000 - 1500

July 09

Car Triumphs after a 43 year Restoration

The Charterhouse auction of classic cars and motorbikes at Sherborne Castle on Sunday 19^th July includes a rare 1930 Triumph Super 7 Special Sports which has just completed its MOT after a full and lengthy restoration which has taken 43 years to complete.

“Restoring a classic car takes time, but I have never come across a vehicle that has had so much time, love and attention spent on it. The car was bought in 1966 as a project. Work progressed, albeit at a moderate pace, until earlier this year the owner passed away having finished 98% of the car. With just a few minor jobs to do, a family friend was asked to complete this lifetime project and obtain a new MOT.” Commented Matthew Whitney.

This sporty looking two seater, resplendent in black over cream with a cream interior sits on pretty wire wheels. It is just one of ten known survivors of this body style, of which just two are thought to be on the road today, according to the Pre-1940 Triumph Owners Club. Triumph introduced the Super 7 models in 1927 until 1934, in reply to the hugely popular Austin 7, and this particular model, with its boat tail body, was produced in the style of the Austin 7 Ulster. Fitted with an 842 cc side valve engine mated to a three speed gearbox and stopped by Lockheed hydraulic brakes, this super little car now deserves to be used.

Viewing for this Charterhouse auction at Sherborne Castle is on Saturday 18^th July 10am-4pm and on the saleday on Sunday 19^th July from 10am, with the auction starting at 12.30pm. Entry to the auction is by catalogue only. They are available from Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 at £16 which admits two to the sale and the classic and super car show (which cost £12 for two).

For further information regarding this auction, please contact Matthew Whitney, Head of the Car Department, 01935 812277 or you can look at their web site www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their summer programme of auctions including specialist sales of pictures and prints in July followed by wine, silver and jewellery in August. For further information regarding these sales, or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.

The Triumph Super 7 Special Sports after its 43 year restoration, going under the Charterhouse hammer in their auction of classic cars and motorbikes at Sherborne Castle on Sunday 16^th July £3,000-5,000

Artists Paint Many Pictures at Charterhouse Auction

The Charterhouse auction on Friday 31^st July has a broad selection of pictures from the 18^th century through to more modern and contemporary artists.

“Pictures are very personal, and beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder.” Commented Richard Bromell. “That being said, we do have a wide and varied selection of pictures in the sale from traditional portraits and landscape scenes through to merry monks frolicking in a cellar to modern artists such as the extremely popular Fred Yates who died only a year ago.”

Fred Yates was borne in a suburb of Manchester in 1922 and originally started work as an insurance clerk, but with the outbreak of war he joined the Grenadier Guards until 1945 when he returned home as a painter and decorator. Untaught, he started to produce works in his own style and in 1950 enrolled in a teacher training course. For the next 25 years he taught and battled continuously against artistic sophistication. In 1969 Fred moved to Cornwall where he painted street scenes from his childhood, but also from his new surroundings. Today he is held in very high regard and is keenly sought after at auction.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their summer programme of auctions including specialist sales of pictures and prints in July along with classic cars, automobilia and motorbikes at Sherborne Castle also in July, closely followed by wine, silver and jewellery in August. For further information regarding these sales, or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.

Fred Yates, a Cornish village £4,000-6,000

Merry Monks £1,500-2,000

Both included in the Charterhouse auction on Friday 31^st July

David and Goliath as Micro Car and Monster Car Go Under the Charterhouse Hammer

The Charterhouse auction on Sunday 19^th July will provide classic car collectors and enthusiasts with a large selection of classic and vintage cars, motorbikes and automobilia in what will be the largest such event this summer in the West Country set in a marquee in the stunning grounds of Sherborne Castle in conjunction with the Classics at the Castle Car Show.

“We have some very special entries into this important auction with an Aston Martin Virage in better than new condition that you can eat your dinner of off in the engine bay to a Volvo P1800 ES which has been barn stored with birds and vermin for 20 years.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “However, for me, it is the sublime to the ridiculous with a rare 1959 Vespa 400, one of only six in the country, with its pull back canvas cabriolet roof against the massive 1928 Rolls Royce Phantom I Regent Brewster, but this time with a faux cabriolet roof. Rather bizarrely, they both only seat two with the Rolls Royce being over four times the size of the little Vespa!”

Also included in this auction are a two owner from new Jensen 541S, a Porsche Cabriolet which was previously owned by Robert Redford, three Aston Martins, a 1931 Morris Minor Tourer and other later Minors, a Wolseley Hornet, a Plymouth Sedan, a Dodge Super De Luxe Convertible, a Porsche 928, a Ferrari 308 GTS and many others.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their summer programme of auctions including pictures and prints in July along with classic cars, automobilia and motorbikes at Sherborne Castle also in July. For further information regarding these sales, or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Matthew Whitney or Richard Bromell, Partner at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.

Vespa 400 £4,000-4,450

Rolls Royce Phantom I £100,000-120,000

June 09

Collectors Auction at Charterhouse is an Heroic Attraction

The Charterhouse auction on Friday 26^th June will provide collectors with a once in a lifetime opportunity to buy items owned by the Second World War hero Rear Admiral Godfrey Place VC CB CVO DSC, including his medal ribbons featuring a Victoria Cross ribbon when they go under the auctioneers hammer along with other militaria, coins, stamps, medals, trains and many other collectors’ items.

“I have always had an interest in militaria when, as a child, my father dragged me around specialist fairs and took me into small dark shops in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s looking for items to add into his collection.” Commented Richard Bromell. “Over the years, I have been fortunate to auction some wonderful medals and militaria including a Falklands Military Medal awarded to Sgt Tom Collins which was sold for £39,000. Selling this lot with the crimson Victoria Cross ribbon will probably be as close as I will ever get to handling a real VC. However, when I was recently in London, I did take the opportunity to call into the Imperial War Museum where his medals are on public display.”

Lieutenant Basil Charles Godfrey Place was just 22 years old when he embarked on a most daring attack on 22^nd September 1943. Commanding Midget Submarine X.7, and sailing with just one other Midget Submarine (X.6), he travelled over 1,000 miles from his base to Norway, dodging anti-submarine nets, a mine field, gun defences and enemy listening posts to reach his destination – the German Battleship Tirpitz. With charges placed on the enemy vessel, the mission succeeded when they went off an hour later putting the Tirpitz out of action for months. Unfortunately, both submarines were attacked with depth charges and guns which made their withdrawal impossible. However, both submarines were successfully scuttled to prevent them getting into enemy hands. Most of the crews were then taken prisoner.

This lot also includes other personal items such as his boson’s whistle when he was at the Royal Naval College Dartmouth and a signed photograph of The Queen and Prince Philip, is just one of nearly 200 lots of medals, stamps and militaria. Also featured is a collection of 50 lots of Dorset Regiment medals and high value stamps such as the rare Victoria green £1 stamp

Viewing for this auction over 1,100 lots is on Wednesday 24^th & Thursday 25^th June at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne. Catalogues are available from the auctioneers or you can browse online at www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their summer programme of auctions including pictures and prints in July along with classic cars, automobilia and motorbikes at Sherborne Castle also in July. For further information regarding these sales, or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.

The Victoria Cross and other medal ribbons owned by Rear-Admiral Godfrey Place, being sold by Charterhouse Auctioneers & Valuers in Sherborne on Friday 26^th June £100-200

Mighty Mercedes Surfaces at Charterhouse Classic Car Sale

A massive Mercedes Benz saloon, owned by the vendor for nearly 50 years, is going under the Charterhouse hammer at their auction of classic cars and motorbikes at Sherborne Castle on Sunday 19^th July.

“The vendor bought the car second hand in 1960 from Brooklands Ltd of Bond Street in London. As a garage proprietor the Mercedes has been regularly maintained during its long ownership and it was last on the road in 1973 during the Suez crisis. Although it has been dry stored for over three decades, it was fully Waxoyled underneath and the body covered in oil and grease to preserve it. In addition, it was regularly started to keep the engine useable.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “The owner was also a keen motor sport supporter and competitor having won two British production trials car championships in 1966 & 1979, and successfully raced in autocross and rallycross.”

The Mercedes was an extremely rare sight in post war Britain, especially as it is 1 of only 42 produced in right hand drive. In Germany, this particular model was referred to as a (Konrad) Adenauers, who was the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany as he was only seen in this model. At over 17 ft long, and 6 ft wide it is an imposing vehicle finished in black coachwork, a maroon leather interior and with period whitewall tyres. The 3,000cc six cylinder petrol engine turned out 123 hp and was subsequently developed into the legendary SL300 engine.

Also entered into this important auction are a Rolls Royce Phantom I and a Phantom II, a Dodge Super Deluxe convertible, a Packard Straight Eight, a Plymouth Sedan, an Aston Martin Virage, a Ferrari 308 GTS, a Porsche 911 convertible, first owned by Robert Redford, a Jensen 541S, an MG TF, and many other vehicles along with motorbikes such as a BSA Gold Star to a NSU Quickly.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their summer programme of auctions including specialist sales of militaria, clocks, trains and collectors items in June, pictures and prints in July along with classic cars, automobilia and motorbikes at Sherborne Castle also in July. For further information regarding these sales, or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Matthew Whitney or Richard Bromell, Partner at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.

Mercedes stored since 1973, but owned from 1960, this rare right hand drive car is estimated at £8,000-10,000 when it goes under the Charterhouse hammer on Sunday 19^th July

Bidders Sign Up at Charterhouse Auction

The Charterhouse auction of collectors’ items, including stamps, medals, coins, Dinky model vehicles and railwayana in June will attract many buyers to the sale with the vast array of items going under their hammer.

“These specialist sales are always very well attended with collectors and dealers travelling hundreds of miles to be at the auction.” Commented Richard Bromell. “In addition, we use the internet extensively which always turns up new bidders from across the UK and throughout the world as collectors look to secure pieces for their collections. Perhaps one of the most bizarre requests was by a Canadian fishing reel collector who, having seen the sale on our web site, telephoned us and requested we wind the reel so that he could hear the action! He was clearly impressed as he bid several hundred pounds to secure the lot.”

However, one section which has seen rapid growth in the market place has been for railwayana. Here, Charterhouse have had a knack of unearthing some very rare lots which have staggered buyers when they have gone under the hammer, and this sale looks to be another great event. Here, there are several South West enamel train station signs including Tisbury, Gillingham and Yeovil Junction, estimated to sell for between £300 and £600 each.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their summer programme of auctions including specialist sales of militaria, clocks, trains and collectors items in June, pictures and prints in July along with classic cars, automobilia and motorbikes at Sherborne Castle also in July. For further information regarding these sales, or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.

Richard Bromell, Partner, with the rare Yeovil Junction enamel target sign in their auction of collectors’ items in June £400-600

Star Car at Charterhouse Sale

A rare 1923 Clement-Talbot car, which featured in the popular 1969 film Monte Carlo or Bust! is one of the star cars going under the Charterhouse hammer in their auction of classic cars and motorbikes at Sherborne Castle on Sunday 19^th July.

“We have teamed up with Classics at the Castle organised by Merlin Events who arrange classic car shows and rallies.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “We have been involved with the show for the past few years and it is now one of the main classic car events in the West Country attracting thousands of enthusiasts, and was therefore a natural progression for us to hold our July car sale in the impressive grounds of Sherborne Castle.”

This unusual Clement-Talbot has been in the current owners’ possession since the hot summer of 1976. It is one of only forty two believed to have been made, and features a four door open tourer body, a 1075cc engine coupled to a three speed gearbox and in an attractive green over black exterior complemented by a cream interior. Having featured in the film Monte Carlo or Bust! it starred along with Terry Thomas, Dudley Moore, Peter Cook, Tony Curtis and Susan Hampshire. However, the car has not been used since 2005 when it was last driven into its garage, and the vendor has now decided to let a new owner take the driving seat.

Also entered into this important auction are a Rolls Royce Phantom I £100,000-120,000, and a Phantom II £50,000-70,000, a Dodge Super Deluxe convertible in rare right hand drive £30,000-35,000, a Packard Straight Eight with twin mounted spare wheels and running boards fit for any gangster, £30,000-35,000, a similar Plymouth Sedan at £10,000-15,000, an Aston Martin Virage in immaculate condition £18,000-22,000, a Ferrari 308 GTS £20,000-25,000 along with motorbikes such as a BSA Gold Star £8,000-12,000 and automobilia.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their summer programme of auctions including specialist sales of militaria, clocks, trains and collectors items in June, pictures and prints in July along with classic cars, automobilia and motorbikes at Sherborne Castle also in July. For further information regarding these sales, or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Matthew Whitney or Richard Bromell, Partner at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.

Matthew Whitney, Head of Classic Car Department at Charterhouse, with Keith Magee, Merlin Events, at Sherborne Castle

Star Car – the 1923 Clement-Talbot as featured in Monte Carlo or Bust! £18,000-22,000

Gangster-mobile Plymouth Sedan £10,000-15,000

Bidders Stamp at Charterhouse Auction

The Charterhouse auction on Friday 26^th June is a real treat for all collectors when they will be selling coins, stamps, medals, trains and many other collectors’ items in Sherborne, including a good album of early stamps.

“This album has been handed down through from the grandfather, to father and now to the vendor who has owned the album for several years.” Commented Richard Bromell. “Whilst stamp albums are not unusual, what is fascinating about this album is the fact that the last stamp collected was placed in the album about 95 years ago and they have all remained in the album intact, with the only change being a name change on the end papers as it passed through the family generations. So often, a good album like this is picked over through the years with all the good stamps being sold off. The album has always been held in high regard by the family, and includes a letter valuing the stamps in 1949 for just under £10 which was a considerable sum of money in post war Britain”

The vendor, who lives in Wiltshire, took advantage of the regular specialist free valuation days which Charterhouse hold in their Sherborne salerooms, and the album has a pre-sale estimate of £400-600, when it goes under the hammer with about 70 other lots of good stamps.

Although it is an album of world stamps, it does include a good example of the iconic penny black. The penny black was the world’s first adhesive postage stamp of a public postal system and was introduced in 1840. However, it was only used for a year as the red cancellation mark on used stamps was difficult to see and easy to remove. It was then replaced by the penny red which used a black cancellation mark difficult to remove.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their summer programme of auctions including specialist sales of militaria, clocks, stamps, trains and collectors items in June, pictures and prints in July along with classic cars, automobilia and motorbikes at Sherborne Castle also in July. For further information regarding these sales, or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.

Penny black from an early stamp album £400-600

May 09

Charterhouse Car Sale is another Classic

The Charterhouse auction of classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia at The Bristol Classic Car Show in The Royal Bath and West Showground on Sunday 3^rd May was a near sell out with an impressive total of over £200,000.

“It was a great sale with buyers not only from the South West, but from the continent too with a few Germans taking advantage of the favourable exchange rate, but the prize for the buyer who travelled the furthest goes to a New Zealand client who bought a couple of pic-nic hampers!” Commented Matthew Whitney. “The auction had an extremely successful selling rate of nearly 90%, at a time when there is much doom and gloom in the world, with many cars exceeding their vendors expectations.”

Top lot of the day had to be shared between two cars from the same owner at £28,000 each. First up was a beautiful 1935 Bentley 3.5 litre Hooper four door sport saloon. This had a well documented ownership over the decades having been owned by one owner twice. Next was a 1930 Rolls Royce 20/25 Barker style Tourer, owned by the vendor for 30 years, which sold for the same money. Both cars were driven from the vendors house near Birmingham to the auction, although it is not clear how he got home again!

Elsewhere in the sale, an Aston Martin V8 sold for £22,800 to Berkshire bidder, a Triumph 1800 Roadster, similar to the one used in the Bergerac detective series, £9,700, a Jaguar XJS convertible, in immaculate condition, £10,000, a left hand drive Maserati Bora £21,000 despite having been dry stored for a number of years and now requiring some re-commissioning to a collector from Hereford, as was a Maserati Khyalami coupe from the same owner which sold for £5,700 to a Devon collector. However, on car which was admired by many and generated a good deal of pre auction interest was the Rover 95. Originally purchased by the vendors father from Hurst Park Motors in 1964, he traded the car back to Hurst park Motors in 1967. It was then sold on two more times until the original owner’s son bought it back into the family ownership. Now, however, it has turned full circle and returned to Hurst Park Motors, some 35 years after first leaving their premises.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their summer programme of auctions including specialist sales of militaria, clocks, trains and collectors items in June, pictures and prints in July along with classic cars, automobilia and motorbikes at Sherborne Castle also in July. For further information regarding these sales, or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner or Matthew Whitney at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.

Rolls Royce rolls again, sold by Charterhouse for £28,000

Lover old Rover 95 sold back to the garage it originally came from back in 1964, sold for £4,600

1970’s Maserati Bora Supercar, dry stored for many years, sold for £21,000

Buffalo Bill Comes to Town

A Bowie knife with a presentation inscription from Buffalo Bill, one of America’s most colourful characters from the Wild West, is coming up for auction by Charterhouse in Sherborne, in their sale of militaria and collectors items on Friday 26^th June.

“The knife was bought by the vendor from a small saleroom in Taunton in 1996 for just £32, but subsequent research has added credence that the inscription could be correct and we now value this piece of history at £500-1,000.” Commented Richard Bromell.

William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody was an American soldier, buffalo hunter and showman. The 31.5 cm knife blade has the inscription “Presented to A. C. Mole by Buffalo(u) Bill Clifton Ariz(ona). Albert Charles. Mole was a prominent Taunton man who travelled to the Wild West in 1897, returning to England in 1902. Although he kept a diary, entries from 1900-02 are few and far between, although it is possible that Mole did meet Buffalo Bill whilst in the USA. However, as a prominent Taunton gentleman (Mole was town mayor, he served for 43 years on the Somerset County Council, and founded A C Mole & Sons Chartered Accountants), and with his recent visit to the States, he probably enjoyed Buffalo Bill’s Travelling Show when it came to Taunton in 1903, and it is possible that this is when the knife was presented.

Although the inscription is primitive it is just the sort of artisan handwork which would have been produced when travelling around giving away souvenirs and mementoes. The knife has survived in good condition with its wooden handle and brass knuckle-guard, and at 45 cm long overall, it is quite substantial.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their programme of auctions including specialist sales of militaria, clocks, trains and collectors items in June, pictures and prints in July along with classic cars, automobilia and motorbikes also in July. For further information regarding these sales, or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.

The Bowie knife, with Buffalo Bill presentation inscription to a well known Taunton man, going under the Charterhouse hammer in June £500-1,000

April 09

Bergerac is Back

A rare Triumph 1800, similar to the one used in the popular detective series Bergerac, goes under the Charterhouse hammer in their Bank Holiday weekend sale at The Bristol Classic Car Show at The Royal Bath & West Showground in Shepton Mallet on Sunday 3^rd May.

“These Triumph’s were highly regarded in their day, with an Autocar road test achieving 75 mph and a 0-60 mph time of just 34 seconds which was pretty good in its day.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “Today, they are fine cruisers for classic car enthusiasts and having a bench front seat which can accommodate three in friendly confinement, and the rear Dickey seat with its own windscreen, which can accommodate another two, it is now a popular choice for owners who want the benefits of a classic sports car which is also a convertible.”

The Triumph 1800 was first introduced in post war Britain in 1946. In 1948, the engine was enlared to 2000cc. During these years, just 4501 were made but sadly not many have survived today making it a rare opportunity for an enthusiast.

Also in the sale, there are other classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia. With estimates from just £20 up to £38,000, there is something for everyone, from Rolls Royce’s and Bentley’s to Morris Minors and MGB’s.

Viewing for this auction at The Shepton Mallet Showground is on Saturday 2^nd May 10-4 & on Sunday 3^rd May from 10, with the auction starting at 12 noon. Entry to the show and auction is by catalogue only and if bought in advance it is £17 admitting two to both events. For further information regarding this sale, please contact Matthew Whitney at Charterhouse in Sherborne 01935 812277. To order a catalogue for the sale, contact Sophie Hetreed at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 or sh@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their programme of auctions in May including specialist sales Beswick, Doulton & other ceramics, silver and jewellery, and for their sale of militaria, clocks and collectors items in June. For further information regarding these sales, or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.

A rare survivor – a Triumph 1800 Roadster going under the Charterhouse hammer on Sunday 3^rd May £8,000-10,000

Fox Hunting is Back on the Menu

A set of four porcelain menu holders in the form of four hounds and a dog are included in the Charterhouse auction of sporting items, books, pictures and antiques on Friday 24^th April.

“The four menu holders are an absolute delight to look at, which will come as no surprise as they were made towards the end of the 19^th century by Royal Worcester, one of our producers of fine porcelain.” Commented Richard Bromell. “The Devon vendor took advantage of our free valuation days we regularly hold in Sherborne and was pleased to hear they are estimated at £400-600.”

The menu holders harp back to the days when having a dinner party meant a fully laid table with numerous items of cutlery, plates, glasses and serving dishes for the multiple course meal. Today, dining is generally less formal and the brightly coloured menu holder will appeal to collectors of Royal Worcester, collectors of sporting items and collectors who enjoy the canine breed, even though the fox a great deal more cunning than the dogs.

Viewing for the sale is on Wednesday 22^nd 10-4 & Thursday 23^rd at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset or you can view the sale on www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their programme of auctions in May including specialist sales Beswick, Doulton & other ceramics and for their next specialist sale of classic cars and motorbikes on Sunday 3^rd May at The Bristol Classic Car Show in Shepton Mallet, over the Bank Holiday weekend. For further information regarding these sales, or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.

A rare set of Royal Worcester porcelain menu holders, £400-600, going under the Charterhouse hammer on 24^th April

Bentley is a Classic

A rare 1935 Bentley, one of only 2422 made between 1933-39, is going under the Charterhouse hammer in their sale of classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia at The Bristol Classic Car Show at Shepton Mallet on Sunday 3^rd May.

“This Bentley offers a rare opportunity for a collector or enthusiast to own a fabulous car with known continuous history and only four owners from new.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “In fact one owner was so impressed with the car he owned it twice so you could argue it has only had three former keepers!”

