44 / 60
44
Try something new –
trade some things old
I
t is at this time of year when often people
decide to make a change in their lives
– which can involve deciding not to do a
particular thing.
I like to put a positive spin on the New Year,
seizing the moment and focusing on doing
something different, that I have been meaning
to do for a while.
I am going to use 2017 as the chance to
accomplish a fitness challenge (suggestions
welcome), so what about you?
Have you always wanted to take up antique
collecting? Have you seen something you liked
at an auction but were unsure whether to buy
it? Why not use the New Year to set yourself a
challenge and learn about antiques?
You may already have an interest in items such
as silver, books or glassware or maybe you
have a love of flowers or animals.
The good news is, whatever your pastime,
buying at auction offers a wide variety of
pieces, often at reasonable prices, which is
ideal when starting out as a collector.
Top Tips for buying at auction
• Decide which lot/lots you would like to buy
– you can look in the catalogue or go to the
view a couple of days before the auction
• Ask questions, the specialists are there to
advise you
• Decide a maximum figure you would like to
spend (the excitement on the day can lead
to a bidding frenzy, so you must be sure to
only bid what you can afford. Remember a
buyer’s commission is charged in addition to
the hammer price)
• Raise your paddle number or catalogue
to bid (to stop, simply shake your head
or say no)
If you have been successful and it is
practical, you can pay and take your
purchase home with you immediately.
As well as monthly Antiques and Collectables
sales we hold over 50 specialist auctions each
year which is great for new collectors.
Auctions include cameras, fine art, jewellery,
toys, dolls, teddy bears, film and entertainment
memorabilia, cigarette cards, sporting
memorabilia, militaria, postcards and stamps.
So, come and take a look!
Thomas Plant from SAS offers some tips on how
to get into buying and selling at auction
There’s something for everyone
at Special Auction Services
A pair of fine late-19th-century continental
silver stirrup cups, having well-modelled
heads of horses on bell-shaped bases, with
raised designs and bearing engraved crest
of a rampant lion, with strike marks and UK
import hallmarks for London 1899, one approx
8ozt and the other 8.5ozt £500-£800