Out & About January 2017

Try something new – trade some things old Thomas Plant from SAS offers some tips on how to get into buying and selling at auction

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)

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!

There’s something for everyone at Special Auction Services

If you have been successful and it is practical, you can pay and take your purchase home with you immediately.

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

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