The Bentley, with its powerful 3500cc engine, was first bought by Capt A S Giles, a former Lord Mayor of Birmingham. He moved after the Second World War to Canada, in 1954 with “settlers rights” and naturally took the car with him. The car was then sold for $700 to Mr James Lillico and was soon after sold to Mr Fred McDonald of Port Credit. He then sent to car to Rolls Royce for a complete mechanical overhaul. At this time, the car was rebodied from a James Young drop head coupe into a Hooper bodied four door sports saloon at a total cost of $14,000! The car stayed with him for a few years, and was then sold back to Mr Lillico who kept the car for the next 35 years until it was repatriated to the UK and sold to its current Midlands owner in 1995.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their programme of auctions May including specialist sales of Beswick, Doulton & other ceramics, silver and jewellery and for their specialist sale of classic cars and motorbikes in May at The Bristol Classic Car Show over the Bank Holiday weekend. For further information regarding these sales, or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Matthew Whitney at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.

1935 Bentley 3 ½ litre with Hooper sports body £34,000-36,000 in the Charterhouse auction of Classic Cars, Motorbikes & Automobilia at The Bristol Classic Car Show at Shepton Mallet on Sunday 3^rd May

Ram is a Rare Beast

A rare Beswick Merino ram is one of the highlights of the Charterhouse auction of Beswick and Royal Doulton in Sherborne on Friday 22^nd May.

“The Merino ram is one of the rarest of Beswick sheep ever produced. It was only available from 1964 until 1967 which is quite a short production run, especially when compared with some of the lambs they made for over 40 years.” Commented Naomi Grabham. “As such, it is one of the “holy grails” of Beswick collecting and will attract keen interest from buyers across the world.”

Designed by Arthur Gredington in 1963, it is very accurately and realistically modelled, which is possibly why a good many farmers are keen collectors, usually supporting the breeds of animals they keep. Charterhouse has been holding specialist auctions of Beswick and Royal Doulton for many years with Naomi Grabham being their specialist in charge. Naomi has been collecting Beswick for nearly 15 years, and it will come as no surprise that Naomi is from a Somerset farming background.

The ram is consigned from a vendor living in Reading wanting to take advantage of this specialist Beswick auction held by Charterhouse, having seen the specialist sales they have on their web site.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their programme of auctions in May including specialist sales Beswick, Doulton & other ceramics, silver and jewellery, and for their next specialist sale of classic cars and motorbikes on Sunday 3^rd May at The Bristol Classic Car Show in Shepton Mallet, over the Bank Holiday weekend. For further information regarding these sales, or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Naomi Grabham or Richard Bromell, Partner at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.

Rare Merino Ram going under the Charterhouse hammer in their Beswick auction in May £1,000-1,500

March 2009

Marvellous Medals Start Bidding War

A group of four modern medals sparked a bidding war in the Charterhouse March auction of collectors items in Sherborne when they sold fro £6,000

“The medals, which were consigned for auction by the recipient generated a good deal of presale interest with collectors and dealers alike.” Commented Richard Bromell. “On the day, there were several telephone bidders, but it soon settled down to a Dorset collector in the saleroom bidding against an Australian telephone bidder who was having a late night! In the end, the hammer fell down in the Australian’s favour.”

The medals, which comprised a Campaign Service Medal with Lebanon, Northern Ireland, and North Iraq & South Turkey bar, along with a South Atlantic (Falklands) medal, Operational Service medal with Afghanistan bar and the Queens Golden Jubilee medal were awarded to Sergeant L J Bainbridge who served with the Royal Marines. Taking pride of place on the catalogue front cover, the medals were estimated at up to £3,000.

Elsewhere in the auction, a group of stamps in 10 stock books sold for £1,100, a small Punch & Judy tinplate money box £900, a Hauer Autavia gents wristwatch £700, a good collection of hammered English coins £1,800, a 1989 proof sovereign and half sovereign £900, an Elizabeth II Mameluke sword £580, a pair of Victorian epaulettes £1,400, a Louis XV style boulle clock £680, a longcase clock £1,400, and a small Anglo Indian chest £1,200.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their programme of auctions in April and May including specialist sales of pictures, books, Beswick, Doulton & other ceramics and for their next specialist sale of classic cars and motorbikes in May at The Bristol Classic Car Show over the Bank Holiday weekend. For further information regarding these sales, or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.

Royal Marine medals sold to an Australian for £6,000 in the Charterhouse March collectors auction

Spring is in the Air at Charterhouse Auction

Spring is certainly in the air with gardens up and down the country starting to come alive with plants emerging after the long winter period, and a late 18^th century book on plants has emerged from an old trunk and will going under the Charterhouse hammer in their April auction of books, pictures and sporting items.

“The book is beautifully illustrated with 18 hand coloured large plates. They are so delicately coloured that they appear to be drawn from hand. With modern printing processes, we take colour illustrations for granted, but this volume was probably one of the best coloured books in its day.” Commented Richard Bromell. “The vendor inherited the book a good number of years ago and although she has enjoyed it over the years, it is now time for the book to find a new home.”

The book, which the full title is Icones Pictae Plantarum Rariorum, descriptionibus et observationibus illustratae (or) Coloured Figures of Rare Plants, illustrated with descriptions and illustrations, was originally printed in three parts from 1790-93. It would have been an expensive tome in its day and graced a library in a large country house. Today, it is estimated at £2,000-2,500 despite the binding being in relatively poor condition.

An illustration from the book on rare plants printed nearly 220 years ago, going under the Charterhouse hammer in April £2,000-2,500

Military Might Charterhouse

The auction of collectors items at Charterhouse in Sherborne on Friday 27^th March has one of their best ever selection of coins, medals, stamps and militaria amongst the sale of 750 lots.

“Our collectors sales are always popular, with postcards, clocks, stamps, the weird and the wonderful, but this time we have a fantastic group of items in the militaria section with medals dating from the battle of Waterloo through the rest of the 19^th century with medals from Indian, Egyptian and African wars to more modern campaigns including the Falklands and First Iraq War.” Commented Richard Bromell. “As usual, there is a good selection of First and Second World War medals with plenty of local regiments such as the West Somerset Yeomanry which we rarely come across.”

One medal group which has attracted interest from dealers and collectors, is a set of four awarded to a Royal Marine. The group comprises a Campaign Service Medal, with three bars “North Iraq & Southern Turkey, Northern Ireland, and Lebanon,” a South Atlantic Medal (or Falklands), an Afghanistan medal, and a Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal. Here, it is the unusual combination of the three bars on the Campaign Service Medal which is really interesting and this group of medals is estimated at £2,500-3,000. However, for those on a more modest budget, there are plenty of lots on offer for under £100, such as a leather flying jacket, with associated medals.

The Royal Marine medal group £2,500-3,000

The Waterloo medal £600-900

Virginia Malcolm models the sheepskin flying jacket, estimated at £100

Mutiny at Charterhouse

A wooden box and cover in the form of a book, which was a souvenir from Pitcairn Island, is one of the many unusual lots of eclectic collectors items going under the Charterhouse hammer in their auction on Friday 27^th March.

“Pitcairn Island is a volcanic island in the southern Pacific Ocean and the last remaining British overseas territory in the Pacific.” Commented Richard Bromell. “However, it is most famous for being the home for the descendants of the Bounty mutineers and the Tahitians who accompanied them, and not forgetting the books and films.”

The wooden box is naively decorated with punch work letters, sometime incorrectly spelt, inscribed on the side “Story of Pitcairn Island, made by John Christian”, with the front inscribed “Souiner from Pitcairn Island the home of the mutineers of HMS Bounty who landed on Pitcairn Island on the 23^rd of January 1790, made by John Christian.” It measures 25.5 x 19.5 cm and is estimated to sell for £150-200. The vendor, who lives near Taunton, took advantage of one of the free valuation days held at Charterhouse in Sherborne.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their programme of auctions in March and April including specialist sales of clocks, collector’s items, militaria, pictures & ceramics and for their next specialist sale of classic cars and motorbikes in May. For further information regarding these sales please contact Richard Bromell at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.

Mutiny on the Bounty book £150-200 at Charterhouse

February 2009

Car Auction is a Classic

Despite atrocious weather conditions with snow and ice, the Charterhouse auction of classic cars and motorbikes held at the Shepton Mallet Showground, which was postponed from Saturday 7^th until Monday 9^th February, was a great success for the firm based in Sherborne.

“We had organised the auction in conjunction with the Bristol Classic Car Show. Sadly for them, the showground officials cancelled their event, but we were given a couple of days grace until the weather improved on Monday.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “However, the auction was not postponed until 11 am on the Friday viewing and we had had a number of clients in viewing, with the first chap through the door who had travelled over from Cyprus just for our sale!”

The sale, in which cars were sold to buyers across Europe and Cyprus due to favourable exchange rates, totalled nearly £220,000. Top price on the day was nearly £31,000 for an Aston Martin V8 Oscar India. It was bought over the telephone by an Englishman in France who had been looking for this model of car for some time. Also selling on the telephone was a Jaguar Mk II, once the favourite mode of transport for the getaway driver, this one sold for £22,000 for its Cornish vendor and a 1921 American La France Fire Engine, this time to a German bidder at just over £16,000. The buyer from Cyprus bought three vehicles, the first a V12 Jaguar E Type at a couple of pounds shy of £15,000, a Volvo Amazon just under £4,000 and a BMW 2002 Touring, previously sold by Charterhouse as a restoration project, but now fully restored and with a new MOT at just over £4,200.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their programme of auctions in March and April including specialist sales of clocks, collector’s items, militaria, pictures, ceramics and for their next specialist sale of classic cars and motorbikes in May. For further information regarding these sales please contact Matthew Whitney at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.

Aston Martin collectors car, sold for nearly £31,000 at Charterhouse

Sold to a buyer from Cyprus, a V12 Jaguar E Type at just under £15,000

The getaway car, a Mk II Jaguar sold for £22,000

Ring brings Bling to Charterhouse

A diamond ring took top honours at the Charterhouse auction on Friday 27^th February, when it sold to a private buyer for £15,200.

“It was a beautiful ring which had been consigned to us from a client in London.” Commented Richard Bromell. “It was very well admired during the view days. On the sale day, the bidding started at £5,000 and quickly rose to £10,000 with bidding from a lady just outside Yeovil and a gentleman who had turned up to buy some wine later on in the sale! They then both slowed down at the £10,000 mark and it was a two way battle with a couple from Wiltshire bidding in the saleroom against a telephone bidder, with the prize falling to the anonymous telephone buyer.”

The ring, which was estimated at £9,000-11,000, is proof that although manufacturing is encountering difficult times, there is still money about and Charterhouse have reported their best ever January and February auctions. With interest rates at a low for savers, it was no surprise to Richard Bromell that the lady just outside Yeovil was looking to take her money out of savings and splash out on something for herself.

At the other end of the auction spectrum, a large carved stone fireplace, sold to an Irish buyers at £2,200. The fountain had been in the vendor’s family since it was installed into a large Edwardian house which his grandparents built in about 1905. He had owned it for a number of decades, since he was 18, and had moved it about the countryside with him. Now, however, he is about to downsize and the incoming purchasers to his house did not want it in the garden. Unusually, the fountain, which is 155 cm high or just over 5 ft, was decorated with monks and nuns, and had suffered some damage on the past 100 years and was therefore estimated at a modest £400-600. Also requiring some work, was an early Victorian mahogany dining table. From a farm, near Crewkerne, it had been in the family for a long time, but more recently had been stored in the back of a van as the nephew has now taken over the farm from his uncle. During this time it had suffered damage, but this did not dampen the bidder’s spirits and it was taken to £2,000 as many buyers could see its potential.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their programme of auctions in March and April including specialist sales of clocks, collector’s items, militaria, pictures & ceramics and for their next specialist sale of classic cars and motorbikes in May. For further information regarding these sales, or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.

Bling ring at Charterhouse sold for £15,200

Fountain sold by Charterhouse for £2,200

Rare Carltonware Vase sold by Charterhouse in Sherborne

A very rare Carltonware vase attracted heated bidding in the first auction of the year at Charterhouse in Sherborne.

“Carltonware was a prolific producer of pottery and porcelain throughout the 20^th century with vases, jugs and items made just for ornamentation such as their extremely popular range of decorative items they developed for Guinness such as the zoo animals.” Commented Naomi Grabham, ceramic specialist at Charterhouse.

As a company, Carltonware were always looking for and developing new designs, patterns and shapes which is where the Charterhouse vase comes in. Produced in the late 1920’s, it is decorated with two figures generally known as Jacobean Figures or Cavalier and Lady. However, the pattern was deemed to be too involved and only a few trial pieces were made, and it is probable that this shape vase with its green ground is a unique piece.

Charterhouse received many telephone and email enquiries before the auction. With a good number of commission bids and five telephone bidders looking to participate on the lot competition was always going to be strong, with the hammer falling to a telephone bidder at just over £700. The vendor, who lives in Berkshire was delighted with the result as he thought it was worth just £100.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their programme of auctions throughout February, March and April including specialist sales of clocks, collector’s items, militaria, pictures and ceramics. For further information regarding these sales please contact Naomi Grabham at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.

Rare Carlton vase sold by Charterhouse for over £700

January 2009

Star Cars at Charterhouse Auction

Star cars are up for grabs at the Charterhouse auction of classic and vintage cars, motorcycles and automobilia at the Bristol Classic Car Show on Saturday 7^th February.

“We often come across cars and motorbikes which have interesting stories to tell or have been owned by the rich and famous. In this auction, we have a Ferrari 250 GTO factory built replica which was first owned by Pete Waterman of Stock, Aitken & Waterman who produced pop records in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s when they had over 100 top 40 hits selling 40 million records, but today he is possibly even better known by many as one of the judges on Pop Idol.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “Another car owned by a star is an Aston Martin Virage, which was owned by James Caan, not of spaghetti western fame, but from the Dragon’s Den. But for me, as a James Bond fan, it has to be the Lotus Esprit Turbo in white which looks just like the car in The Spy Who Loved Me, but without the under water additions!”

Both the Aston Martin and the Ferrari GTO replica are estimated at £12,000-15,000 each and the Lotus £5,800-6,200 at the auction which has 80 cars and motorbikes with estimates totalling over £500,000. Also in the sale are a 1922 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost £75-85,000, a 1952 Bentley drop head coupe which was at the 1951 Earls Court Motor Show £55-65,000, a V12 E type coupe £13-15,000, a 1966 MGB roadster which has been restored at a cost of £15,000 at £4-5,000, a Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 £14-16,000, an immaculate Jaguar Mk II 3.8 £15-20,000, an Aston Martin V8 Oscar India, one of 350 built, £30-35,000, an American La France fire engine with a 14,000 cc engine, £13-15,000, an MGA roadster £13-15,000, along with numerous Morris Minors saloons, tourers and a van, several other Rolls Royce and Bentley’s, TVR, Mercedes, BMW, Talbot, Hillman, Austin and many other manufacturers with motorbikes and automobilia.

Viewing for this important motoring auction is on Friday 6^th February 10-4 and on the sale day, Saturday 7^th, from 10am. Entry to this auction is by catalogue only (£17 post paid) which gets two into auction on both the view and sale days and into the show on the Saturday (which normally costs £18 for two). For further information regarding this sale please contact Matthew Whitney or Sophie Hetreed (for a catalogue) at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.

Star Cars at Charterhouse:

An Aston Martin previously owned by James Caan of Dragon’s Den £12,000-15,000

A Lotus Esprit Turbo which is a Bondza motor £5,800-6,200

A Ferrari 250 GTO replica previously owned by Pete Waterman £12,000-15,000

The Pen is Mightier than the Sword at Charterhouse Auction

An unusually large glass inkwell is just one of a number of silver lots in the Charterhouse auction of silver, jewellery, watches and antiques with a selection of wine on Friday 27^th March.

“It is just the sort of excess which a Victorian or Edwardian gentleman would have had on his desk to deal with his correspondence.” Commented Richard Bromell. “It was an age before telephones, faxes and computers ruled and the pen was mightier than the sword, although I am not sure whether there would have been enough hours in the day to use all the ink up with a quill!”.”

The glass inkwell is 20.5 cm in diameter and weighs as much as four and a half bags of sugar!! On the top there are silver mounts hallmarked for London 1903 which open up to reveal a large pocket watch, ideal so you can keep an eye on the time, providing you remember to wind it up. This marvel of Edwardian excess is estimated at £300-500 when it goes under the Charterhouse hammer.

However, this sale is not the only auction in February for Charterhouse as they have their classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia auction at the prestigious Bristol Classic Car Show in Shepton Mallet. Here, there are starter classics such as a Morris Minor convertible, through to Aston Martin’s, Rolls Royce’s and Bentley with the odd modern thrown in such as a TVR Tuscan. Viewing for the sale is on Friday 6^th February 10-4 and on the saleday from 10. Entry to this auction is by catalogue only (£17 prepaid) which also gets two into the show on the Saturday, and with some £500,000 worth of metal going under the hammer it will be a sale not to be missed.

For further information regarding these sales or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277 or via their web site www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Massive glass inkwell weighs in at £300-500 in the Charterhouse auction of silver, jewellery and antiques pictured with saleroom staff James Cochrane-Dyet

Great Start to the Year at Charterhouse

Charterhouse Auctioneers in Sherborne have reported their largest ever January sale which has grown into a two day event on Thursday 22nd & Friday 23^rd January.

“One the first day there are 550 lots of Beswick and Border Fine Arts with estimates from just £20 up to £1,500. As usual, there are Beswick horses, birds and other animals including a rare fireside penguin at £400-600. In the Border Fine Arts, there are many charming groups including dogs and tractors which attract a good deal of interest from collectors.” Commented Naomi Grabham. “On the second day there are nearly 600 lots of pictures and antiques. There are some great pictures from the 18^th century onwards such as portraits and fine landscape views from St Ives up to Scotland so pretty much something for everyone. However, for the serious collector, we have three large modern bronze sculptures by Ju Ming who is one of Asia foremost artists which are collectively estimated at £150,000”

Viewing for the two day sale is on Wednesday 21^st 10-4 & Thursday 22^nd 10-7 and the catalogue will be available on the auctioneer’s web site www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

This large sale is then followed by an important classic car, motorbike and automobilia auction at the prestigious Bristol Classic Car Show which attracts thousands of enthusiasts on Saturday 7^th February.

“There are 60 entries of car and motorbikes with entries ranging from a 1922 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost at £60,000-80,000, an Aston Martin V8 Osca India £30,000-35,000, a Rolls Royce convertible £20,000-30,000, and a Ferrari Mondial estimated at £7,000-9,000. Lower down the power scale the is a barn stored Austin 7 two door tourer £3,500-4,500, Morris Minors including convertibles and saloons and for the get away drive a Jaguar MK II with the highly desirable 3.8 litre engine at £15,000-20,000, along with car mascots, books and other automobilia” Commented Matthew Whitney.

Viewing for this sale is on Friday 6^th February 10-4. Entry to this sale is by catalogue only available from Charterhouse £15 (admits two).

For further information regarding these sales please contact Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277 or www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk.

The get away’s choice – a Jaguar Mk II 3.8 litre £15,000-20,000

A Beswick fireside penguin £400-600

A Ju Ming Bronze £50,000-70,000

Picture is a pretty painting

A large oil painting, one of two by the same artist in the Charterhouse auction on Friday 23^rd January, offers an opportunity to acquire a fine view of Derbyshire for under £1,000.

“Painted by Edward Price of Nottingham, this large oil on canvas painting will generate interest from clients who may have memories of Derbyshire, or clients looking for a good furnishing picture which will grace a drawing or dining room.” Commented Naomi Grabham.

The pictures are entered into the first Charterhouse auction of the New Year on January 23^rd and are estimated at £500-800 each. Pictures are just one part of this auction which also includes hundreds of lots of Beswick, Border Fine Arts, Antiques and three modern bronze groups by one of Asia’s most important contemporary artists estimated at £150,000. Viewing for the sale is on Wednesday 21^st 10-4 & Thursday 22^nd 10-7 and the catalogue will be available on the auctioneer’s web site www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their forthcoming programme of auctions including classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia at the prestigious Bristol Classic Car Show which attracts tens of thousands of enthusiasts on Saturday 7^th February and silver, jewellery, watches and antiques with a special selection of wine, port and spirits later on in the month on the 27^th. For further information regarding these sales or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Naomi Grabham or Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.

Charterhouse staff member Virginia Malcolm admires the view

Classic Cars Old and New at Charterhouse Sale

It is David versus Goliath in the Charterhouse auction of classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia at The Bristol Classic Car Show on 7^th February.

“The Bristol Classic Show is the first major car show in the calendar which attracts tens of thousands of enthusiasts over the weekend and we have linked up with the organisers with our auction in one of the main exhibition halls.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “It is an ideal venue for us with excellent road links, parking, catering, disabled access and of course a massive saleroom for us!”

Entries for the sale are now well under way with pre and post war classics such as a 1935 Hillman Minx, first registered in Gloucester and having had only four owners at £5,000-7,000 to a powerful Ferrari 308 GT4 which had full service history and only 24,000 recorded miles at £12,000-14,000, along with Rolls Royce and many other vehicles, motorbikes and automobilia.

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for this prestigious sale of classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia. They are also accepting entries for their January 22^nd and 23^rd with bronze sculptures, pictures and antiques, with a major collection of Border Fine Arts being combined with their popular Beswick auction. For further information regarding these sales or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Matthew Whitney or Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.

Pre war Hillman Minx at Charterhouse in February £5,000-7,000

Well kept Ferrari 308 GT4 in the same sale £12,000-14,000

Ming Masterpieces Discovered in the Somerset Garden

Mention the word Ming, and most people will conjure up a vision of fine Ming Dynasty porcelain from 1368 to 1644 which can be worth huge sums of money. This porcelain is usually discovered in the back of a kitchen cupboard, but Charterhouse Auctioneers have discovered three bronze figures by one of China’s most important living artists Ju Ming, two of which were in the Somerset vendors garden amongst the pots and the third was on a windowsill for all to see.

“The three bronzes were gifts to the vendors in 1992 when they were purchased from the Hanart Gallery in Hong Kong. They had inkling that they should not be languishing in the garden and were concerned that someone would come in and liberate them!” Commented Matthew Whitney. “The three bronzes are estimated to sell for £150,000 when they go under the Charterhouse hammer in January and will no doubt generate interest from this country, the USA and over to Asia.”

