Bidders at the Christmas sale for Dartmoor Auctions at Sticklepath were undeterred by the cold weather and the twice postponed sale due to the adverse weather conditions and a distinct lack of electricity in the village.In the end the keen bidders were satisfied by a sale only 5 days late - and make up for it they did!
Dartmoor Auctions specialise in a personal live auction with complimentary tea, coffee, fresh fruit and nuts all day and of course the continual entertainment from the gavel of Ann Thorp and David Force (Santa and a rather naughty elf).
Prices achieved were phenomenal - the high hammer award going to a fabulous set of Malta 22ct gold 1972 coins at a final price after much jousting of £2,500, followed by a stunning 18 carat gold pocket watch at £1,500.
Many of the lots have been found in recent house clearances - either full or part and Dartmoor Auctions specialize in identifying auctionable items which are then sold for the vendor - a very unique service. Both sides win and recently there have been remarkable finds in such houses:
- A solid silver set of cutlery in a locked box that was finally opened - Result to vendor £1,900 on the hammer price
- Two War Cabinet boxes destined for a charity shop - Result to vendor £2,100 on the hammer price
- A mini solid gold horse found in a freezer bag on the floor of a barn - Result to vendor £550 on the hammer price
And many more. In this forthcoming sale, from a recent house clearance a plastic Quality Street tin was handed to one of the valuers with the comment "Nothing here we think but you said let us look at everything." Result - 9 gold sovereigns in this upcoming sale, estimated value of £3,000 - all for the client.
These are fantastic phone calls to make to the clients.