The Bourne Auction Rooms was quite literally buzzing at the Collective Sale on Wednesday 18th June. Auctioneer Colin Young came off the rostrum with ebullient praise for the sale: "I haven't had this much fun on the rostrum for a while!"
The diversity of the sale was matched by strength in prices and a high number of buyers in all categories.
From the start of the sale all seats were taken and it was standing room only. All of the traditional antiques and collectables were keenly fought for, with Victorian and Georgian furniture selling at or above estimate consistently. Gold and silver competition was back to the levels during the boom prices of two years ago, although prices have stabilised since.
One of Bourne's strengths has always been commercial auctions. A collection of woodworking equipment viewed on site at Quadring was sold live webcast in the saleroom. Of the 53 lots offered, only two were unsold. The star lots included a Startrite 351e bandsaw, selling for £320, a Sheppach benchsaw at £240 and a Kity bandsaw at £140. The entire clearance of the workshop sold for over £3,000.
Modern furniture and electrical goods are often difficult sellers in the second-hand market. Good, clean quality items always break the rules. With fridge freezers making £80-100, driers and washing machines ranging from £40-80 they are a great alternative to buying new. Whilst some out of fashion sofas can make little money, a leatherette three piece suite including two electric recliners sold for £360.
The yard sale at Bourne always has an exceptional following and this sale was no exception. The highest price was £280 for a ride-on mower, with £100 paid for a cultivator, £140 for a Honda petrol mower as well as nominal sums for general tools, ornaments, bicycles etc.
The next sale at The Bourne Auction Rooms is on Wednesday, 16 July for which entries are now being taken.