Ju Ming started life as an apprentice in 1953 to Lee Chin-chuan who was a famous wood craftsman. However, soon after, Ju Ming realised that he wanted to become a creative-artist. He is now widely considered one of the most prominent contemporary Asian artists and unusually, already has his own dedicated museum in Taiwan. Of the three bronzes being sold by Charterhouse all of which are from the Taichi series, one is untitled, one is First Whip and the last is The Arch. This bronze group is 69 cm high and of two figures striking at each other. There is a full size version of this outside the University of Hong Kong where students can walk underneath the Taichi combatants.

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for this first sale of the New Year in January with bronze sculptures, pictures and antiques, with a major collection of Border Fine Arts being combined with their popular Beswick auction. This is closely followed by classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia at the prestigious Bristol Classic Car Show which attracts tens of thousands of enthusiasts. For further information regarding these sales or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Matthew Whitney or Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.

The three Ju Ming bronzes figures being sold by Charterhouse in Sherborne on Friday 23^rd January estimated at £150,000, some photographed in their Somerset garden setting

December 08

New Technology Arrives in Sherborne

An extensive collection of Border Fine Arts figures and groups are to go under the Charterhouse hammer on Thursday 22^nd January their specialist auction of Border Fine Arts, Beswick and Royal Doulton. The collection comprises over 200 pieces and features several rare items, including the group “New Technology Arrives Today”, which shows a new Fordson tractor arriving through the farm gate, estimated £800 – 1200.

“The collection is over 20 years work and with many of the pieces being bought new, the overall condition of group is exceptional and most pieces are boxed”, commented Naomi Grabham. “The collection is coming up for auction due to the vendor’s house move. They were able to have all the pieces out on display, but now they have downsized, they no longer have to room to display this impressive collection. It is expected that the entire collection will sell for in the region of £20,000-30,000”.

Border Fine Arts was set up by John Hammond is southern Scotland in a farm outbuilding in 1972 and began making bronze and silver figures. It was not until the middle of the 1970’s they starting producing the sculptures that we now recognise as Border Fine Arts, with Border’s most prolific sculptor, Ray Ayres, modelling over 400 pieces since then.

Some of the other highlights from the collection to be included in the specialist January sale are “New Shoes for Dolly” £400 – 500; “Daily Delivery” £200 – 250; “Striking a Deal at Appleby Fair” £500 – 700; and “Travelling Home From Appleby Fair” £350 – 450.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their forthcoming specialist Border Fine Arts, Beswick and Royal Doulton auction on Thursday 22^nd January followed by pictures, books and antiques on Friday 23^rd January. Please contact Naomi Grabham at the salerooms on 01935 812277 or ng@charterhouse-auction.co.uk for more information regarding this two day auction. They are also accepting further entries for their forthcoming programme of specialist auctions including their next Classic Cars, Motorbikes and Automobilia sale at the prestigious Bristol Classic Car Show which attracts tens of thousands of enthusiasts every year. For further information regarding this sale or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Matthew Whitney, at Charterhouse 01935 812277.

Border Fine Arts “New Technology Arrives Today” to be sold by Charterhouse in Sherborne on 22^nd January 2009

November 2008

Signs of the Times

The Charterhouse two day December auction on Thursday 11^th & Friday 12^th has a massive 1,300 lots on offer, with trains and railwayana on the first day followed by clocks, collectors’ items and furniture.

“The railway auction has turned up nearly 400 lots of locomotives, carriages and rolling stock along with relics on the railway including station signs, furniture, cast iron notices and even the clock form Sparkford Station.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “However, it is no surprise to see that the majority of items of railwayana are from the Southern Line with station totem signs including Yeovil Town, Yeovil Pen Mill, Sherborne, Eastleigh & Littlehampton which will sell for hundreds of pounds each.”

On the second day is the Charterhouse sale of clocks, antiques and collectors’ items. Here a collection of lead soldiers and die-cast models worth several thousand pounds head up the collectors section along with a Dorset Yeomanry Distinguished Conduct Medal won at Gallipoli in the militaria section.

“I have always had a great interest in clocks and watches and the specialist section in this sale will not disappoint any collector.” Commented Richard Bromell. “For clients with tall ceilings there is an impressive Dutch longcase clock which not only tell the time, but the date, the day and the phase of the moon and an unusually large Victorian rosewood bracket clock which sings away on eight bells. For collectors who have down sized, there is a miniature French carriage clock just a few inches high.”

Viewing for the two day sale is on Wednesday 10^th 10-4 & Thursday 11^th 9-7. Catalogues are available from Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset 01935 812277 or on their web site www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their first sale of the New Year, with a major collection of Border Fine Arts being combined with their popular Beswick auction in January, closely followed by classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia at the prestigious Bristol Classic Car Show which attracts tens of thousands of enthusiasts. For further information regarding these sales or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Matthew Whitney or Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse 01935 812277.

Signs of the times, a group of train station totem signs, estimates from £300 to £800

The Dutch longcase clock £2,000-4,000

The unusually large Victorian bracket clock £3,000-4,000

The French miniature carriage clock £1,000-1,500

Gallipoli Hero was a Local Lad

A group of four WWI medal including the Distinguished Conduct Medal from a Dorset family are included in the two day collectors’ auction on Thursday 11^th & Friday 12^th December at Charterhouse in Sherborne.

“The Distinguished Conduct Medal was awarded to Sergeant P Finlay of the Dorset Yeomanry for his gallantry during the Gallipoli campaign.” Commented Richard Bromell. “The vendor, who is the niece of Sergeant Finlay, has decided to sell this family group of medals knowing that it will go the home of a collector and there has already been a good deal of interest shown in the group.”

The Gallipoli Campaign took place on the Gallipoli peninsula during 1915 and 1916. It was a joint French and British Empire operation mounted to capture the ottoman capital of Constantinople, which is modern day Istanbul, and secure a sea route to Russia. The attempt failed with heavy casualties on both sides.

The medal group, which is estimated at £1,500-2,500, comes up for auction on Friday 12^th December with other medals, collectors’ items and clocks. On the previous day is the Charterhouse auction devoted to nearly 400 lots of trains and railwayana. Catalogues are available from the auctioneers or on their web site www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their two day January sale with a major collection of Border Fine Arts being combined with Doulton & Beswick, with pictures, books & antiques the following day, closely followed by classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia at the prestigious Bristol Classic Car Show in February which attracts tens of thousands of enthusiasts. For further information regarding these sales or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset 01935 812277.

The DCM awarded for gallantry to Sergeant P Finlay, Dorset Yeomanry estimated at £1,500-2,500 in their two day December Collectors auction in Sherborne

Two little boys had two little toys

A collection of toys including Dinky, Britains lead figures & models and other similar items, which were packed up in 1943 and not played with by the owners since, have been entered into the Charterhouse two day auction on Thursday 11^th & Friday 12^th December.

“It is the best collection of lead vehicles and figures which I have seen in 25 years. Overall the condition is amazing with most items having clearly had a cared for. Usually, early lead items such as these have had a harsh life being played with, buried in the sand pit and blown up in mock battles, but the vendor was clearly a methodical child who tidied everything away carefully after use so that the majority of items are still contained in their original boxes which is very rare to see today.” Commented Richard Bromell. “There are 100’s of lead figures soldiers such as Grenadier, Life, Scots & other Guards, a circus, a farm, a garden, a zoo, cowboys and Indians. There are also military vehicles such as tanks, lorries and even a barrage balloon, in addition there are aeroplanes, naval ships, and trains. The list just goes on and on and the collection is worth thousands of pounds today.”

The models and figures were owned by two brothers, and when the Somerset vendor went away to boarding school in 1943, everything was meticulously packed up – even the soldiers were individually put away in newspaper. Twenty years later, the vendor moved to a new farm when he opened the collection and repacked it again. They then lay dormant again for another thirty eight years when he moved to his current farmhouse in 2000, when he unpacked and repacked the collection yet again. Sadly his younger brother, and co-owner of this collection, passed away earlier this year and the vendor decided at, nearly 80 years old, it was time for someone else to look after and enjoy the collection.

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for this two day December sale with the auction on Thursday 11^th devoted to trains and railwayana and with collectors items, clocks and antiques on Friday 12^th. This is then followed by their first sale of the New Year, with a major collection of Border Fine Arts being combined with their popular Beswick auction in January, closely followed by classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia at the prestigious Bristol Classic Car Show which attracts tens of thousands of enthusiasts. For further information regarding these sales or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.

Some of the lead figures and models which have seen little daylight since 1943, going under the Charterhouse hammer in their massive two day December auction in Sherborne, Dorset.

Bidders Sign up at Charterhouse Auction

A West Country landmark is up for sale when two Sherborne train station signs go under the Charterhouse hammer in their specialist sale of trains and railwayana at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne on Thursday 11^th December.

“The signs, which graced the station for many years, have, not surprisingly, been entered for sale by a Sherborne client. They read about our specialist auction devoted to trains and railwayana and took advantage of our free home visit service which we offer clients looking for help and advice. However, as a firm we cover the whole of the West Country, so it was no trouble at all to drive just 2 minutes up the road.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “The signs have been in the vendor’s ownership for the past 20 years or so when they moved into their house and found, much to their surprise and bemusement, the signs languishing in their new garden shed!”

This specialist auction of trains forms half of the Charterhouse December two day auction on Thursday 11^th & Friday 12^th. With the trains, including live steam and numerous gauges with manufacturers such as Hornby, Marklin, Bassett Lowke, Lima, Wrenn and other well known makers, railway enthusiasts will have plenty of choice, and there are even items of furniture removed from station including GWR benches. On the second day is the Charterhouse sale of clocks, antiques and collectors items.

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for this two day December followed by their first sale of the New Year, with a major collection of Border Fine Arts being combined with their popular Beswick auction in January, closely followed by classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia at the prestigious Bristol Classic Car Show which attracts tens of thousands of enthusiasts. For further information regarding these sales or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Matthew Whitney, at Charterhouse 01935 812277.

Matthew Whitney with the two Sherborne train station signs going under the Charterhouse hammer in their special auction of train in December. The large sign £600-1,000, the totem sign £300-500

October 2008

Time Buy an Early Christmas Present

The Charterhouse two day auction of over 1,300 lots on Thursday 13^th & Friday 14^th November has a vast array of items for someone looking to secure an early present for a loved one.

“We are still extremely busy with our auctions which have wide appeal to our clients, whether they are professional dealers or private collectors.” Commented Richard Bromell. “However, the proof is always in the pudding and it has been reassuring that the sales figures are up on last year.”

On the first day of selling, there are nearly 500 lots of ceramics and glass. A good number of lots have come from a Wiltshire client who was previously involved in retail with a shop selling high quality Royal Crown Derby, Worcester, Moorcroft and Mason’s ceramics with Caithness paperweights and Swarovski crystal. There are thousands of new items which have been in store for years and have now just seen the light of day, and with estimates at a fraction of their retail price they will represent excellent value for money.

However, on day two, Friday 14^th, the big guns will no doubt be out in force when nearly 300 lots of watches and jewellery go under the hammer. Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, Breitling and Audemars Piguet vintage and later ladies and gents watches will be sold, along with diamonds, sapphires and other jewels with estimates from £50 up to £6,000.

Viewing for this auction is on Wednesday 12^th 10am-4pm & Thursday 13^th 9am-7pm. Catalogues are available from Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, £7 post paid or on their website www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their two day December sale with trains and railwayana on day one followed by clocks and collectors items followed by their first sale of the New Year, with a major collection of Border Fine Arts being combined with their popular Beswick auction in January. For further information regarding these sales or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse 01935 812277.

Rolex, Breitling & Omega at Charterhouse, estimates from £800

Selection of jewellery at Charterhouse, estimates from £500

Royal Crown Derby paperweights at Charterhouse, estimates from £50

Bidders are Bowled over at Charterhouse

A late 18^th century Chinese bowl, decorated flowers and foliage in underglaze blue, sold for £18,000 at the Charterhouse October auction. When the vendor was notified of the result, she was absolutely delighted and will put some of the money towards her trip over Christmas when she will be visiting family in Chicago.

“As provincial auctioneers, Chinese ceramics are notoriously difficult to get right as they have copied and reproduced their own wares for literally centuries.” Commented Richard Bromell. “We often throw too much caution to the wind and we were a little late on picking up on the importance of this lot. However, when we did realise that we were looking at a saleroom sleeper, we went straight into overdrive contacting all our London and Hong Kong collectors and dealers. On the day, the bidding ended up between a Chinese dealer against a top London specialist, who had cancelled a good lunch appointment to be at the sale, with the hammer falling to the London specialist.”

Elsewhere in the auction, which saw very few lots unsold, a collection of studio works by the late Barbara Tribe totalled over £15,000, a Pilkingtons Royal Lancastrian vase £2,600, a specimen marble topped table £1,800, a walnut Tallboy £1,500, a Chinese jade scent bottle £1,100, two mahogany linen presses at £1,100 and £1,000, a pair of Doulton Lambeth vases decorated lions and deer by Hannah Barlow £4,400 for the delighted Bournemouth vendor, and an equally delighted owner near Crewkerne of the Wedgwood fairlyland lustre vase at £3,400.

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their two day November auction of silver, jewellery, watches and antiques, with nearly 300 lots of modern Royal Crown Derby, Worcester and other good ceramics, followed by a two day December sale with trains and railwayana on day one followed by clocks and collectors items. Next up is their first sale of the New Year, with a major collection of Border Fine Arts being combined with their popular Beswick auction in January.

For further information regarding these sales, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277 to arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country.

The Charterhouse Chinese bowl sold for £18,000

The pair of Doulton vases sold for £4,400

Cars are a Classic at Charterhouse Sale

A 1936 Triumph Monte Carlo set a new world record price when it went under the Charterhouse hammer in their auction of classic cars, motorbikes & automobilia selling for £32,800.

“The Triumph attracted a good deal of pre sale interest having hit the local and nation press with its great story of having been in the same family ownership since 1951. It cost the vendor £180 which as a young Naval officer was his uniform allowance, but clearly provided a longer service than his uniform!” Commented Matthew Whitney. “During this long ownership, the car travelled abroad on numerous occasions including a trip over the Alps and into Italy in 1958. However, by the late 1960’s time had taken its toll on the vehicle and it was laid up until 2000 when an extensive restoration was undertaken at a cost in excess of £50,000, when again it proved to be a trusty steed giving memorable days out until the vendor sadly passed away in 2005.”

The Triumph, which was garaged up in the Lake District was then trailered down for the Charterhouse sale by the family who were no longer able to keep and use the car and wanted the let a new owner become the next trustee. On the saleday, there were several telephone bids booked on the vehicle, but the hammer fell to a West Country private collector.

Also in the sale, which was almost a complete sell out in times which some auctioneers are finding difficult, a Jaguar MKII Jaguar with the highly desirable 3.8 litre engine sold for just under £20,000, a 1931 Armstrong Siddeley 15hp Tourer sold for just over £19,000, a similar 1926 Armstrong Siddeley Launderlette £11,000, a 1963 Bentley S3 saloon, which had been stored since the hot summer of 1976 and now requiring some re-commissioning £6,300, a 1960’s Healey Sports Boat, which was particularly well admired during the viewing, sold to a new captain at £5,400 having been underbid by the owners of a similar period Healey motor car and a 1953 Royal Enfield Model G, which had been barn stored since the early 1980’s sold for £1,350. In the automobilia, a set of brass petrol measures sold for £420, a set of graduated spanners £115, a National Motorists Association badge £175, a Royal Doulton motoring mug £490, a Lalique car mascot in the form of a perch £230, a pair of Lucas P100 headlamps £450, an enamel Book Here For Royal Blue Automobile Services sign £350 and a set of collectors silver ingots decorated with cars £320.

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their next auction of classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia which is to held at the prestigious Bristol Classic Car Show at Shepton Mallet on Sunday 8^th February.For further information regarding this sale, please contact Matthew Whitney at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.

A 1936 Triumph Monte Carlo sold for £32,800

A Jaguar MK II 3.8 litre sold for just under £20,000

A 1960’s Healey Sports Boat sold for £5,400

A 1953 Royal Enfield, barn stored, sold for £1,350

This Little Piggy went to Charterhouse

An unusual Moorcroft pig, named Peter, is just one on hundreds of lots of Moorcroft, Royal Crown Derby and other modern household names going under the Charterhouse hammer in their massive two day auction on Thursday 13^th & Friday 14^th November.

“There is a huge selection of ceramics and glass entered into the sale, so much so that we have had to extend the auction over two days.” Commented James Cochrane-Dyet. “The collection has been entered into the sale by a Wiltshire lady who had boxes stored all over the house, from the attic to the garage, even though she left home a few decades ago, she even had to store pieces in her mothers house a few miles down the road.”

The sale, which includes Royal Crown Derby, Moorcroft, Swarovski, Mintons, Masons, Caithness, Wedgwood, Kaiser, Lladro & others will give a great opportunity for people looking to either add to their existing collections or maybe looking to secure an early Christmas present for a loved one. However, if ceramics is not your subject, then the second day may be of interest when silver, jewellery and watches are being sold. Here, diamonds, sapphires and other valuable stones will be sold with Rolex and other watches and silver will be up for grabs.

For further information regarding this sale, please contact Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277 where they now accepting further entries for this two day auction in November and their two day December auction with railwayana and trains on the first day followed by clocks and collectors items on the second.

James Cochrane-Dyet with Peter the Moorcroft pig (£300-500) going under the Charterhouse hammer in their massive two day November auction

Studio Sale at Charterhouse

Charterhouse in Sherborne have been instructed to auction the studio contents from the late Barbara Tribe FRBS in their two day sale on Thursday 16^th & Friday 17^th October at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset.

“Barbara Tribe, who is a member of the Royal British Society of Sculptors, was born in Australia in 1913 and studied sculpture under Rayner Hoff at East Sydney Technical College. At 22 years old, she was the first female and first sculptor to receive the New South Wales Travelling Art Scholarship in 1935. In the same year she left for England where she continued her studies, initially at the Royal Academy Schools. She remained in England where she established herself professionally as well as teaching part time at the Penzance School of Art, alongside her husband, John Singleman, who taught pottery there. Through Singleman, Tribe was able to add fired-clay sculpture to her skills. She was incredibly active throughout her entire lifetime and was still exhibiting on an extremely high level in her later years such as the bronze snail which was entered at The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition when she was 80 years old” Commented Naomi Grabham. “However, one of her greatest accolades in her professional career was the Jean Masson Davidson Medal, awarded by the Society of Portrait Sculptors for distinguished services and outstanding achievement in portrait sculptor in 1998.”

It was during a trip to Cornwall after the Second World War that Tribe fell in love with the area and took over an old Sunday School at Sheffield near Penzance, which soon became her studio. It was an area already rich in artists including some of the most important 20^th century sculptors such as Barbara Hepworth. The studio resembled a museum displaying the wide range of materials she worked with including terracotta, stone and bronze. It remained her base until her death in 2000 and the residual contents are being sold by the Barbara Tribe Foundation in order to generate funds to further artist’s development and appreciation of sculpture in Australia.

The studio sale of nearly 200 lots includes many bronze busts, terracotta Maquettes and studies, ceramics, drawings, carvings and even her favorite potting stool.

For further information regarding this sale, please contact Naomi Grabham at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277. Viewing for the two day sale of 1,200 lots including decorative arts, pictures, sporting items and antiques is on Wednesday 15^th 10-4 and Thursday 16^th 10-7. Catalogues are available from the auctioneers or on their web site www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their two day auctions in November with silver and jewellery with a large collection of Royal Crown Derby and Moorcroft, and their two day December auction with railwayana and trains on the first day followed by clocks and collectors items on the second.

The stool used by Barbara Tribe for many years £30-50

A Barbara Tribe bronze study of a Cornish woman £300-500

A Barbara Tribe terracotta study of Mr Paul (the pianist)

September 2008

Lions stalk deer in Sherborne

A pair of Doulton Lambeth vases, decorated an unusual scene of lions stalking deer, are included in the Charterhouse two day auction on 16^th & 17^th October.

“It looks a somewhat bizarre grouping of animals by Hannah Barlow who is perhaps one of the best known decorators who worked at Doulton Lambeth in the late 19^th century and I am struggling to think where she encountered a group of lions attacking a herd of deer – I guess it is a bit of artistic license, it certainly was not at Longleat as the Safari Park was not opened until 1966!” Commented Richard Bromell. “Also entered into this sale, by the Bournemouth vendor, are two other pairs of vases decorated by Hannah Barlow. This time however, they are much more conventional with one pair decorated with ponies, and the other cattle.”

Hannah Barlow was part of a large family who grew up in the country where their father owned a 250 acre farm, which encouraged them to ramble through the lanes, fields and woods of the countryside in quest of wild flowers studying natural history and this is certainly where she obtained her love of animals. Other family members, Florence, Lucy and Arthur also worked for Doulton, but Hannah was the first woman artist to be employed by Henry Doulton. Today Hannah Barlow is very highly regarded amongst collectors and the three pairs of vases being sold by Charterhouse in Sherborne on 16^th & 17^th October are estimated from £1,400 up to £3,000 per pair.

Charterhouse is still accepting further entries for this two day auction which includes decorative arts, sporting items, pictures and antiques, their November auction of silver and jewellery, and their December auctions of trains, clocks and collectors items. For further information or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277

The group of three Doulton Lambeth vases, all decorated by Hannah Barlow, estimated from £1,400 up to £3,000 per pair

Garage Dispersal in Bruton by Charterhouse

The residual contents of West End Garage, Bruton, are to be sold by auction by Charterhouse on Wednesday 8^th October.

“West End Garage has now successfully completed their relocation just a few hundred yards away and we have been instructed to dispose of the remaining items which are now surplus to their requirements.” Commented Matthew Whitney at Charterhouse. “There is pretty much everything there for the professional, home mechanic or someone restoring a classic car with nearly 400 lots going under the hammer estimated from just a few pounds for Kevlar welding gloves, up to £3,000 for a complete set on brand new Blue-Spot tools in a cabinet. There is even a 5 litre can of WD40, which should last a few years, to a machine shed, approx 8 x 20 metres! ”

Also in the sale are welders, hand and power tools, shelving, racking, benches, vices, heaters, a complete spray booth, a Car-o Liner chassis jig (up to 4200kg), new old stock and post lamps.

Viewing for the auction is on Tuesday 7^th October 10am-4pm and the sale day(Wednesday 8^th) from 8.30, with the sale starting at 11am. Catalogues are available from the auctioneers or on their web site www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk For further information contact Matthew Whitney at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277.

Bidders are Bowled Over at Charterhouse Auction

A Chinese bowl, estimate at a few hundred pounds, sold for just under £10,000, including buyers premium, when it went under the Charterhouse hammer in Sherborne on Friday 12^th September.

“The bowl was consigned for auction from a client living in the middle of Exmoor who took advantage of the free home visit service we offer clients wishing to sell their antiques and chattels.” Commented Richard Bromell. “The client attached no particular value to the bowl, and believed it may have been purchased a number of years ago by a relative who was an Admiral.”

Bidding for the Chinese bowl which is decorated panels painted figures and landscapes, started at £2,000 and then slowed up at £4,000 when a bank of telephone bidders from London across to Hong Kong joined in with the hammer falling down to a specialist London dealer.

Elsewhere in the auction, a Battle of Britain medal group sold for £2,100, a Waterloo and General Service medal pair sold for £3,200, an impressive carved and stained oak four poster bed £3,000, a George III bracket clock £1,800, a silver baseball trophy relating to the 1936 Olympics £700, and a George III mahogany chest of drawers £1,000 bucking the current trend towards “brown furniture.”

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their autumn programme of specialist auctions including decorative arts on Thursday 16^th & sporting items with pictures on Friday 17^th October, silver and jewellery Friday 14^th November and trains, other models & railwayana on Thursday 11^th December.

For further information, or to take advantage of their free home visit service, contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277.

The Chinese bowl sold by Charterhouse for a multiple estimate of just under £10,000

Sherborne History goes under the Charterhouse Hammer

A pair of carved oak armchairs and a carved oak settle which were used in the 1905 Sherborne Pageant, are to be sold by Charterhouse Auctioneers in Sherborne in their important two day sale on Thursday 16^th & Friday 17^th October.

“These three pieces of furniture have been in the same family ownership since the early part of the 20^th century when, according to family history, they were purchased from an auction in Sherborne. The family lived in and around Sherborne and Nether Compton for many decades, but moved to Southampton a few years ago, and now find they are unable to accommodate this furniture.” Commented Richard Bromell. “The pair of chairs bear the makers stencil for J Elliott, Carver, Cabinet Makers, Upholsterers & Antique Dealers, Newland, Sherborne and are well carved with flowers and foliage. The high back settle, with linen fold carved decoration, bears a brass plaque to the underside of the box seat Sherborne Pageant 1905.”

The Sherborne Pageant in 1905 was organized by the playwright Louis Napoleon Parker to celebrate the 1200^th anniversary of the founding of the town of Sherborne by St Eadhelm in AD 705. It was the first historical pageant ever performed and Parker originally planned to use 100 people, but this soon rose to 900. The Pageant, held at the Old Castle, was an immense success with about 50,000 people attending. Soon after, other pageants were organized throughout the country with different towns using the pageants as a means of raising money for charities and celebrating anniversaries.

Charterhouse is still accepting further entries for this two day auction which includes decorative arts, sporting items, pictures and antiques. For further information or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277

The stencil mark of Elliott, on the chairs

The brass plaque on the settle

The pair of chairs and settle used it the 1905 Sherborne Pageant

Car sale is a Triumph at Charterhouse Auction

A 1936 Triumph Monte Carlo is one of the stars in the sale of classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia being sold by Charterhouse in Sherborne on Saturday 20^th September.

“The Monte Carlo is named after the success of Triumph cars in the 1934 & 1935 Monte Carlo rally’s.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “It is an open topped four seater sports car based on the Gloria chassis with twin spare wheels and slab type fuel tank fitted in place of the normal boot.”

This Monte Carlo has traveled down from the Lake District for the Charterhouse auction. It has been in the same family ownership for nearly 60 years having recently undergone a total nut and bolt restoration at a cost in excess of £50,000.

Also in the auction being held at Blackmarsh Farm, Sherborne, Dorset is a fine Jaguar MKII with the most desirable 3.8 litre engine which has also undergone a full restoration estimated at £18,000-20,000, an Austin Healey 3000 in the same condition £24,000-26,000. However, there are also some interesting projects in the form of a 1936 Austin 7 tourer which was last on the road in 1967 when it was bought by the Charmouth Motor Museum estimated at £4,000-5,000, a Dorset registered Ford Popular £700-1,000, an Austin Healey Frog Eye Sprite £1,600-1,800 and a 1953 Lee Enfield motorbike, one owner from new £600-1,000. However, there are also 400 lots of automobilia including mascots, literature and enamel signs, but perhaps the most unusual lot is a 1960’s marine ply speed boat at £2,500-3,000, not the sort of lot you would normally associate in such a sale, but it was built by (Donald) Healey Marine with a BMC engine!

Viewing for the sale is on Friday 19^th September 10am-7pm. Catalogues are available from the auctioneers £12 post paid or on their web site

www.charterhhouse-auctions.co.uk

A Triumph Monte Carlo £30,000-40,000

A Jaguar Mk II 3.8 £18,000-20,000

Two Healey’s – one a 3000 at £24,000-26,000 the other a speed boat £2,500-3,000

Barn find Lee Enfield bike £600-1,000 and an Austin 7 Tourer £4,000-5,000

Bidders clock Charterhouse sale

The Charterhouse sale on Friday 12^th September looks to be a real treat for clock collectors as they have the opportunity to see and buy from a large private collection of nearly 20 Dorset longcase clocks.

“The collection has been formed over several years and since the client has moved recently he has decided to dispose of his collection.” Commented Richard Bromell. “Having lived in the Bournemouth area for many years, it comes as no surprise that a lot of the clocks relate to Poole, or rather Pool as they are spelt in a rather charming way on the dials!”

The collection includes makers such as Edward Sanders of Pool, Peter Selby of Wareham are predominantly brass dials with a mixture of eight day and thirty hour duration clocks. Estimates start at just a few hundred pounds up to nearly £2,000 for an eight day longcase clock by Shippard of Poole with the added benefit of having an unusual rocking ship to the arch.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their two auctions in September with clocks, militaria and collectors’ items on the 12^th and the sale on the 20^th of classic cars, motorbikes & automobilia. To arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS, 01935 812277.

The Shippard longcase clock, from a large collection of Dorset clocks in their auction on 12^th September £1,500-2,000

Big Healey at Charterhouse Classic Car Auction

The Charterhouse sale on Saturday 20^th September of classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia includes a particularly fine Austin Healey 3000 which has had nearly £40,000 spent on it over the years restoring it to better than showroom condition.

“The car is resplendent in Old English White sitting pretty on wire wheels and is well detailed with accessories such as the period chrome bullet wing mirrors.” Commented Matthew Whitney, specialist in charge. “Austin Healeys have always had a loyal following and this one will no doubt provide many good years of classic motoring for the new buyer – especially if you bear in mind inexpensive classic car insurance, excellent spares availability, a great club scene and best of all free road tax!”

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their two auctions in September with clocks, militaria and collectors’ items on the 12^th and the sale on the 20^th of classic cars, motorbikes & automobilia. To arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, please contact Charterhouse at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS, 01935 812277.

Better than new – the Austin Healey 3000 going under the Charterhouse hammer on 20^th September £24,000-28,000

Olympic Trophy is Top Lot at Charterhouse Auction

Just as the Beijing Olympics have ended, Sherborne based Charterhouse Auctioneers have been instructed to sell a silver trophy in the form of three baseball bats relating to the controversial 1936 German Olympics.

“It is an amazing part of history with quite a tale to tell.” Commented Richard Bromell. “The Olympic Committee invited countries to send teams to participate in baseball competitions, but only the United States complied. So in order to have some baseball represented in the games, the United States team was divided into two squads. When Hitler heard there were two Jews on the teams he cancelled the game. However, there was such an outcry from the German public as they had never seen a baseball game, that Hitler was forced to play the game the next day.”

This “demonstration” game of baseball was played on 12^th August before a crowd approaching 125,000 spectators with the World Athletes defeated the US Olympics by a score of 6-5. The main game was then held on August 18^th at 8.00pm when the two teams met under two American flags and gave the Olympic salute whilst the orchestra played the Star Spangled Banner.

The silver trophy sits on an ebonised base with a shield shape plaque inscribed “USA Olympic Team Germany 1936” and measures 19.5 cm high overall. Estimated at a modest £200-300, it requires a good clean as it has been languishing in a cupboard for many years. Also with the trophy comes a small group of 1936 Olympic souvenir booklets.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for this sale of collectors’ items, clocks and antiques and for their sale of classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia on Saturday 20^th September. For further information regarding this sale on Friday 12^th September or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS, 01935 812277.

The 1936 Olympic silver trophy going under the Charterhouse hammer on Friday 12^th September in Sherborne, Dorset £200-300

Hurricane Hero Medals to be sold by Charterhouse

A pilots group of medals, who lost his life flying in the Battle of Britain, are going under the Charterhouse hammer in their auction of collectors items and clocks on Friday 12^th September.

“The medals were awarded to Flight Officer T P K Higgs who flew Hurricanes early in the Second World War.” Commented Richard Bromell. “Attached to 111 Squadron he was killed in a German raid off of Dover on 9^th July. At this point, pilots were instructed to fly directly in a head on attack towards German bombers to literally frighten and panic them, which worked. Unfortunately, Higgs rammed a German Dornier bomber and was killed. Later on, this strategy was dropped as you needed to be quite an experienced pilot to carry out this operation and many such pilots were lost.”

The Battle of Britain is the name given to the sustained strategic effort sustained by the German Luftwaffe during the summer and autumn of 1940 to gain air superiority over the RAF, especially Fighter Command. A relatively low number of 1939-1945 Stars were issued with the Battle of Britain bar and they are now highly sought after at auction and this group of three medals is estimated at £1,000-1,500 when it goes under the Charterhouse hammer.

Viewing for this sale on Friday 12^th September is on Wednesday 10^th 10-4 & Thursday 11^th 10-7. For further information regarding this sale, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset 01935 812277 or you can view the medals on their website, with all the other items on www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their September sale on the 20^th of classic cars, motorbikes & automobilia and their two day October auction including Decorative Arts, Sporting items and Pictures. To arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, please contact Charterhouse on 01935 812277.

Hurricane Hero Medals being sold by Charterhouse in Sherborne on Friday 12^th September £1000-1500

August 2008

Bidder clock Charterhouse sale

The Shippard longcase clock, from a large collection of Dorset clocks in their auction on 12^th September £1,500-2,000

July 2008

Rolex is a Prince amongst Watches

A large selection of over 70 vintage and modern Rolex, Piaget, Omega, Longines, and other quality wristwatches are included in the Charterhouse auction of silver, jewellery, watches and antiques on Friday 15^th August.

“The star of the collection is, without doubt, the gents 1930’s gold Rolex Prince. These rarely come on the open market these days and this is a fine example with the dial, case and movement all properly marked and is estimated at £6,000-8,000.” Commented the Charterhouse watch expert Matthew Whitney. “However, there are also other watches in the sale which are estimated from just a hundred pounds and below so there is something for anyone who has an interest in watches or is looking for a present to be treasured and enjoyed.”

The watches form only a small part of the Charterhouse August auction which has had to be spread over two days due to the volume of business. First up, on the morning session of day one on Thursday 14^th August is a specialist sale of Beswick and Royal Doulton. This is then followed on the afternoon with their sale of wine, port and spirits. Then, on the second day, Friday 15^th, is the sale of silver including an early 18^th century York silver chalice £5,000-8,000, jewellery such as a large Victorian five stone diamond ring £5,000-7,000 and the selection of watches including Rolex Prince already mentioned, a US market Rolex GMT Master £3,000-4,000 and a ladies 18ct yellow gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust at £2,000-3,000. Viewing for the sales is on Wednesday 13^th 10-4 and Thursday 14^th 10-7. Catalogues are available from the auctioneers £8 pp or on their web site www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their two auctions in September with clocks, militaria and collectors’ items on the 12^th in which there is a collection of 15 Dorset relating longcase clocks, and the sale on the 20^th of classic cars, motorbikes & automobilia. To arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, please contact Matthew Whitney or Richard Bromell, Partner at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS, 01935 812277.

Rolex Prince £6,000-8,000

Rolex GMT Master, with rare US specification dial £3,000-4,000

Ladies 18ct gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust £2,000-3,000

Violin Hits the Right Note at Charterhouse Auction

A violin which was expected to sell for just a few hundred pounds sold for £2,300 in the Charterhouse July auction.

“We had a good deal of enquiries from dealers and collectors on the telephone and via our web site.” Commented Naomi Grabham. “On the day, it sold to a London specialist who lives in the West Country bidding against a bank of telephone bidders and another dealer in the saleroom.”

Also in the sale of nearly 1,000, two cello bows, from a Wiltshire home, sold for £1,500, two Italian gouache paintings which were initially entered as part of a large lot but soon identified by the auctioneers as being much more valuable, sold for £2,500 & £1,700 with strong telephone bidding from Italy, a group of David Roberts lithographs £1,100, a Caucasian rug, which attracted seven hopeful telephone bidders sold for £1,800, and a pair of late 18^th century mahogany dining chairs, originally with arm and having been extensively repaired sold for £1,080.

However, this has not been the only sale for the Dorset auctioneers in July, as they held their classic cars, motorbikes & automobilia sale just a week before.

“These sales are immensely popular and are the leading sales in the West Country.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “The threat of occasional showers did not deter the 500 or so people who turned up on the day and when we had a shower it certainly did not dampen their bidding!”

Top price in the sale which totaled over £150,000, was a Jaguar XK 150 at £27,000 to a client who was looking to enjoy the vehicle now he has retired, although it looks like he will be a busy chap as he also purchased a 1939 Sunbeam Talbot 10 for £9,500 and two motorbikes! Also in the sale a 1939 Hillman 14 Saloon, which had been owned by the vendor for the last 45 years, sold to a new home London for nearly £3,000, a 1974 Triumph Stag £6,000, a 1991 Bentley Mulsanne Turbo £12,600, a Jaguar roadster for restoration £16,650, a 1957 Series 1 Land Rover £3,600, and in the automobilia section, two petrol pump globes totaled £1,875 and a six person pic-nic hamper nearly £1,000.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their forthcoming two day August auction of Beswick & Royal Doulton, silver, jewellery and watches with a specialist section of wine, port and spirits. They are also now accepting entries for their classic cars, motorbikes & automobilia auction on 20^th September for which they have already been instructed to sell some important items such as a rare Triumph Monte Carlo, owned by the same family from 1951 and which has been restored to its former glory at £30,000-40,000. To arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, please contact Matthew Whitney or Richard Bromell, Partner at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS, 01935 812277.

Violin hits a top note and sells for £2,300

A Jaguar XK 150 sold for £27,000

Coming up for sale in the September Charterhouse auction a very rare Triumph Monte Carlo £30,000-40,000

Clock This!

Whilst clocks regularly turn up at auction, Charterhouse in Sherborne have been instructed to sell a rare novelty clock in their September auction of clocks, militaria and collectors items.

“It is one of these mad, mad Victorian clocks which would probably sit on a desk of a Victorian gentleman interested in industrial design and building.” Commented Richard Bromell. “Made around 1880, it incorporates a clock, a thermometer and a barometer which would be handy assuming they all worked well together!”

The novelty clock which is housed in a boiler shaped case with exposed pipes and a governor to the top is estimated at £1000-1500 when it goes under the Charterhouse hammer. Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for this sale of clocks, collectors items and antiques in September and for their two day August auction of wine, spirits & port with Beswick & Royal Doulton on Thursday 14^th August and silver, watches and jewellery on Friday 15^th August. To arrange a free home visit, contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 or 01278 663912 for a visit in Bridgwater, Taunton and Exmoor areas.

Novelty Victorian Industrial Compendium clock going under the Charterhouse hammer £1000-1500

Silver Chalice To See Sunlight after 25 Years in Attic

A rare early 17^th century silver chalice and paten, which languished in a Kew attic for over 25 years has been entered into the Charterhouse auction of silver and jewellery in August.

“It originally belonged to the vendors father who collected silver many years ago. After his death, the vendors mother put it away in the attic as she had little interest in collecting silver and found it a chore to clean.” Commented Richard Bromell. “Then a few years ago the mother moved to the West Country and now the son has taken it out of storage. He had an idea that it was a valuable item, but was not certain exactly what it could be worth so he brought it into our Long Street Salerooms where we hold regular specialist advisory and discovery days.”

The chalice and paten dates to circa 1625-30 and was made in York by James Plummer. Today, York silver is highly prized amongst collectors and the Charterhouse chalice is estimated to fetch £6,000-8,000 when it goes under their hammer on Friday 15^th August.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their forthcoming programme of specialist Summer auctions including Beswick & Royal Doulton with wine port & spirits on Thursday 14^th August, silver, plate and jewellery Friday 15^th August and clocks and collectors items on Friday 12^th September. To arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS, 01935 812277.

The early 18^th century York silver chalice and paten going under the Charterhouse hammer on 15^th August £6,000-8,000

June 2008

Busy month at Charterhouse

July can be a time when some auctioneers slow down, but not so at Charterhouse where they have two major specialist sales.

First up it their specialist auction of classic cars, motorbikes an automobilia (on the A30 near Milborne Port) at Blackmarsh Farm, Sherborne on Saturday 12^th July. As the West Country’s leading such specialist auctioneers in this field, they have amassed over 60 cars and motorbikes ranging from Morris Minors to Rolls Royce’s. The star of the sale is a 1936 Park Ward bodied Bentley drop head coupe at £60,000-70,000 followed by a Jaguar

XK 150 Se £26,000-28,000. There are also interesting restoration project such as the 1962 Jaguar E Type roadster at £60,000-19,000. For the more adventurous, there is a race prepared Jaguar S Type, which has had some £48,000 spent on its race development at Sigma Engineering, Gillingham, but now estimated at £8,500-10,000, and a modern classic in the from of a flagship Mercedes-Benz 600 SEL which was originally supplied to the Sultan of Brunei at £3,500-4,000. Viewing for this sale is on Friday 11^th July 10-7 and on the saleday from 9am. Catalogues are available from Charterhouse 01935 812277 or on their web site www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Next up is the Charterhouse auction if pictures where an oil painting by George Campbell, one of Ireland’s most pre-eminent painters of landscape and still life, which was bought a couple years ago for just a few hundreds of pounds is now estimated at £30,000-40,000 when it goes under the hammer at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset of Friday 18^th July.

“I supposed it is everyone’s dream to make such a discovery. Every day dealers, collectors and novice’s scour through car boot sales, auctions and house clearances looking for such a discovery.” Commented Richard Bromell. “It bought in a West Country auction in an un-catalogued auction which had no presence on the internet and had seemed to slip through the net until it was recognised as being quite an important work by a major Irish artist by our vendor.”

George Campbell, was born in Arklow, Co. Wicklow in 1917 and was the son of the highly respected artist Gretta Bowen. He started painting in the early 1940’s in response to the bombing of Belfast. In 1951, he visited Spain and the country had such a pronounced effect on him that he returned there on painting trips for most successive years.

Viewing for the Charterhouse auction of over 1,000 lots of pictures, books and antiques is on Wednesday 16^th July 10-4 & Thursday 17^th July 10-7.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their forthcoming programme of specialist auctions including Beswick & Royal Doulton on 14^th August followed on the 15^th by silver, jewellery and watches with a specialist section of wine, port and spirits. To arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, please contact Matthew Whitney or Richard Bromell, Partner at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS, 01935 812277.

George Campbell, bought for just a few hundred pounds, now estimated at £30,000-40,000 in the Charterhouse auction of pictures in July

Top car: A 1936 Bentley drop head coupe £60,000-70,000

Two or Four Wheel Power at Charterhouse Auction

Two modes of transport, which could not be further apart, are included in the Charterhouse auction of automobilia, classic cars and motorbikes in Sherborne on Saturday 12^th July.

“First up is a Penny Farthing bicycle. Also know as an Ordinary or High bicycle, this form of pedal power was first invented in 1871 by James Starley a British engineer, and is an icon of Victorian design.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “However, when you are sitting nearly five feet high, and with limited brakes, I think I would rather go for the engine power rather than pedal power in the form of the replica Ferrari GTO. Whilst I would not normally go for a replica, this is a particularly good example having been originally bought by the famous late 1980’s and early 1990’s music producer Pete Waterman, although I could not comment whether Kylie Minogue has been for a ride in it!”

The Ferrari 250 GTO is also another icon, and a design which Ferrari has closely guarded. So much so that when the GTO’s were first replicated, the moulds were taken off of a real GTO and after only 8 had been constructed, Ferrari took the makers to court successfully stopped production. However, the Charterhouse replica, being one of the eight, is well engineered and authentic down to its Borrani chrome wire wheels, badges, alloy H gate, Nardi steering wheel, quick fill fuel filler and other details which would convince many enthusiasts, and with an estimate of £17,000-20,000, it is a fraction of the seven figure sums which real 250 GTO’s command today

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their forthcoming programme of specialist auctions including classic cars and motorbikes in July, pictures and books also in July and Beswick & Royal Doulton in August. To arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, please contact Matthew Whitney or Richard Bromell, Partner at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS, 01935 812277.

The Ferrari 250 GTO replica £17,000-20,000

The Penny Farthing bicycle, also in the same sale, with Matthew Whitney, £700-1,000

Cowboys and Indians fight it out in Sherborne

An extensive collection of Beswick horses and other figures are to go under the Charterhouse hammer on Thursday 14^th August in their specialist auction of Beswick and Royal Doulton. The collection comprises over 100 pieces and features several rare items, including a Canadian Mounted Cowboy estimated £500 – 700 and its adversary, a Mounted Indian estimated £200 – 300.

“The collection is a life time’s work and with many of the pieces being bought new in the late 1950’s through to the 1980’s, the overall condition of group is exceptional”, commented Naomi Grabham. “The collection found its way to Charterhouse as we are the only specialist auctioneers operating in the South West and have consistently achieved outstanding results:, for example in our last sale a Galloway Bull, with a broken hoof, realised £1050!!”.

The Beswick factory was set up in 1894 as a family firm but they did not start producing the figures which we associate them with until the 1930’s. In 1939 Graham Tongue modelled Beswick’s first realistic horse, Bois Roussel, the winner of the 1938 Derby, and this paved the way for the Beswick factory’s future.

Some of the other highlights from the collection to be included in the specialist August sale are an Arab stallion with saddle £400 – 600; Cardigan Bay £300 – 500; a Canadian Mountie £300 – 500; and a Norwegian Fjord Horse £250 – 350.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their forthcoming specialist Beswick and Royal Doulton auction. Contact specialist in charge, Naomi Grabham at the salerooms on 01935 812277 or ng@charterhouse-auction.co.uk. They are also accepting further entries for their forthcoming programme of specialist auctions including Collectors’ Items, Medals & Militaria in June, and Classic Cars, Motorcycles and Automobilia in July, which is to include a collection of Rolls Royce and Bentley vehicles. To arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS, 01935 812277.

Beswick Arab Stallion with Saddle & Cardigan Bay to be sold by Charterhouse in Sherborne on 14^th August

Beswick Mounted Indian, Canadian Mounted Cowboy & Canadian Mountie to be included in Charterhouse’s specialist Beswick & Royal Doulton auction on 14^th August

Highest Civilian Decoration to be Auctioned by Charterhouse in Sherborne

Charterhouse in Sherborne have been instructed to auction the George Cross medal group awarded to Leslie Owen Fox, for his act of bravery and heroism in rescuing two people trapped in a burning house on February 20^th 1944, which is probably the most important medal group to ever be offered in The West Country.

“My late father was a great collector of militaria, but especially medals. As a small child I was dragged around numerous shops and fairs, and when the vendor asked me to look at a couple of medals his grandfather won in the Second World War you can imagine my excitement when he pulled out the George Cross!” Commented Richard Bromell. “For many collectors they are now the Holy Grail today as only 106 were issued between 1940 and 1947.”

The George Cross is the highest gallantry award for civilians, as well as members of the armed forces, for acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger and ranks second only to a Victoria Cross.

Leslie Owen Fox, a carpenter by trade, was clearly a man who thought about the lives of other people from an early age. With the collection of letters and photographs accompanying the medals at Charterhouse is a letter dated 1930 from New Scotland Yard expressing their thanks for his action and service to the public in stopping a runaway horse.

During the Second World War he was a Deputy Leader in the West Kensington Heavy Rescue Squad. The job of the Heavy Rescue Squad was to rescue people trapped in the wreckage of bombed buildings The squad usually comprised of a bricklayer, a plumber, an electrician and a group of general labourers all of whom completed a first aid course. On the 20^th February Leslie Fox was called to neighbouring Fulham where some houses had been destroyed and incendaries had set fire to the wreckage. There were cries for help coming from underneath the debris and Leslie Fox started to tunnel towards them. The most serious problem was the intense heat from the timbers on fire in the house, and it was so bad that a colleague knelt behind him spraying him with water. After two hours he had travelled 15 feet and located two people. He climbed out of the tunnel to discuss rescue plans, but the tunnel collapsed. Undeterred, he started again and soon cleared the tunnel and rescued the two people.

This important George Medal group, along with period photographs, letters, ephemera and even his silver cigarette case with George Cross presentation inscription from his rescue colleagues, goes under the Charterhouse hammer at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset on Friday 13^th June where it is estimated at £20,000-30,000.

For further information regarding this sale, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS, 01935 812277 or enquiry@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for its forthcoming programme of summers sales including classic cars, motorbikes & automobilia on 12^th July, pictures, prints, Books & Antiques 18^th July, and a specialist sale of Beswick & Royal Doulton on 14^th August. Items may be delivered to The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, or call Richard Bromell, Partner, for a free home visit 01935 812277

Leslie Owen Fox and his George Cross medal £20,000-30,000 at the Charterhouse auction on 13^th June

Globes light up Charterhouse Auction

A pair of National Benzole petrol pump globes, which languished in an attic for decades, are included in the Charterhouse auction of automobilia, classic cars and motorbikes in Sherborne on Saturday 12^th July.

“We often come across old petrol pump globes, but invariably they are chipped or faded. However, these have survived in remarkable condition will generate interest from collectors and dealers alike”. Commented Matthew Whitney. “These globes date to the 1920’s and are I have never seen another pair by this company and in this shape – they are normally diamond shaped and not spherical.”

Automobilia forms an important section in the Charterhouse auction including other globes, car badges and mascots, books, brochures, enamel signs and other items which collectors often use to decorate their garages and studies.

Also entered into this auction are a Bentley 4 ¼ litre three position drop head coupe, one of only a few made by Mulliner Park Ward in 1938, two Bentley Mk VI standard Steel saloons, another Mk VI bodied by H J Mulliner, a rare 1937 Rolls Royce 20/25 faux drop head with a wonderful rakish body by Mulliner Park Ward and a Rolls Royce Corniche Convertible ideal for running down to the South of France for the season resplendent in silver complete with electric sunroof, electric seats and the all important air conditioning.

The rare pair of National Benzole petrol pump globes in the Charterhouse auction of classic cars, motorbikes & automobilia in Sherborne on Saturday 12^th July £400-600

Happy Motoring in a Hillman

A 1939 Hillman 14, owned by the same person for 45 years, is included in the Charterhouse auction of automobilia, classic cars and motorbikes in Sherborne on Saturday 12^th July.

“We often joke about vehicles being one lady or vicar owner, but in this case we can certainly say it has been in the same ownership for an extensive time, in fact it is longer than I have been alive, albeit by just a year!” Commented motoring specialist Matthew Whitney at Charterhouse. “This Hillman is in largely original condition having been maintained by the owner during his life. With the owner now advancing in years, and having recently had a major operation, it is now time for him to give the car up to someone new. However, I very much doubt that the new owner will keep the car for another 45 years, but you never know!”

Fitted with a 14hp 2200 cc engine, running boards, crossply tyres, drum brakes all round and a four speed gearbox, it certainly gives a wonderful period driving experience. It was first registered in April 1939, just months before the start of the Second World War. These Hillman’s were particularly popular amongst the armed forces for use as staff cars, and this one is estimated at a modest £1400-1800 when it goes under the Charterhouse hammer at Blackmarsh Farm, Sherborne, Dorset on Saturday 12^th July.

The Hillman 14 with owner taken several years ago at a West Country classic car rally

The Hillman 14 in the Charterhouse auction of classic cars, motorbikes & automobilia on Saturday 12^th July £1400-1800

May 2008

It started with a Kiss

A large and heavy lump of glass, brought into one of the popular Charterhouse discovery days at their salerooms in Sherborne has turned out to be worth up to £5,000!

“Our discovery days always generate good levels of interest from clients although we do not always make such valuable finds!” Commented Richard Bromell. “The ruby glass sculpture, which is about 16cm square and is about the weight of two bags of sugar, initially looked like a lump of tar, but as soon as you hold it up to the light all is revealed. As valuers, we are trained to look for the unusual, to expect the unexpected and to research items which we are not sure about. This sculpture certainly ticked all these boxes for me as the design is unusual, I never expected to see the Easter Island type heads, and after some research it is quite a discovery worth many thousands of pounds!”

It is believed that the parents of the vendor brought the sculpture back on their travels in the late 1960’s. The glass sculpture was designed and made by Czechoslovakian couple Stanislav Libensky and Jaroslava Brychtova. Over the past 40 years they have become the world’s leading glass artists. They have transformed glass into a new substance they call “colour in space”. Made from clear or coloured glass, their sculptures and other objects interact with light to create spectacular optical effects.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their forthcoming programme of specialist auctions including collectors’ items, medals & militaria in June, classic cars and motorbikes in July and Beswick & Royal Doulton in August. To arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS, 01935 812277.

The Kiss – a ruby glass sculpture discovered by Charterhouse in Sherborne as being the Kiss by Stanislav Libensky and Jaroslava Brychtova being sold in June £3,000-5,000

Bentley is Drop Dead Gorgeous at Charterhouse Auction

Charterhouse in Sherborne have been instructed to sell some fine motorcars from an extensive West Country collection in their auction of classic and vintage cars, motorbikes and automobilia on Saturday 12^th July.

“The Bentley 4 ¼ litre three position drop head coupe is one of only a few made by Mulliner Park Ward in 1938 and is an extremely stylish looking motor car the likes of which you rarely see.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “Also from the same collection is a rare 1937 Rolls Royce 20/25 faux drop head with a wonderful rakish body by Mulliner Park Ward. Vehicles of this calibre rarely appear on the market and would form the centrepiece of any important collection.”

Also entered into this auction are two Bentley Mk VI standard Steel saloons, another Mk VI bodied by H J Mulliner, and a Rolls Royce Corniche Convertible ideal for running down to the South of France for the season resplendent in silver complete with electric sunroof, electric seats and the all important air conditioning.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their forthcoming programme of specialist auctions including collectors’ items, medals & militaria in June, classic cars and motorbikes in July and Beswick & Royal Doulton in August. To arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, please contact Matthew Whitney or Richard Bromell, Partner at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS, 01935 812277.

The 1938 Bentley three position drop head coupe £60,000-70,000

One of the two Bentley Mk VI standard steel saloons £12,000-14,000

The Rolls Royce Corniche Convertible £22,000-25,000

Wine, Women and Song at Charterhouse Auction

The Charterhouse auction on Friday 16^th May of nearly 1,200 includes everything you need for a great party.

With over 400 lots of wine, port and spirits, the party should get going pretty quickly. “There are bottles of wine estimated from modest sums up to over £50, although this should maybe be reserved for a more special occasion!” Commented Richard Bromell. “For the music, we have a Bechstein upright piano, requiring some restoration estimated a couple hundred pounds, but I think I would rather put my money into the early 1950’s American Seeburg jukebox at £1,000. The play list has golden oldie music listings such as fox trots, rumbas and western, but the vendor has updated all the singles to include Jimi Hendrix and Robbie Williams. However, perhaps one of the ultimate party accessories to have must be the George III silver two handled tray, which, estimated at up to £2,000, could be the best way to serve your guest with their drinks.”

Viewing for this auction on Friday 16^th May is on the 14^th 10-4 & 15^th 10-7. Catalogues are available from the auctioneers or you can browse the sale on their web site

www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their forthcoming programme of auctions including clocks and collectors items in June, classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia in July and Beswick and Royal Doulton in August. For further information regarding this auction, or to arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277

Party accessories at Charterhouse:

Ready to serve – a George III silver tray £1,500-2,000

The 1950’s Seeburg juke box £1,000-1,500

1962 Margaux at over £50 a bottle

Local Lad’s Medals up for Auction

A group of eight medals, spanning the two World Wars of the 20^th century, awarded to George James are to go under the Charterhouse hammer on Friday 13^th June in their auction of collectors’ items, clocks and antiques.

“George James was a local lad who was born in Sherborne in 1893 and joined the Royal Navy as a young cadet in 1907/08. Over his long and distinguished career of over 40 years he served in the Persian Gulf campaign 1909/14, the First World War, the Baltic campaign and the Second World War, finishing up as a Chief Petty Officer.” Commented Richard Bromell. “Long groups such as this with medals including the Royal Naval Meritorious Service Medal and Naval General Service Medal, and having a strong local interest rarely come onto the auction market today command huge levels of interest in the market.”

George James married Winnifred Crabb in 1921 and they had one son, Jack, who was born in 1924 and educated at Foster’s School, Sherborne. George’s parents were John James and Mary Lane. Mary was also a local girl whose family tree can be traced back to 1713 when Robert Lane was recorded as a farmer living in Thornford, just a couple of miles away from Sherborne. Mary two nephews Mark and Gilbert, who were both killed in the First World War, and there is a memorial to Gilbert (killed on the Somme) in Thornford church.

Local Lad Gorge James with his group of medals being sold by Charterhouse in Sherborne on 13^th June £600-1000

April 2008

Clarice Cliff is Still Top of the Pots

A Clarice Cliff vase, featured on the cover of the Charterhouse April auction catalogue sold for a high hammer price of £5,800 despite the vendor hoping it could be worth a few hundred pounds.

“The vase was a true piece of Art Deco geometric design boldly decorated in black and orange.” Commented Richard Bromell. “The vase was certainly the talk of the trade, it featured not only on our web site, but also other specialist auction web sites and was talked about in cyber space on the Clarice Cliff Collectors Club web site.”

On the auction day, there were numerous commission bids left but after the bidding rose above £2,000 a row of telephone bidders started with collectors from as far as Australia. However, the vase was eventually bid to its high £5,800 by a collector from Devon.

Also in the sale, a pair of George II style upholstered wing armchairs which are, in essence, reproduction chairs now 100 years old, sold for £2,600. In need of recovering, the Somerset vendor was downsizing and had bought new furniture for his house and took advantage of the free home visit service Charterhouse offer. Elsewhere in the sale which totalled over £100,000, a large early 19^th century oil painting depicting an imaginary view with ruins sold for £2,600, a Moorcroft limited edition Centenary vase made £1,600 and a pair of South American ornate spurs sold for £500.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their forthcoming programme of specialist auctions including silver and jewellery in May, clocks, collectors items, medals & militaria in June, classic cars and motorbikes in July and Beswick & Royal Doulton in August. To arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS, 01935 812277.

Clarice Cliff Sunray pattern vase sold by Charterhouse for £5,800

Classic Cars bring Classy Prices at Charterhouse Auction

A 1909 Sizaire-Naudin Model G Voiturette topped the Charterhouse sale of classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia, when it sold to a telephone bidder for over £26,000.

“There had been a great deal of pre-sale interest in this vehicle. It is well known in motoring circles having been in the vendor’s ownership for 40 years, and it has even travelled further than I have as it attended a rally in New Zealand a few years ago!” Commented Richard Bromell. “In fact, it so impressed a New Zealander when he saw this car in the rally that he flew over for his home country to attend the sale. It was also hotly contested by another hopeful bidder who was trying to amass a car collection which his father had sold several decades earlier to fund his private schooling. However, on the day, it sold to a well known Yorkshire collector bidding on the telephone.

Also in the sale, which at £200,000 is the largest sale this year in the West Country, a 1972 Jaguar E type roadster sold for £20,000, a 1921 American La France fire engine resplendent in San Francisco red livery sold for £14,000, a Cobra replica with a proper Chevy V8 engine £13,500, and a 1948 Norton Manx motorcycle £11,300. However, there were also more modest vehicles on offer such as a 1963 Morris Minor saloon for £2,900, a Traveller at £3,050, a 1936 Austin 10 Lichfield the same money, and a 1950 Series 1 Land Rover £3,450.

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their next auction of classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia. For further advice, or to arrange a free home visit through out the West Country, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, or Matthew Whitney at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277.

Star car at Charterhouse auction – a 1909 Sizaire-Naudin sold for over £26,000 in their April classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia auction which totalled over £200,000

Silver fit for a Queen at Charterhouse Auction

A massive Victorian silver gilt cup and cover by the Garrards, Gold and Silversmiths to the Queen, is going under the Charterhouse hammer in their auction of silver and jewellery on Friday 16^th May.

“Garrards are certainly the oldest firm of gold and silversmiths which were founded in 1735 and probably the most well known.” Commented Richard Bromell. “Throughout the centuries Garrards have received commissions from Royalty and the aristocracy with designs of splendor, opulence and craftsmanship. In 1843, Queen Victoria bestowed upon them the honour of Crown Jeweller. Since then, they have continued to serve six successive monarchs.”

It is possible that this cup and cover, which is over 2 ft high, was made as a trophy. In 1848, Robert Garrard II made the well known America’s cup. More latterly, other famous cups include the Dubai World Cup, the Cricket World Cup, and the Premier League Trophy.

This impressive cup and cover, which comes in its original oak travelling box, is estimated at £4,000-6,000 when it goes under the Charterhouse hammer in their auction of silver, plate and jewellery in Sherborne.

The impressive silver gilt cup and cover made by the Garrards, the Queen’s silversmiths and jewellers, going under the Charterhouse hammer £4,000-6,000

Bidders Spur into Action at Charterhouse Auction

A pair of polished steel spurs with 49 six inch diameter rowels (or spikes) is included in the Charterhouse auction in Sherborne on Friday 18^th April.

“We often come across the weird and wonderful in our business and these certainly fit into this box.” Commented Richard Bromell. “The spurs, resplendent in polished steel and with floral and pierced decoration would have been used for ceremonial rather than sporting or military purposes and were never intended to harm the horse, just to make the rider look more glamorous!”

The earliest spurs were made of wood or bone, with the first recorded metal examples being simple bronze spurs found in Etruscan tombs from the 2^nd Century BC. Spurs have changed design many times trough the centuries and soon became associated with rank and chivalry, and we often speak of “earning one’s spurs” – a disgraced knight would have his sword and spurs broken as part of his punishment.

The spurs in the Charterhouse auction date to the end of the 19^th Century, were made in Chile and are estimated at £500-800.

For further information regarding this April 18^th auction of nearly 1,200 lots of sporting items, ceramics, pictures and furniture, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 or through their web site where you can view the catalogue www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their May auction of silver, jewellery, wine, port an antiques. To arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, contact Richard Bromell at Charterhouse in Sherborne 01935 812277.

Late 19^th century Chilean ceremonial spurs at Charterhouse auction Friday 18^th April £500-800

Harry Paye at Poole

Charterhouse Auctioneers will be holding their bi-annual Decorative Arts auction on Friday 18^th April at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne. Amongst the Clarice Cliff, Lalique, Moorcroft and other design icons will be some extremely rare Poole Pottery factory designs sheets, which were rescued from a skip shortly before its closure.

“Possibly the most desirable pieces made during the 1920’s and 30’s are said to be the Ship Plates. Rumour has it that the artists decorating these plates could look across the harbour and copy the real thing which would be laying at anchor. But as these plate featured the ship of Harry Paye, a noted Poole based pirate of the 1400’s, it seems doubtful that it would be in Poole harbour being painted in 1939. In truth they would appear to be based on a series of drawing by Arthur Bradbury, a Lancashire born artist who moved to Poole in 1915. The Ship Plates are highly desirable and keenly sought after on today’s market.” Commented ceramics specialist Naomi Grabham.

Poole Pottery was founded in 1873 on Poole quayside, where it continued to produce pottery by hand before moving its factory operations away from the quay in 1999 and production continued until its closure in 2006. Poole Pottery was originally Carter's Industrial Tile Manufactory and but it best know for its Art Deco wares produced in the 1920’s and 1930’s when the Carter family joined forces with Harold Stabler and John Adams.

The collection of ten factory designs sheets with no commercial value attached to them, were destined for the tip on the closure of the Poole pottery, but were picked up by the vendor who as an artist and potter found the designs fascinating. These designs, which are all after the paintings of Arthur Bradbury, along with a group of pouncing templates have already attracted high levels of interest from collectors and dealers throughout the UK.

This collection is golden nugget of local history and is estimated to make between £1500 and £2000 when it goes under the Charterhouse hammer in Sherborne.

Rescued from the skip – rare Poole Pottery design going under the Charterhouse hammer in Sherborne on Friday 18^th April £1500-2500 for the collection.

March 2008

Massive Moorcroft at Charterhouse April Auction

A Moorcroft vase, one of the largest ones ever made by this very popular factory is going under the Charterhouse hammer in their Decorative Arts auction on Friday 18^th April at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne.

“Moorcroft is perhaps one of the most recognizable pottery manufacturers from the 20^th century with its distinctive tube line decoration, deep lustre glazes and wonderful designs.” Commented Richard Bromell. “The market for Moorcroft is still very strong, not only for the early pieces, but also for the more modern items such as this vase.”

Moorcroft was founded in 1897 by William Moorcroft, and the Charterhouse vase was designed by his son, Walter Moorcroft, for the company’s centenary celebrations in 1997. As a limited edition of only 200 vases made, the pattern called After the Storm stands over 50 cm high will certainly attract collectors and dealers to this Sherborne sale, especially as it is featured in a full page colour illustration in the book “Walter Moorcroft – Memories of Life and Living.”.

Estimated at £600-1,000, the vase forms part of a busy April for the Sherborne based salerooms. First up is their auction of classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia at Blackmarsh Farm, Sherborne, where 250 lots of automobilia and 60 lots of vehicles and motorbikes go under the hammer with estimates from £20 up to £25,000. Next there is the sale including this marvellous Moorcroft vase on 18^th April amongst other specialist ceramics, pictures and sporting items at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne.

For further information regarding these sales, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, 01935 812277

Saleroom staff member David Sims with the massive Moorcroft vase in the Charterhouse auction on Friday 18^th April £600-1,000

New and Unregistered MG BGT See the Light of Day

Charterhouse Auctioneers in Sherborne have been instructed to sell one of the last MG B’s ever produced and has never been registered for road use.

“We often come across rare and unusual cars and motorbikes in our specialist vehicle auctions, and it is fair to say that sometimes vehicles have had many owners including the odd vicar and lady driver, but this MG is very special as it has never been registered.” Commented Richard Bromell. “And with only 53 miles recorded on the speedometer, it is an opportunity for someone to buy and preserve a unique piece of motoring history.”

This MG BGT, in Panther black, has another stable mate with important motoring history in the form of a 1948 Norton Manx TT racing motorbike.

“With only a revolution counter and no speedometer, we will never know how many miles this Norton has travelled, but with 37.73 mile Mountain course in the Manx Grand Prix we know it will be more than the MG as this motorbike was raced in 1948, 1949 and in 1951.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “Over the past few years, there has been massive renewed interest in these racing machines which are now eligible for historic races.”

Also entered into the sale in Sherborne on Saturday 12^th April are the unusual such as a 1916 American LaFrance fire engine from San Francisco £14,000-18,000, a Sunbeam Rapier convertible owned by one family until last year £4,000-5,000, a Lotus Elan convertible £9,000-10,000, a 1950 Landrover £2,000-3,000, a Willys Jeep £5,000-7,000, A Triumph TR4 £5,000-6,000, a Jaguar XK150 £20,000-25,000 and an AC Cobra replica with a massive 5700cc V8 engine professionally built at £12,000-15,000 which are always firm favourites.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for this important motoring auction. Please contact Matthew Whitney or Richard Bromell, Partner at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS, 01935 812277 for further information or to arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country.

A 1980 MG BGT with only 53 recorded miles from new in the Charterhouse auction in Sherborne on Saturday 12^th April £7,000-8,000

A 1948 Norton Manx TT Racing motorbike £8,500-10,000, also photographed in a TT race

Clarice Cliff Vase is a Ray of Sunshine at Charterhouse Auction

April is a busy month for Sherborne based Charterhouse with an auction of classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia on Saturday 12^th April followed by an auction of decorative arts, pictures, antiques with a special sections of hunting, shooting and fishing items on Friday 18^th April.

“Entries for the car auction are well under way with rarities such as the last ever made jaguar XK 150 at £20,000-25,000 to a Norton Manx TT racing motorbike at £8,500-10,000.” Commented Richard Bromell. “However, we have also been busy with entries of the sale the week after. I have always been fascinated by these decorative arts sales which include design greats including Lalique and Clarice Cliff which are always represented. In this sale, there is a very rare Clarice Cliff stepped square vase decorated a sunray pattern vase in a bold colours at £1,000-1,500.”

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for these auctions. Please contact Richard Bromell, Partner at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS, 01935 812277 for further information or to arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country.

Clarice Cliff Sunray pattern vase £1,000-1,500 in the Charterhouse auction on Friday 18^th April

The last ever made Jaguar XK 150 £20,000-25,000, in the Charterhouse auction on Saturday 12^th April

February 2008

Top Table at Charterhouse Auction

A hall table, dating to the early part of the 18^th century, sold for a massive £29,000 at the Charterhouse auction in Sherborne on 15^th February.

“The table had been in a well known Dorset country house for many decades and it is a property which I must have driven past thousands of times.” Commented Richard Bromell. “More recently, the table was in the vendor’s kitchen where it carried on its purpose as a table in daily use! It was a somewhat difficult table to value, as the marble top was later in date and one of the legs had been pretty much replaced. However, on the day, a bank of telephone bidders from London and Ireland battled away against a Cotswold dealer, with the hammer eventually falling to the Cotswold dealer for ten times more than the estimate.”

Elsewhere, in this successful auction which totalled over £150,000, a set of ten Hepplewhite style dining chairs from a client near Taunton sold for £3,300 to an Irish dealer bidding against a private buyer, an Italian gold bangle, decorated a rams head, £3,000, a fine cameo brooch, which attracted the attention of an Italian buyer so much that he flew over just to see this one lot, £2,200, a carved giltwood base, decorated cherubs and originally the base of a cabinet £2,800, a Cartier wristwatch £1,800, and a silver tea tray £1,200. Highlights in the specialist section of wine, port & spirits, nine gallons of ex-forces rum totalled £5,200, and a case of Chateau Gruaud Larose 1982 £1,150.

The next Charterhouse auction in Sherborne is on Friday 14^th March which includes clocks, collectors’ items, militaria and antiques. Viewing for the sale is on 12^th 10-4 & 13^th 10-7. Catalogues are available from the auctioneers or on their web site www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk. This is followed by their April auctions of classic car, motorbikes and automobilia on Saturday 12^th April and pictures, books, decorative arts & a special hunting, shooting and fishing sporting section on Friday 18^thand they are now accepting further entries for these auctions.

Top table at Charterhouse auction, sold for £29,000

It’s all in the Detail

Two scale models, one of a 1922 Burrell road roller, the other of a Foden 1912 steam wagon are each estimated at £3,000-5,000 when they go under the Charterhouse hammer in Sherborne in their collectors, clocks and antiques auction on 14^th March.

“These are some of the best scale models money can buy having been constructed to an extremely fine exhibition standard on a scale of ¾ in: 1ft.” Commented Richard Bromell. “The attention to detail is staggering such as the riveted and stayed copper boiler with scale fittings including gauge water protector and shut off cocks. They must have taken many months, if not longer, to complete each and will form the centrepiece of any collection.”

The next few months look to be a busy time for the Charterhouse team. First up is their 14^th March sale which includes militaria, collectors’ items and clocks followed by their 12^th April sale of classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia and the sale of pictures, decorative arts with a special section of sporting items, and they are now accepting further entries for all these auctions.

For further information or to arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset 01935 812277 or via their website www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Exhibition standard scale models in the Charterhouse collectors’ auction in Sherborne £3,000-5,000 each

99 and not out yet Sizaire-Naudin is a rare survivor at Charterhouse April auction in Sherborne

Included in the Charterhouse Veteran, Vintage & Classic Car, Motorbike & Automobilia Auction in Sherborne on Saturday 12^th April is a 1909 Sizaire-Naudin Voiturette Model G, which is one of only two known surviving models.

“This vehicle has been in the vendor’s ownership for over 40 years. It had languished in a wood for over 20 years before being rescued by a previous owner in 1951. The wood had not been kind to it as a large hedge had grown over the car and it took three evenings of hard labour to eventually pull it out.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “The vehicle was then restored and purchased by our vendor in 1967. Soon after this, the vendor, who is a mining engineer, moved to work in Malaysia and shipped the car with him. Having returned to England, the vehicle was fully restored again in 1994/95. In 1996, it was shipped to New Zealand to complete in a 1000 km rally!”

This Sizaire-Naudin, which has travelled far and wide, has also been featured in specialist magazines including Old Car in 1964 telling the tale of its discovery in a wood, and more recently The Automobile in 2000.

“As a company, we travel far and wide to help and advise clients on their vehicles, and this is one of the older cars I have come across recently.” Commented Richard Bromell. “That being said, it does feature engineering which we see in the everyday cars of today such as independent front suspension, it even has a gearbox combined with the back axle à la Lotus and BRM racing cars. However, with a 1,584 cc single cylinder engine without an accelerator (a large lever in the centre of the steering wheel operates a sliding cam device in the crankcase which alters the tappet clearance on the inlet valve – decreasing the clearance increases the speed), wooden wheels and a hand operated brake, I feel certain it will provide a very different driving experience!”

Also entered into the sale in Sherborne on Saturday 12^th April are the unusual such as a 1916 American LaFrance fire engine from San Francisco £14,000-18,000 to a Jaguar XK150 £20,000-25,000 and an AC Cobra replica with a massive 5700cc V8 engine professionally built at £12,000-15,000 which are always firm favourites.

The 1909 Siziare-Naudin in French blue racing colours £15,000-20,000 in the Charterhouse auction in Sherborne on Saturday 12^th April.

Waterloo Medal on the market for the First Time

A Waterloo medal, awarded to Captain Houston Wallace, 12^th Regiment Dragoon Guards, is one of the highlights of the medal section in the Charterhouse auction on Friday 14^th March.

“It is very exciting to see and to handle a Waterloo medal, but it is even more so when it has descended down through the family and has never appeared on the open market before.” Commented Richard Bromell. “It will probably represent a once in a lifetime opportunity for a collector to obtain an example of the first medal awarded and officially named to all ranks who took part in a particular campaign, with the added bonus of being awarded to an officer, which has never been offered for sale in nearly 200 years.”

The next few months look to be a busy time for the Charterhouse team. First up there are 1,400 lots of silver, jewellery, wine, port, spirits and antiques on Friday 15^th February followed by their March sale which includes militaria, collectors items and clocks, and their April sale of classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia, for which they are now accepting further entries.

For further information regarding this auction, or to arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset 01935 812277 or via their website www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk on which the full catalogue will be available in due course.

The Waterloo medal awarded to Captain Houston Wallace £4,000-6,000 in the Charterhouse auction on Friday 14^th March

Get a Real Deal on Rum at Charterhouse Auction

David Dickenson’s Real Deal will be filming at the Charterhouse auction in Sherborne on Friday 15^th February, where you will be able to see the filming and have the opportunity to buy gallon jars full of old Navy rum.

“The Royal Navy issued the last tot to the fleet on 31^st July 1970. Since then, this day has been known as Black Day in Royal Navy slang.” Commented David Baines. “Rarely do these demijohns appear on the open market. When they do, they always attract high levels of interest for several reasons. Firstly, they are often acquired by Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army messes for special and ceremonial occasions, and secondly, as it has been stored in wicker covered stoneware demijohns with wax seals, the vintage contents have retained the original strength of about 110 proof. Had it been stored in wooden barrels, there would have been some evaporation resulting in diluting the strength to a slight degree.”

The rum, estimated at £500-800 for each gallon lot, forms part of the specialist section of 200 lots of wine, port and sprits in the sale of silver, jewellery and antiques. Viewing for the sale is on Wednesday 13^th 10-4 and Thursday 15^th 10-7. Alternatively, you can just turn up on the day and see the David Dickenson Real Deal filming in action.

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their March auction of clocks and collectors items and their first classic and vintage car auction of the year in April.

For further information regarding these auctions, or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, or David Baines, Wine Specialist, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277. Alternatively, you can view the sale on their web site www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

David Baines, Wine Specialist at Charterhouse in Sherborne, with some of the vintage Navy rum being sold on Friday 15^th February £500-800 each

January 2008

Cameo Brooch is Much More than just a Pretty Face

Charterhouse Auctioneers & Valuers in Sherborne are instructed to sell a fine Victorian cameo brooch by a client who has had the brooch featured on The Antiques Roadshow when it visited Rochdale.

“The brooch is just exquisite and I can see why Geoffrey Munn, their jewellery expert, featured the brooch not only in the television programme, but also in the magazine which accompanies the series. The cameo, which is cut from one piece of stone showing four layers of creams and browns, has excellent definition such as the lock of her hair and earrings and is of the finest quality” Commented Richard Bromell. “The client, who moved to the West Country a couple of years ago, took advantage of the free home visit service we offer, and asked Charterhouse along to advise on the cameo and other antiques in his house he is looking to auction.”

The cameo was made by Bessinger circa 1880. It was then mounted by Francois-Desire Froment-Meurice, a top French jewellery in Paris, in a gold surround set with diamonds and having enamel decoration. The brooch is estimated at £2,000-3,000 when it goes under the Charterhouse hammer in February.

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for this February auction of silver, jewellery and antiques with a specialist section of wine, spirits and port, and for their clocks and collectors auction in March.

For further information regarding this auction, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277.

A Fine Cameo Brooch being sold by Charterhouse in Sherborne £2,000-3,000

Charterhouse Auction Sounds Pretty Good

The first sale of the New Year at Charterhouse Auctioneers & Valuers in Sherborne, Dorset will bring music to the buyers’ ears when the old and the new are put together with in the form of a battle of the bands with modern rock facing Mozart.

“Today, we take music for granted as it is just about everywhere being played at work, in the car and on Ipods and MP3 players. It has also become much cheaper to acquire with downloads from the internet, but it was not so long ago when juke boxes ruled the roost making music available to people in pubs and clubs, and if we go back to the end of the 19^th century, it was the time of the coin in the slot Polyphon.” Commented Richard Bromell. “And it is a juke box and a late Victorian Polyphon with are amongst the hundreds of lots going under the hammer in our January auction.”

The Polyphon works on two combs and are activated by pressed out discs. The Charterhouse Polyphon dates to 1898 and plays discs just under 20 inches and would have been in music halls and pubs and at nearly 7 feet would have been a focal point. For just a penny and the turning of a handle, the music would instantly out of the case, in somewhat stark contrast the Charterhouse juke box which blasts out Rock and Pop at 50p for five records!

Viewing for the sale at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne is on Wednesday 16^th 10-4 & Thursday 17^th 10-7. Catalogues are £7pp from the auctioneers or on their website

www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their February auction of silver, plate and jewellery, and the March auction of clocks an collectors items.

To arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277.

Matthew Whitney of Charterhouse with the Polyphon £4000-6000

The Electronic juke box £100-200

December 2007

New appointment at Charterhouse

Charterhouse Auctioneers & Valuers have recently appointed David Baines as their specialist wine consultant and valuer at The Long Street Salerooms in Sherborne.

“David has been involved in the wine and food industry for many years and is a Fellow of the British Institute of Innkeeping. During his time in this industry, he has worked for large hotels and restaurants through to setting up his own wine import and export business which has been an outright winner of a national competition to find the best knowledgeable independent wine retail company.” Commented Richard Bromell. “His primary role is to help and advise clients throughout the West Country on their wines, spirits and port. This will be conducted on the telephone, via email and also at our regular free valuation days which we hold at our salerooms such as the one booked for Thursday 10^th January.”

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their February auction of silver, jewellery and antiques with a specialist section of wine, spirits and port.

For further information regarding this wine auction, please contact David Baines (Wine Consultant) or Richard Bromell (Partner), at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 or email David directly at db@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Richard Bromell, Partner and David Baines, Wine Consultant (holding the bottle) at Charterhouse in Sherborne

Dolls House is no Childs Toy at £10,000

A mid 18^th century English dolls house, with only four rooms, sold for £10,000 at the Charterhouse auction of Collectors’ Items in Sherborne on Friday 14^th December.

“There was a good deal of interest from this country and from over the water in the USA, with three telephone bidders following the bidding closely. Commented Richard Bromell. “However, on the day, it sold to a lady in Kent who is looking to start her own dolls’ house collection, and what a house to start with!”

Dolls’ houses from this period are extremely unusual, and this house is a rare survivor. Having a painted finish to resemble red bricks, the house has two opening doors with faux windows, revealing a four room interior incorporating a kitchen, ground floor reception, first floor reception and a bedroom, all with fireplaces. To the side were four original panes of glass allowing light in. At nearly 5 feet high, it is quite a large house and would have probably been the property of a girl from a well heeled country family which were often built by estate workers who would model the house on the owners dwelling.

The vendor of the house, who lives in Dorset, had owned the house for a number of years. Having moved a couple of years ago she could no longer accommodate the dolls house and took advantage of the free home visit service which Charterhouse offers clients looking to sell antiques.

For further information regarding this sale, or to arrange a free home visit, contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277

The mid 18^th century dolls’ house sold by Charterhouse in Sherborne for £10,000

Charterhouse Join Society of Fine Art Auctioneers

Charterhouse Auctioneers in Sherborne have been admitted to the prestigious Society of Fine Art Auctioneers.

“The Society seeks to promote and encourage the highest standards of probity and ethics within the profession and to improve knowledge, with its members supporting the principles of service to all clients and transparency in all activities.” Commented Richard Bromell. “Clearly, as a company, we are pleased that we have reached and achieved these high standards and that this recognition has resulted in being accepted into the Society.”

The Society was formed in 1975 to provide a professional body for specialist firms throughout the United Kingdom. The members seek to provide a comprehensive and specialist service as auctioneers and valuers of fine art, jewellery and other chattels, and between them, the members of SOFAA have an unrivalled breadth and knowledge and experience.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their January auction of pictures, books, antiques and a special section of Beswick and Royal Doulton, and for their February auction of silver, plate and jewellery.

To arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 or via email enquiry@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Flowers Paint a Pretty Picture at Charterhouse

The first sale of the New Year at Charterhouse Auctioneers & Valuers in Sherborne, Dorset includes flowers which will brighten up any winter’s day.

“When it comes to pictures, there are certain subject which are always more commercial than others, and flowers are one of these subjects, as opposed to a painting of a dead animal.” Commented Richard Bromell. “However, not being of a green fingered nature, my knowledge and identification of flowers has increased over the years as an auctioneer, although I must admit to incorrectly naming flowers occasionally which some clients are quick to point out!”

The first oil painting is of a basket of roses, tulips and other flowers on stone ledge in the manner of Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer who was a French mid 17^th century artist famed for his still life paintings. The second is three quarter length portrait of a lady seated holding roses in the manner of Sir Godfrey Kneller, another 17^th century painter, who was the greatest painter of portraits in his time.

To arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 or via email enquiry@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Manner of Sir Godfrey Kneller £500-800 at Charterhouse

Manner of Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer £700-1,000 at Charterhouse

Both in their January auction at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne

November 2007

H Bomb Hero Medals up for Auction

Charterhouse Auctioneers & Valuers in Sherborne, Dorset have been instructed to sell a group of medals awarded to Commander James Albert Green Royal Navy who was present at Christmas Island when the H bomb was tested in 1957, in their Collectors Items auction at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset on Friday 14^th December.

“We have been asked to sell the group of medals on behalf of a member of the family who would like them to go to a collector. As the medals have come straight from the family, we have been able to add in personal items such as his pocket watch and letters which always adds interest and value.” Commented Richard Bromell. “His career as an engineer in the Royal Navy spanned many years. During this, he served during the Second World War where he was awarded the Atlantic, Burma and Italy Stars. He would later receive is medal for serving in Korea and a Military Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to his country. However, for me, perhaps the most interesting story the family told me was that he was present at the testing of the H bomb in 1957. Before detonation, all crew were ordered to turn their backs to the island, to put on goggles and to cover their eyes with their hands. He was also one of the first staff to visit the island afterwards, in his shorts!”

Christmas Island was discovered by Captain Cook in Christmas Eve in 1888 and is some 9,000 miles away from Britain. The H bombs, which were dropped by Vickers Valiant bombers, weighed some 10,000 lbs, were 5ft in diameter and 15ft long. Having been dropped and detonated, the H bomb would confirm Britain’s emergence as a nuclear power.

This lot of medals is estimated at a modest £300-500 when it goes under the Charterhouse hammer as part of their 1550 lot two day auction. On day one, Thursday 13^th December, there are 550 lots of hunting, shooting and fishing related items. On day two, Friday 14^th, there are 1,000 lots of collectors’ items, dolls houses, clocks and antiques. Viewing for the sale is on 12^th 10-4 & 13^th 10-7. Catalogues are available form the auctioneers £9 post paid or on their web site www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their January auction of pictures, prints, Beswick, Doulton and antiques and wine, silver and jewellery in February.

To arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 or via email enquiry@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

The group of medals awarded to Commander James Albert Green, who witnessed the H bomb tests at Christmas Island in 1957, being auctioned by Charterhouse in Sherborne on Friday 14^th December £300-500

Charterhouse Auctioneers to Sell Important Collection of Dolls Houses and Contents

Charterhouse Auctioneers & Valuers in Sherborne, Dorset have been instructed to sell an important collection of dolls houses and furniture in their sale on 14^th December at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset.

“The main part of the collection was amassed by the vendor who lives near Bath over 30 years ago, although she maintains she stopped collecting about twenty years ago. From this it would certainly appear that she was a lady on a mission to form a collection as there are ten houses and hundreds and hundreds of contents from cutlery through to a slipper bath!” Commented Richard Bromell. “Now she has enjoyed the collection for several decades she feels it is the right time for her to dispose of it in its entirety as her family do not share the same collecting passion and contacted Charterhouse to arrange a free home visit with a view to entering the collection into a specialist auction.”

The collection, which includes ten dolls houses and contents have estimates ranging from £30 up to £5,000 so there is a great selection for collectors. Choice pieces include an early 19^th century large scale mahogany dolls house which was probably made by the estate carpenter for the daughter of the landowner. Perhaps on of the most amazing aspects of the house is the fact that the “brick” effect is made possibly by the boxwood inlay which must have taken many skilled hours to complete. Estimated at up to £5,000 it will appeal to dolls hose collectors, dealers and interior decorators maybe looking for something that little bit more special.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their December auctions of classic cars, motorbikes & automobilia on 5^th December, followed by a massive two day auction of sporting items including hunting, shooting and fishing on 13^th December with clocks and collectors items including the dolls houses, on th 14^th.

To arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 or via email enquiry@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

The early 19^th century large scale “estate” dolls house being part of a large collection of dolls houses and contents to be auctioned by Charterhouse in Sherborne on Friday 14^th December

Magic Carpet Flies away at Charterhouse Auction

A carpet which was estimated to sell for hundreds of pounds sold for a massive £11,000 at the Charterhouse auction in Sherborne on Friday 16^th November.

“It was a classic tale. The West Country lady client was moving to be near her family in London and took advantage of the free home visit service we offer for help and advice with regard to selling antiques. Having consulted her family, and knowing what she could and could not accommodate, she then called us back to arrange collection. However, the carpet was an afterthought, and she really only mentioned it to our men when they were about to leave. Having owned it for many years, the pile was faded and worn so much so that she turned the carpet over to give it a new lease of life and really just wanted it taking away as she thought it to be of no value!” Commented Richard Bromell. “However, the funniest comment I heard was a client talking about the fact that he had just had his whole house re-carpeted for less than half the amount of the carpet we had just sold!”

On the day, there were several telephone bidders and dealers in the saleroom. Bidding in the saleroom started and two dealers fought away until about £4,000 when one of the telephone bidders from London stepped in and continued until he had secured the lot at £11,000. Elsewhere in the sale of nearly 1,100 lots and during which the film crew from Cash in the Attic were filming for programmes in the spring, a diamond solitaire ring sold for £5,800, an oak single chair, designed by Pugin and featured on the front of the catalogue which came from near Crewkerne, sold for £4,600, a pair of Faberge gold and diamond cufflinks £3,800, a pair of diamond solitaire earrings from a London client £3,000, and a Ray Eames chair and ottoman from Bournemouth £2,600.

To arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 or via email enquiry@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

A section of the carpet sold by Charterhouse for £11,000 in their November sale

Buyers look to bid for Christmas Presents at Charterhouse Auction

The Charterhouse auction of silver and jewellery at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne on Friday 16^th November looks to be an exciting day with early shoppers looking to bid on early presents for their loved ones or wives, and possibly both!

“The silver and jewellery sales are always popular with private clients looking to buy rare, beautiful and unusual presents at this time of the year, coupled with dealers looking for good quality stock for the run up to Christmas.” Commented Richard Bromell.”In addition, we have combined this sale with a large selection of Decorative Arts including Moorcroft, Lalique and design classic such as a Charles and Ray Eames chair with matching stool.”

In the silver and jewellery section there hundreds of lots with estimates from a modest £40 up to £5,000 so there is plenty of choice and you do not have to be a National Lottery millionaire winner to attend the sale. For her there are diamonds with solitaire rings up to a large pair of diamond stud earrings at £3,500-5,000 and for him there is a Rolex GMT II wristwatch. This is only a month old with all its papers and documents having been worn once, it is as new and estimated at £1,500-1,800 which is considerably less than its cost. However, there is also one lot which can be used by either sex – a pair of Faberge gold and diamond cufflinks at £2,000-4,000.

Viewing for the sale is on Wednesday 14^th 10-4 & Thursday 15^th 10-7 at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, where catalogues are available on-line at

www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk or £7 via the post.

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their December sales of classic cars, automobilia and motorbikes on Wednesday 5^th and their two day sale on 13^th & 14^th of Fin, Fur & Feather being a Sporting Sale on day one followed by Clocks, Collectors’ Items & Furniture on day two.

For further information regarding this sale or arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, contact Richard Bromell at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277.

Rolex Gentleman’s wristwatch £1,500-1,800

Diamond stud earrings £3,500-5,000

Faberge diamond cufflinks £2,000-4,000

October 2007

Rare RAC Badge at Charterhouse

As the Royal Automobile Club celebrate their 100^th year, Charterhouse Auctioneers & Valuers in Sherborne have unearthed a rare and very early Full Members Badge dating from 1907.

“We hold regular valuation days at our saleroom complex which are always popular. However, it is more usual for clients to bring in RAC badges for the 1960’s rather than from their first year of existence! Large and impressive, this fine brass badge would certainly stand out on an Edwardian veteran car” Commented Richard Bromell. “Now 100 years old, the badge has survived in very good condition, especially the enamel flag which is prone to damage.”

The badge, which is estimated at up to £1,200, is part of the Charterhouse auction of classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia at The Terrace Playing Fields, Sherborne on Wednesday 5^th December at 10.30. This is a special winter location for them with plenty of tarmac parking, away from their normal Blackmarsh Farm venue. Other entries for this sale already range from a Rolls Royce in Wiltshire to a collection of pedal cars from a Somerset client.

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for this forthcoming sale of classic cars, automobilia and motorbikes and for their sale of silver, jewellery & decorative art in November. For further advice or to arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, contact Richard Bromell, Partner or Matthew Whitney at Charterhouse in Sherborne 01935 812277.

The rare and early 1907 RAC full members badge at Charterhouse in 5^th December £800-1,200

Fabulous Fabergé at Charterhouse Jewellery Auction

A pair of Fabergé gold, diamond and enamel cufflinks are included in the Charterhouse auction of silver, jewellery and antiques on Friday 16^th November at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne.

“Perhaps most famous for his Easter Eggs, Fabergé is also well known for his wide range of romantic jewellery and objects d’art which he sold through his retail shops in Russia and across Europe.” Commented Richard Bromell. “Certainly these cufflinks seem to have led an interesting life. They were given to the vendors grandmother, although she was always known as his aunt, as a present from a married admirer in the 1920’s!”

The cufflinks, made from 14 carat yellow gold and enamel, are set with pear shape and rose cut diamonds fashioned as tulips mounted on leaves. Guaranteed to hit the pre-Christmas market with private collectors and dealers looking for items, they may even attract the attention of another romantic client looking for a token of love for a wife or even a mistress again!

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for this forthcoming sale of silver, jewellery & decorative arts in November, and classic cars, automobilia and motorbikes in early December and another mammoth two day sale in mid December of sporting related items, clocks & collectors’ items.

For further information regarding this sale or arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, contact Richard Bromell at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277.

Fabulous Fabergé in Charterhouse November sale £2,000-4,000

Heath Robinson Contraption Captures Collectors at Charterhouse

An ink drawing depicting the process of making paper which was rescued from a skip could sell for over £3,000 when it goes under the Charterhouse hammer in Sherborne on Friday 18^th October.

“It is a typically mad, mad drawing by William Heath Robinson who was a famous cartoonist and book illustrator best known for the complicated and outlandish inventions he portrayed. Essentially he was caricaturing the age of the machine and became so famous that the term “Heath Robinson contraption” came into official dictionary use in around 1912. ” Commented Richard Bromell. “The drawing was originally a calendar design for Thomas & Green Ltd in High Wycombe who were paper makers for many years, and the drawing shows you the various stages of making paper – my favourite part is where the garden roller flattens out the paper!”

The drawing is consigned from a previous employer of Thomas & Green, who rescued it from a skip when the mill was sold for redevelopment, and stored it in a clip frame to keep it safe.

Today, this wonderful piece of mad art is estimated at £2,000-3,000 as part of the Charterhouse two day auction on 17^th & 18^th October of 1,300 lots of Beswick, Doulton, pictures and antiques at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset. For further information regarding this sale, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner at their salerooms 01935 812277 or via email enquiry@Charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their forthcoming sales of silver, jewellery & decorative arts in November, classic cars, automobilia and motorbikes in early December and another mammoth two day sale in mid December of sporting related items, clocks & collectors items. To arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, contact Richard Bromell 01935 812277.

The Heath Robinson Contraption - rescued from the skip and consigned years later to Charterhouse £2,000-3,000

September 2007

Beswick Beatrix Potter Collection to be sold at Charterhouse in Specialist Sale

A single owner collection of over 50 Beswick Beatrix Potter figurines are included in the Charterhouse specialist auction of Beswick and Royal Doulton on Thursday 18^th October.

“The collection was bought over a number of years by a child, and subsequent young man, as presents for his mother on her birthdays and at Christmas.” Commented Beswick specialist Naomi Grabham. “In the collection, there are several figures which were immensely popular being sold over a long period such as Jemima Puddle-Duck which was first issued in 1948 until the factory closed in 2002, making them worth usually under £50. However, there are also some of the most sought after figurines including Duchess holding flowers. This model was not a great hit with some of the younger children as they found the black colour frightening. It was therefore sold in low numbers from 1955-1967 and today this little figure is estimated at £1,000-1,500 when it goes under the hammer!”

The John Beswick factory was founded in 1894 to produce ornamental jugs and decorative items. By the 1940’s the Beswick artists had established a good reputation for quality animal modelling. In 1947, Lucy Beswick, wife the managing director, having been inspired by a visit to Beatrix Potter’s Lake District home, suggested that a series of her colourful characters could be produced. Launched in 1948 and modelled by Arthur Gredington, they met with great enthusiasm and other designs soon followed.

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for this specialist sale, and for the sale of pictures and antiques the following day on Friday 19^th. For further information regarding these sales, please contact Beswick specialist Naomi Grabham or Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277.

Naomi Grabham with a collection of over 50 Beswick Beatrix Potter figurines estimated at £3,000-5,000

Naomi Grabham with the rare Beswick Beatrix Potter figurine Duchess £1,000-1,500

A rare Beswick Beatrix Potter figurine Duchess £1,000-1,500

Charterhouse Fine Art Auctioneers Move into the Cattle Market in Sherborne

The Charterhouse October auction at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, has a bit of a cattle theme with their ever popular specialist sections of paintings and Beswick.

“It is interesting the way auctions develop and this sale has developed a strong leaning towards animals, with cattle in particular!” Commented Richard Bromell. “ In the sale they are represented with a 19^th century Dutch oil painting of cattle in a landscape and with Beswick bulls such as a Black Galloway bull which is one of the rarest Beswick bulls estimated at over £2,000. However, this could look inexpensive against a live bull, but at least this one makes no mess and doesn’t require regular visits from the vets either!”

Charterhouse is still accepting entries for this October auction. For further information regarding this sale, please contact Beswick specialist Naomi Grabham or Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277. Alternatively, items can be delivered directly to the salerooms during normal office hours.

Rare Beswick Black Galloway bull bring auctioned by Charterhouse in Sherborne £2,000-2,500 and a 19^th century Dutch painting of cattle in a landscape £400-600 in the same sale.

Falklands Special Boat Service Medals Set New Record at Charterhouse Auction

A group of four medals including the Military Medal, awarded to Sgt Tom Collins sold for just over £48,000 at the Charterhouse auction of collectors items in The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, on Friday 21^st September. It is believed that this is a new world record price for a Military Medal group sold at auction.

“Tom Collins, who lives in the West Country, decided to sell the medals to avoid any potential arguments between his four children later on in life. I spoke with him on numerous occasions before the auction during which time he came across as a very modest man who has lead a varied life. When we talked about his Military Medal he cited no one special operation in the Falklands, just that he was kept very busy!” Commented Richard Bromell.

With nearly ten telephone lines booked on the lot, several commission bids and plenty of private collectors and dealers in the saleroom a bidding war soon started with an opening bid of £15,000 against an estimate of £5,000-10,000.

Sgt Collins was sent to the East Falklands where he led a four man team on May 1^st to reconnoitre possible landing sites. He and his team dug into the hillside overlooking Ajax Bay in San Carlos Water and stayed there undetected for 16 days. Had they been discovered, there would be no hope of rescue. In addition, the landing and perhaps the whole operation would have been in jeopardy. The men’s hides were 18 inch scrapes covered with chicken wire, hessian and grass which had to be tediously replanted every night, earning them the nick-name “The Interflora Squad”

Elsewhere in the sale which totalled over £150,000 17^th century longcase clock in a floral marquetry case requiring extensive restoration sold for over £8,000, a Regency rosewood sofa table, from the same house as the longcase clock, sold for over £7,500, and group of World War 1 medals awarded to Capt Richards, The Welsh Regiment, including The Military Cross, sold for over £3,800.

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their forthcoming programme of Autumn auctions including specialist sales of Beswick & Royal Doulton with Pictures and Antiques in October, Silver, Jewellery & Decorative Arts in November, and a Sporting Sale of items relating to Fin, Fur & Feather in December. To arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277.

The Sgt Tom Collins Special Boat Service Falklands Medal group sold by Charterhouse for over £48,000

Boot Room Chair is a Lost Pugin Masterpiece

An unusual looking oak side chair, which was in a Buckinghamshire boot room for many years, has been discovered by Charterhouse Auctioneers in Sherborne and identified as a Pugin design masterpiece.

“The Somerset vendor helped in a country house near Stowe School for many years where this chair was languishing in the boot room with old coats, whips and Wellington boots for nearly twenty years. However, as though this was not punishment enough, the chair suffered even greater indignity when the owner adapted the room to include a shower, and on which he would always sit to dry himself off!” Commented Richard Bromell.

The chair, with its curved klismos-type back deriving from Grecian-style prototypes and Gothic-style base was designed and registered in 1870 for the Granville Hotel, Ramsgate, Kent by Edward Welby Pugin, the son of Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin. Designs from this period rarely come onto the open market and where a single late Victorian chair can sell for under £30, this chair could easily top its £1,500 estimate.

Charterhouse is still accepting entries for their specialist sale of Art & Crafts, Art Nouveau & Art Deco with silver and jewellery in November. Items for sale can be delivered directly to The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne or contact Sue Whitney to arrange a free home visit on 01935 812277 or Sue Hickmet in Somerset 01278 663912.

For further information regarding this sale, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner, at the Charterhouse salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277.

Boot Room Bargain – the Pugin chair at Charterhouse £800-1,500.

August 2007

Morris Minor Traveller is a Bream Machine

A Morris Minor Traveller, owned by the internationally renowned guitarist and lutenist is going under the Charterhouse hammer in their September auction of classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia in Sherborne.

“The vehicle, which Julian Bream has owned for nearly 15 years, has been lovingly restored at the Bath Morris Minor Centre and is now resplendent in Old English white with a red interior.” Commented Richard Bromell. “We are often asked to sell vehicles for clients which are not receiving regular use and this is the case, although he still has another Morris Minor Traveller which has been in his ownership for longer than this one!”

Although Julian Bream does not appear to have named this car, many people do, and another classic entered into the sale has a very special name. This time it is a 1931 Austin 10 named Monty, in honour of Field Marshall Montgomery of Alamein. Over the years, the car has been on to many shows and days out, always proudly displaying its name. The owner has now passed away, and Monty is looking for a new home.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their forthcoming auctions of classic cars, motorbikes & automobilia and clocks and collectors items, both in September. Items for sale may be delivered to The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne or call Richard Bromell, Partner at the salerooms 01935 812277 to arrange a free home visit.

The Bream Machine – a Morris Minor Traveller £3,000-4,000 and “Monty”, a 1931 Austin 10 looking for a new home £1,500-2,000 in the Charterhouse auction of classic cars and motorbikes on Saturday 15^th September

Beatles Memorabilia Brings Bidder to Charterhouse

A collection of Beatles memorabilia is to be sold by Charterhouse Auctioneers in Sherborne in their auction of Collectors Items on Friday 21^st September.

“The Collection has been amassed over many years and includes some real gems.” Commented Richard Bromell. “The diverse range of items collected proves that in the Beatles hey day they could put their names and faces on just about anything and it would sell like hot cakes, such as the canister of Margo of Mayfair Talcum Powder. Having been in close proximity to the talc, it still has an odour although the contents were used up decades ago!”

Also in the collection, there are Beatles New Beat guitars, mugs, plates, badges, posters, magazines, books and even a set of guitar strings “made to the Beatles own specifications.”

Also in September, on Saturday 15^th, Charterhouse has another of their very popular auctions of classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia in Sherborne, where they have unearthed their usual eclectic selection of lots. For the lover of four wheels there are classics manufactured by Morris, Ford, BMW, Mercedes, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Rolls Royce, MG – there is even a rare Armstrong Siddley Launderette which carried Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth during a world tour when she visited Aden in 1954. For the leather clad lover of two wheels there are bikes by Norton, BSA, AJS, Excelsior and even a 1983 Yamaha DT175MX which is in mint condition having travelled under 650 miles from new!

Charterhouse is still accepting further entries for their forthcoming auctions of classic cars, motorbikes & automobilia on Saturday 15^th September and medals, militaria, clocks and collectors items on September 21^st. Items for sale may be delivered to The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne or call Richard Bromell, Partner at the salerooms 01935 812277 to arrange a free home visit.

Beatles memorabilia being sold by Charterhouse in Sherborne on 21^st September with estimates from £50 up to £500

A 1983 Yamaha DT175MX in virtually unused condition having covered less than 650 by its one owner from new £800-1200 being sold by Charterhouse on Saturday 15^th September

Cognac is King at Charterhouse Auction

A single bottle of Remy Martin Louis XIII Grand Champagne Cognac is estimated at £600-800, or nearly £50 a shot, in the Charterhouse auction of wine, spirits and port at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne on Friday 17^th August.

“It is simply the highest quality cognac which money can buy. It is made with grapes only from the Grand Champagne region which guarantees its exclusivity.” Commented Brendan Seal. “It is therefore no surprise that it has been enjoyed over the years by Elton John, Christian Dior, Winston Churchill and even The Queen who enjoyed it at Versailles Palace in her visit to France in 1957.”

Also in the sale, which caters for all palettes and pockets, are three bottles of 1985 Margaux at £600-800, a single bottle of 1982 Margaux £400-500, two outstanding bottles of rare 1995 Corton Charlemagne, Bonneau du Martray £100-150, a group of six wines including 1967 Chateau Pichon-Longueville, 1967 Chateau La Mission-Haut Brion and 1970 Cheval Blanc which are all covered in some 40 years of dust £100-150, and even a 1937 bottle of Moet & Chandon vintage champagne which is by repute from Hitler’s own cellar at £200-300!

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their forthcoming auctions of silver, plate & jewellery and wine, port and spirits in August and their sale of classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia in September. Items for sale may be delivered to The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne where Brendan Seal will be available for a special wine, port & spirit valuation day on Monday 30^th July or call Richard Bromell, Partner at the salerooms 01935 812277 to arrange a free home visit.

A lot of bottle – the Remy Martin Louis XIII Grand Champagne Cognac being sold by Charterhouse in Sherborne on 17^th August £600-800

Lots of Gold at Charterhouse Auction

Two Roman gold coins dating from the 4^th century AD and now turned into gentlemen’s cufflinks and are included in the Charterhouse summer sale of jewellery, silver, wine and antiques at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne on Friday 17^th August.

“The gold coins were issued under Emperor Valentinian I who reigned from 364-375 AD, which was a time towards the end of Roman rule over Britain. In 367 Britain was overrun by barbarians and the situation was so critical that it took Count Theodosius , a skilled and experienced general, nearly two years to restore law and order. Late in 375 AD Valentinian granted an audience to a group of barbarians, enraged at their impudence he was seized with an apoplectic fit and died!” Commented Christopher Copson.

The two coins, known as Solidii, although mounted are in excellent condition, having most likely been hidden as part of a hoard in the troubled times of the 4^th century. They were probably never retrieved by their owner, as he may well have been murdered by barbarian raiders. Today, they will appeal to both coin collectors and gentlemen in search of elegant and unique dress cuff links which now come in a 21^st century box!

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their forthcoming auctions of silver, plate & jewellery and wine, port and spirits in August and their sale of classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia in September. Items for sale may be delivered to The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne or call Richard Bromell, Partner at the salerooms 01935 812277 to arrange a free home visit.

The pair of 20^th century cuff links incorporating 4^th century AD Roman gold coins £300-500 in the Charterhouse sale on Friday 17^th August

July 2007

Lowry Junk Shop Buy Worth Thousands

A charcoal drawing by Laurence Stephen Lowry of a man, a woman and a child bought in a Liphook junk shop in the early 1970’s is estimated at £3,000-5,000 when it goes under the Charterhouse hammer in Sherborne on Friday 20^th July.

“I suppose it is everyone’s dream to make such a discovery, although today with junk shops virtually non-existent, the car boot sale is everyone’s destination.” Commented Richard Bromell. “The vendor, who lives in Surrey, was visiting his sister in Sherborne and came along to one of our specialist valuation days we hold at our salerooms, and decided to enter the picture into our specialist picture sale on Friday 20^th July as he is thinking of moving.”
Laurence Stephen Lowry is probably one of the most recognisable and distinctive painters of the 20^th Century, has had an opera made about him and songs sung about him entered into Top of the Pops. He first attended Art School in 1905 with evening classes in antique and freehand drawing, going on to study in the Manchester Academy of Fine Art and the Salford Royal Technical College. He died in 1976, aged 88, just months before a retrospective exhibition at the Royal Academy which broke all attendance records for a 20^th Century artist.

Viewing for this sale is at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS on Wednesday 18^th 10-4 & Thursday 19^th 10-7. Catalogues are available from Charterhouse £7 post paid or you can the catalogue on their website www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their forthcoming auctions of silver, plate & jewellery with a specialist section of port and wine in August and their sale of classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia in September. Items for sale may be delivered to The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne or call Richard Bromell, Partner at the salerooms 01935 812277 for a free home visit.

Junk shop bought Lowry £3,000-5,000

June 2007

Le Mans Style Bentley Races to Charterhouse Auction

Ask most people what is the most famous car to have won the Le Mans 24 Hour Race, the greatest motor racing endurance race of all time, they will say Bentley and be justifiably proud of our motor racing heritage. These racing Bentley’s are well known and documented, and Charterhouse has a similar car entered into their auction of Classic Cars, Motorbikes & Automobilia on 15^th September, albeit a scaled down version and with pedals rather than a 4 ½ litre supercharged engine.

“One is always hopeful of making a major discovery of a racing Bentley, but in reality most of the barns, garages and stores have been plundered years ago. So, I was therefore pleased to be instructed to sell this child’s pedal car which has been crafted to the highest standard – so much so that went it was run in a series of adverts, we received numerous phone calls from readers who could not believe their eyes!” Commented Richard Bromell

Finished in British Racing Green with bonnet straps, two side mounted spare wheels and a leather interior this could be the ultimate present for an aspiring Lewis Hamilton aged about 7, or would complement any car collection such is the quality of the car.

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for sale of classic Cars, Automobilia and Motorbikes in September, and their specialist sales of Wine, Silver, Jewellery and Antiques in August. To enter items into the sales, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner or Matthew Whitney at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS, telephone 01935 812277.

A Le Mans style Bentley racing pedal car being sold by Charterhouse

£1,500-2,000

Marvellous Moorcroft at Charterhouse Auction

A collection of the ever popular Moorcroft pottery goes under the Charterhouse hammer as part of their massive two day auction of nearly 1,600 lots on Thursday 21^st & Friday 22^nd June.

“The collection, which incorporates rare Moorcroft vases and bowls from its early Florian period, through the 1920’s & 1930’s and to more recent pieces, has been formed over many years and is now being offered for sale due to an immanent house move.” Commented Richard Bromell. “The vendor, who lives in the South West, took advantage of the free home visit we offer and telephoned our salerooms for an appointment.”

Moorcroft, which has an International market, is highly sought after at auction today. In the collection of thirty vases and bowls, there is something for every one with estimates ranging from just £80 up to £1,500. At the top end of these estimates are a rare Hazledene pattern vase made for Liberty & Co and an unusually large Anemone pattern vase standing 36 cm high.

The two day sale, which has nearly 400 lots of trains and railwayana on Thursday 21^st at 11am is followed by 1,200 of Beswick, Moorcroft, clocks, collectors’ items and antiques on Friday 22^nd at 10am. Viewing for the sales is on Wednesday 20^th 10-4 and Thursday 21^st 9-7. Catalogues are available from Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 or on their web site www.chartehouse-auctions.co.uk

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their forthcoming summer programme of specialist auctions including pictures, books, silver, jewellery & classic cars. To arrange a free home visit throughout the South West please contact Richard Bromell, Partner at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, telephone 01935 812277.

Marvellous Moorcroft goes under the Charterhouse Hammer – a rare Hazledene vase made for Liberty & Co £1,000-1,500

May 2007

Watch is a “Bondsa” Lot at Charterhouse Auction

The Rolex Submariner wristwatch sold by Charterhouse for £7,000

A Rolex wristwatch sold for the top price of the day at £7,000 in the Charterhouse auction of jewellery, silver and antiques in Sherborne on Friday 25^th May.

“This Rolex is a Submariner similar to the one used by Sean Connery in the James Bond films including Dr No, From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball and You only Love Twice amongst others, thereby putting the Rolex Submariner straight into the public eye and in the history books” commented Richard Bromell. “Rolex watches of this period are referred to as vintage watches and are very hotly contested whenever they turn up at auction. In this case, there were six telephone lines booked on the watch and the London specialist trade also having a presence in the saleroom the hammer fell at a healthy £7,000 to telephone bidder in Cheshire.”

Consigned from a Somerset vendor, the watch had been lying around the house, including under a chair for some time! As a Rolex Submariner, it is designed to cope with depth of up to 200 metres, and therefore managed to handle several layers of dust and dog hair!

Elsewhere in the mammoth sale of 1,250 lots, a diamond bar brooch sold for £3,000, a Moorcroft jardinière £480 despite being damaged, a restored Italian maiolica plate £1,800, an early 19^th century Monzani flute £1,450, a Russian silver coloured metal smokers set £580, a pair of diamond ear studs £1,700, a diamond set brooch in the form of a monkey £1,250, a French gold box £1,500, a refectory table and set of chairs £2,500, and a small early 19^th century elm tavern table having a beautiful patina £2,300.

The next Charterhouse auction is another massive sale over two days. Day one on Thursday 21^st June is devoted to trains and railwayana, with the next day including clocks, collectors items and antiques. Following this, the July sale includes pictures and books with a good library of sporting books consigned from a large house near Reading which the auctioneers have recently cleared. Further items are now being entered into this sale and can be delivered to Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, or call Richard Bromell, Partner in Sherborne 01935 812277.

Toothless Granny is a Rare Lady

One of the rarest of Royal Doulton character jugs produced is going under the Charterhouse hammer on Friday 22^nd June in their specialist section of Royal Doulton and Beswick.

“Royal Doulton are famous for producing character jugs and porcelain figures, but they originally made their money in domestic and sanitary wares which in turn enabled them to start up their decorative arts department.” Commented Richard Bromell. “The rare character jug which we have been instructed to sell is called Granny. The were two versions of the large Granny designed by H Fenton & M Henk, the most popular version with a tooth was made between 1935-1983 and is relatively common, but the version we have which is Granny without her tooth was only made during 1935 making it one of the rarest jugs.”

The first Royal Doulton character jug produced was John Barleycorn designed by Charles Noke in 1934. Since then, there have been literally hundreds of jugs made in various sizes including one for Toby Gillette who sent in to Jim’ll Fix It in 1984 asking for a character jug made of him. Royal Doulton duly obliged and made only three examples – one of which they kept for their museum, one of which Toby Gillette was given (and subsequently sold for a five figure sum) and the third of which was auctioned for charity (again sold for a five figure sum).

Charterhouse is still accepting entries for this sale of Royal Doulton, Beswick, Clocks & Collectors Items on Friday 22^nd June and Trains & Railwayana on Thursday 21^st June. To enter items into the sales, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS, telephone 01935 812277.

Granny – a 72 year old Royal Doulton Character being sold by Charterhouse in Sherborne.

Warminster Station is up for Auction at Charterhouse in Sherborne

Nearly 45 years after the Beeching Report, Charterhouse in Sherborne has been instructed to sell Warminster Station, well, the enamel sign that used to grace its walls!

“There is phenomenal interest in Railwayana these days, so much so that we are having a specialist one day auction devoted to trains on Thursday 21^st June. We regularly hold sales of collectors items in which we sell trains and coaches, but there has been such an influx of quality items that we decided to promote the sale as a specialist occasion” Commented Richard Bromell.

The Warminster Station enamel sign which at 12 feet long is so large it was made in two parts is being sold on instructions from a client in Wiltshire who has owned the sign for many years. He acquired the sign, along with two other signs “GENTLEMEN” and “WAY OUT/WAITING ROOMS” from a lady whose husband had been involved at Warminster station. All three signs have survived in excellent condition and will generate high levels of interest from dealers and collectors alike.

Also in this specialist sale, is a collection of 600 Hornby and other 00 gauge locomotives and coaches, 800 DVD’s, hundreds of books and related items all from a deceased estate in St Johns Wood in London, with other numerous vendors throughout the West Country.

Charterhouse is still accepting entries for this Railwayana Auction and for their sale of Royal Doulton, Beswick, Clocks & Collectors Items on Friday 22^nd June. To enter items into the sales, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS, telephone 01935 812277 or Sue Hickmet in Somerset 01278 663912.

Richard Bromell with the massive Warminster Station enamel sign in the Charterhouse specialist sale of Trains, Coaches & Railwayana on Thursday 21^st June estimated at £1,800-2,500

Kit Baker-Carr Badge Brings in the Bidders

A collection of Brooklands related automobilia sold for over £15,000 at the Charterhouse auction of classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia on Saturday 19^th May in Sherborne.

“It was a fantastic day, with over 650 people attending on the day and successful telephone bidders from France, the USA and Scotland.” Commented Richard Bromell. “For me, it was the Baker-Carr collection of automobilia which caused great levels of interest. In the 1930’s he raced several Bentleys including Old Mother Gun in which he won the coveted 130 mph Brooklands badge which sold for £3,700. He also won the 15ct Gold Star Trophy Race in 1937 in another Bentley, called Smokey. This sold for £2,500 to a gentleman who has just purchased Smokey thereby reuniting the car and its important trophy for the first time in about 60 years!”

Elsewhere in the sale which totalled over £200,000, an Alvis TD21 drop head coupe sold to a client in Scotland for £12,800 – amazingly enough, it has been in the same Somerset family since it was a year old in 1961. The purchaser flew down from Scotland planning to drive home in three days! Meanwhile, an MG TF from Bristol sold for £12,000, a rare right hand drive Plymouth Barracuda which was bought by the vendors late aunt new in 1968, sold for £9,000, a 1957 Hotchkiss Jeep, the sort of vehicle John Wayne rode around in for the war films, sold for £8,500 to a client who had a “road trip” in France in a similar vehicle with three friends in the 1980’s, although it is not sure whether he is looking to repeat the epic journey with his wife and two kids this summer! The eldest vehicle sold was a 1914 Belsize two door open tourer. It was a car which was well admired during the viewing due to is rarity – there is only a handful of this marquee in existence today. New, it had a top speed of 18 mph, and at the sale it was trailered away to a new home in the North for £11,000.

Charterhouse is now accepting for its next sale of classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia in September, and for their specialist sale of trains & railwayana on Thursday 21^st June and Beswick, Doulton, collectors items and clocks on Friday 22^nd June. To arrange a free home visit throughout the South West, call Richard Bromell, Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277.

The Gold Star Trophy, won by Kit Baker-Carr in his Bentley called Smokey, which is now re-united with Smokey, sold for £2,500

The Kit Baker-Carr Brooklands 130mph badge sold for £3,700

Going for an epic road trip with the new owner – the Alvis sold for £12,800

Ready for action or a trip down memory lane, the Hotchkiss Jeep sold for £8,500

Signs of the Times

A collection of enamel and other signs features in the Charterhouse auction of classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia in Sherborne on Saturday 19^th May.

“The collection has been formed over the past few decades by a client in the Minehead area. It has been on display in his garages with his collection of motorbikes, but having sold the motorbikes a few years ago, he has now decided to sell his collection of signs and related items.” Commented Richard Bromell. “Although we come across such signs on a regular basis, it is the condition and the bright colours of the signs which makes them appealing and valuable. When we hold these specialist auctions, clients can always find room for such pieces and we have even sold signs to a collector in Australia before!”

The signs, which were once commonplace on the road side, now command hundreds of pounds and in certain cases, well into four figures. However, the signs which Charterhouse have been instructed to sell, are estimated at more modest estimates ranging from £40 up to £500, along side petrol pump globes, motoring literatures, car mascots, badges and cars such as a rare 1960 Alvis drop head coupe having been in the same family since one year old £12,000-16,000 to a Willys Jeep in battle dress green complete with French insignia £7,500-8,500.

For further information regarding this important motoring auction, or to enter a car, motorbike or automobilia into the sale, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner or Matthew Whitney at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS, telephone 01935 812277or via their website where the collection and other lots can be viewed www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Richard Bromell with two signs estimated at £150-250 (Major Road Ahead) and an AA Garage enamel sign £200-300 in the Charterhouse sale on Saturday 19^th May

Of local interest – an AA Maiden Newton (131 miles to London) enamel sign £200-300

One family owned since 1961 – a 1960 Alvis TD21 Drop Head Coupe £12,000-16,000

At Charterhouse it is Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend and Toys for the Boys

The Charterhouse Spring programme of auctions is not in full flood with specialist sales of Classic Cars, Motorbikes and Automobilia on Saturday 19^th May, closely followed by Silver, Jewellery and Antiques on Friday 25^th May.

“In life it is always good to keep the peace between men and women, and the two sales we have in May can bring a happy balance between the two when in a relationship!” Commented Richard Bromell. “For him, there are car mascots, pictures, Triumph motorbikes and cars from a Mini at £1,000 to a Bentley for £10,000. For her, the second sale in May could be of more interest with rings, necklaces, earring and brooches such as a good brooch set with graduated diamonds for £3,000-5,000.”

Viewing for the classic car sale at Blackmarsh Farm, Sherborne (on the A30 near Milborne Port) is on Friday 18^th May 10-7 and on the sale day from 8.30. Viewing for the silver and jewellery sale at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne is Wednesday 23^rd 10-4 & Thursday 24^th 10-7. For further information regarding these sales please contact Sue Whitney at their salerooms 01935 812277

Charterhouse is still accepting entries for the motoring auction and their forthcoming auction of silver ands jewellery. To enter items into the sales, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner or Matthew Whitney at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS, telephone 01935 812277or via their website where the updates of the lots can be viewed www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Boys Toys – A Bentley 2 door coupe £10,000-12,000

A Girls Best Friend – A good diamond brooch £3,000-5, 000

Animal Lovers Flock to Charterhouse Sale

The Charterhouse auction of pictures and sculpture always turns up a good selection of lots, but in their auction on 20^th April they have discovered some major works of art.

“Whether you like horses, cattle, dogs, birds, sheep, horses, cats or stags and deer then there will be something for you.” Commented Richard Bromell. “And hopefully with estimated ranging from £100 up to £15,000 there will be something for everyone!”

Highlight in the sale of just under 1,100 of pictures, books, decorative arts and antiques at the Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne on Friday 20^th April is a drawing of a stag by one of the most famous of Victorian artists Sir Edwin Henry Landseer at £12,000-15,000. Still on the stag theme is a fine and large bronze group by Pierre Jules Mene of two rutting stags at £3,500-4,500 and another of a stag by Jacquemart at £1,500-2,500 amongst a good selection of animal bronzes from the 19^th and 20^th centuries. Also in the section of over 200 lots of pictures, a fine watercolour of a hunter stalking deer by James Giles is £3,000-4,000 and another by the same artist £2,000-3,000, an oil painting of cattle and ponies by Henry Willis is £1,500-2,500, a pastel drawing of wood pigeons by George Lodge £1,500-2,500, a naïve oil painting of an ox in an extensive parkland setting with a large country house in the distance £500-800 and finally, an oil painting after Millais of a girl and her favourite pug dog £200-400.

Viewing for the sale is on Wednesday 18^th 10-4 & Thursday 19^th 10-7. Catalogues are available from the auctioneers £7 post paid or you see the sale on their website.

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their forthcoming sales of spring classic car and motorbike auction on 19^th May, silver and jewellery 25^th May, and a special one day auction devoted to trains, coaches and railwayana on 21st June followed by Beswick on 22^nd June. Items for sale may be delivered to The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, or call Richard Bromell, Partner on 01935 812277 to arrange a free home visit.

Sir Henry Landseer £12,000-15,000

Large Pierre Jules Mene bronze of stags rutting £3,500-4,500

Jacquemart bronze £1,500-2,500

James Giles £3,000-4,000

Henry Willis £1,500-2,500

Naïve school, 19^th century £500-800

After Millais £200-400

March 2007

Important Brooklands Racing Memorabilia to go under the Charterhouse Hammer in May

Some of the most important Brooklands motor racing memorabilia produced has been consigned for the May auction of Classic Cars, Automobilia and Motorbikes in Sherborne, Dorset on Saturday 19^th May. The collection was won and collected by the late Mr C T “Kit” Baker-Carr who raced Bentley’s including Mother Gun in the 1930’s. In the collection, which is being sold on behalf of his widow, is the Holy Grail for any collector – the 130 mph Brooklands badge. Only 16 of these highly prized badges were issued during the 28 seasons of racing at Brooklands, including land speed record holder John Cobb in his famous Napier-Railton, and it seems a fitting time to sell the collection in 2007 which is the centenary year for Brooklands.

“To me, Kit Baker-Carr is a legendary hero whose family exploits also included his great great grandfather who was awarded the VC (Victoria Cross) and his great grandfather the DSO (Distinguished Service Order). It would not surprise if the family genes included nerves of steel!” Commented Richard Bromell. “Mrs Baker-Carr who lives in the West Country, contacted Charterhouse and took advantage of the free home visit service we offer clients thinking of entering items for auction. When I arrived at her house, the hairs on my back stood up as I viewed the collection and talked about her late husband. The collection is varied, from newspaper cuttings to personal items such as his Herbert Johnson racing helmet and his 15 carat gold Gold Star Trophy won at the Whitsun Brooklands meeting on 17^th May 1937 in his 3 litre Bentley called Smokey with a 4.5 litre engine, with Mr W Couper coming second by a second in his Talbot and John Cobb third in his 24 litre Napier-Railton Special.”

Kit, who worked for HM Bentley selling cars, was a keen smoker, and in the collection are some smoking accessories without which no respectable racing driver would be without in the 1930’s including a Dunhill Bentley presentation cigarette lighter inscribed “Brooklands 7-8-33 Kit from Mother Gun”, a silver cigarette case with the family crest and presentation inscription inside “Kit from HM 14-9-1935” (HM Bentley was the brother of WO Bentley) – both seem to have had extensive use!

The collection, which is estimated to sell for well over £10,000, is part of the Charterhouse auction of Classic Cars, Automobilia and Motorbikes on Saturday 19^th May in Sherborne, Dorset. For further information regarding this important motoring auction, or to enter a car, motorbike or automobilia into the sale, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner or Matthew Whitney at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS, telephone 01935 812277or via their website where the collection and other lots can be viewed www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

An extremely rare Brooklands 130 mph enamel badge awarded to Kit Baker-Carr £3,000-6,000

The 15 carat Gold Star Trophy won by Kit Baker-Carr £2,000-4,000

The Herbert Johnson racing helmet used by Kit Baker-Carr £200-400 (with or without Richard Bromell!)

Rare Wells Postcards Depict a Pretty Picture in War Time

A collection of postcards of Wells in the Charterhouse auction of Collectors Items, Clocks and Antiques could sell for over £2,000 when they go under the hammer at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne on Friday 16^th March.

“Postcards are one of the largest collecting fields in our business and this collection, which has remained in a Wells house for nearly all of its life, shows a fascinating insight into Wells in 1915.” Commented Richard. “The vendor, who is part of an old Wells family, had instructed Charterhouse to clear one of their properties which is undergoing redevelopment, and the postcards were just in a box inside a cupboard where they have been gathering dust for the past few decades.”

The collection shows a brief glimpse into Wells during the First World War. The scenes, all taken by Bert Phillips who owned the Phillips photographers and postcard shop in Wells, include a variety of subjects mostly including No 134 Company Motor Transport Army Service Corps who were billeted at The Crown Hotel, and their various antics such as wrestling, football, tug of war and other sports, military funerals which are incredibly rare and the Battle for Wookey Hole which included Boy Scouts, civilians and soldiers – even stretcher bears ready for pretend casualties!

Viewing for the sale is on Wednesday 14^th 10-4 and Thursday 15^th March 10-7 or you can view the catalogue on their website www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their forthcoming sales of pictures and books in April and for their spring classic car and motorbike auction in May. Items for sale may be delivered to The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, or call Richard Bromell, Partner there on 01935 812277.

A selection of Wells related postcards which could total over £2,000 when they go under the Charterhouse sale at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne on Friday 16^th March

George Medal is a Must for Collectors at Charterhouse Auction

A group of medals, including the highly coveted George Medal is included in the auction of Collectors Items, Clocks and Antiques at Charterhouse, The Longs Street Salerooms, Sherborne on Friday 16^th March.

The George Medal was awarded to Flight Lieutenant Wilfred Turner RAF in 1944 for outstanding gallantry during an enemy air attack during the early days of the invasion. During the air attack two Typhoons and a petrol dump were set on fire. In one burning plane were two rockets which were pointing towards other aircraft and a dispersal area. Having put on asbestos gloves, he proceeded to take the rockets off the aeroplane aided by Wing Commander Basil Gibson Carroll thereby nullifying great potential danger.” Commented Richard Bromell. “Turner had a long career in the RAF, having joined as an apprentice in 1928 and ending up as Acting Squadron Leader. Also with the medals, is his group of miniature medals, numerous photographs of Turner, press cuttings and other ephemera which means the group will sell for £800-1,200.”

The George Medal was first instituted in 1940 and awarded for acts of bravery where the services were not so outstanding as to merit the George Cross. Though primarily a civilian award, it was also given to service personnel such as Turner for heroism not in the face of the enemy. Of the approximately 2000 medals awarded, nearly half have been to the services.

Viewing for the sale is on Wednesday 14^th 10-4 and Thursday 15^th March 10-7 or you can view the catalogue on their website www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Rare George Medal group being sold by Charterhouse in Sherborne on Friday 16^th March £800-1,200

February 2007:

Gold Coin is a Noble Piece

A gold half noble, dating from the reign of Edward III features in the coins, medals and Militaria section of the Charterhouse auction of collectors’ items and clocks on Friday 16^th March.

“The long reign of Edward III lasted from 1327-77 and saw major changes in coinage, the most significant being the introduction of a gold coinage which was based on the noble. I always find it incredible that anything can survive for well over 600 years in good condition – certainly money in my pocket never seems to last more than a few days!.” Commented Richard Bromell. “The coin, owned by a client in Somerset, was brought into one of our specialist valuation days amongst a group of other coins, most of which had little value and he was pleasantly surprised to hear that this one coin is worth £300-500.”

A gold noble in the 14^th century was worth 6s 8d, with half and quarter nobles being worth their respective fractions. The half noble going under the Charterhouse hammer was minted in London, but there also other mints in the country and in Calais after the Treaty of Bretigni in 1360.

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their forthcoming sales of collectors items, clocks and militaria on 16^th March and for their spring classic car and motorbike auction. Items for sale may be delivered to The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, or call Richard Bromell, Partner there on 01935 812277 to arrange a free home visit throughout the south west or Sue Hickmet in Somerset 01278 663912.

Alternatively, you can call in without an appointment to The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne DT9 3BS for the following free valuations days:
Tuesday 20^th Coins, medals & Militaria

Wednesday 21^st Clocks & scientific instruments

Thursday 22^nd Automobilia, classic cars & motorbikes

A gold half noble coin dating to circa 1366 being sold by Charterhouse on Friday 16th March £300-500

Fine Wine and Jewels at Charterhouse Sale

In the hundreds of lots which Sherborne based Charterhouse Auctioneers have coming up for sale on Friday 16^th February, there is a good selection of items for “Him” and “Her”.

For him, there is much temptation in the form of wines and port including cases of port such as Fonseca, Dow’s, Souza estimated from a few hundred pounds through to single bottles of wine including Chateau Latour 1958 £200-250 and Chateau Corbin-Despange 1945 £150-200.

For her, there are diamonds, sapphires and other precious jewels such as a good three stone diamond ring estimated at £2,000-3,000, a diamond flower brooch £1,000-1,500, a diamond solitaire ring £1,500-1,800 and a pair of diamond stud earrings £700-900.

“However, there is also several items which will have appeal to both sexes like the early 19^th century mahogany wine cooler in the sale estimated at £600-1,000.” Commented Richard Bromell. “Wine coolers have always been popular and this one is no exception. Made of mahogany, bound in brass and oval in form, not only can it hold a case of wine during a dinner party, but it can also be used as a jardinière to display indoor plants whilst not in use. That being said, I discovered this one in the attic of a clients house!”

Viewing for this sale of jewellery, silver, wine, port & antiques is on Wednesday 14t 10am-4pm and Thursday 15^th 10am-7pm for the sale on Friday 16^th. Catalogues are available for the auctioneers £7 post paid or on their website

www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Case of 1977 Dow’s Jubilee port £450-550, 19^th century mahogany wine cooler £600-1,000, Diamond three stone ring £2,000-3,000, Diamond flower brooch £1,000-1,500

January 2007:

Royalty interest at Charterhouse Auction

An amazing collection of Christmas cards, photographs and other ephemera relating to Princess Margaret goes under the Charterhouse hammer at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne on Friday 16^th March.

“On one of our popular valuation days a box of old Christmas cards, family photographs and other relates items came in for advice. Although we do come across similar items in properties, they do not usually have any value, but in this case, we were somewhat surprised that the cards were from numerous members of the Royal family. It then transpired that the items were collected by the vendors’ late uncle – Chief Inspector F G Crocker, who was the personal body guard to Her Royal Highness The Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowden! Commented Richard Bromell.

Amongst the items included in the Charterhouse sale are some real rarities such as a ticket, car parking pass, order of ceremony and letter from Clarence House relating to the marriage of HRH Margaret to Mr Antony Armstrong-Jones at Westminster Abbey in 1960, a cinema ticket for the 1966 Royal Premiere of Doctor Zhivago, family photographs and letters, a silver presentation box from HRH Margaret to Chief Inspector Crocket noting his service from 1953 to 1966, and even an application for renewal of HRH Margaret’s passport signed and dated 1954!

Viewing for this Royal event at Charterhouse is on Wednesday 14^th and Thursday 15^th March with the sale starting on Friday 16^th March at 10am.

A selection of Royalty items going under the Charterhouse hammer in their auction on 16^th March estimated to sell for well over £1,000

Charterhouse Expands

Charterhouse Auctioneers and Valuers have expanded their saleroom complex in Sherborne with the addition of an extra saleroom.

“It is a natural extension of our premises and we have basically now re-instated the saleroom complex which Phillips developed in the 1990’s. I worked here, for Phillips, in the 1980’s and it is great to have had the opportunity to buy the Old School Rooms as we now have a saleroom complex approaching 6,000 sq ft. This comes with more office space and storage and will give us security in the long term.” Commented Richard Bromell, Partner. “In addition, we have recently invested in new heating and air conditioning in the top saleroom, which I believe is a first for a firm of provincial auctioneers. Traditionally, salerooms are large areas which are cold in the winter and hot in the summer – we have now addressed this and it will hopefully make attending an auction a better experience.”

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their programme of spring auctions. For a free auction calendar, please contact Sophie Hetreed at Charterhouse 01935 812277 or to arrange a free home visit throughout the West Country, contact Richard Bromell at their Long Street Salerooms in Sherborne on 01935 812277.

The Charterhouse saleroom complex in Sherborne comprising The Old Chapel and The Old Schoolrooms

December 2006:

We are pleased to announce that Naomi Grabham has joined us full time in the saleroom. Many of you will have met Naomi already since she first worked for Charterhouse on work experience aged 14! Leaving school, she went to The Southampton Institute where she achieved a well deserved 2:1 degree in Fine Arts valuation. Naomi will be based in-house advising clients, with specialist responsibility for our ever popular Beswick and Doulton sales, with the next such sale on January 19th.

The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3BS, United Kingdom

enquiry@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

Tel: (00 44)1935 812277 Fax: (00 44)1935 389387