The first Auction at Rye Auction Galleries new home at Rye Industrial Estate was an outstanding success. Local buyers flocked to support popular Auctioneer, Kevin Wall, who saved the Rye Auction from extinction and the staff from redundancy by taking on the challenging venture at a new home when it looked certain that the days of a regular sale in Rye were over.
If the first day’s results are anything to go by, the capable team who run the sales have a very bright future to look forward to. Auction regulars were keen to praise the new rooms and compliment Kevin on getting such a good selection of lots for the first sale. Internet and phone bids complemented the big crowd in the room and resulted in some excellent prices being realised.
Bids were high for a general sale with some unusual items reaching well above estimate. Four Rounded, Painted Fairground Sideshow Boards reached £320 and a Threefold Painted Screen achieved £250.
Selling was brisk but as is usual at an auction, there were some remarkable bargains to be won at the drop of the hammer.
Kevin Wall told a ‘Rye’s Own’ reporter “We are very pleased with the result of our first auction. Regular customers of Rye Auction Galleries from all over the area came to support us. We were especially pleased to see some old faces from Hastings, New Romney and Hythe. Many wished us well. There was a very nice atmosphere during the auction”.
What Kevin did not tell us is that it was his effervescent personality, his jokes and obvious enjoyment of being on the rostrum, plus the cheerful eagerness of all the staff who made the event such a success. Most auctions are boring affairs by Rye Auctions have always been known for their entertainment value. The next one will be Antique & General on Friday 7 Feb.
MEET THE STAFF
Rye Auction Gallery Auctioneer. Kevin Wall, whose prowess with the gavel is legendary. He is very knowledgable on Si l v erwar e, China and Antique Furniture.
Showroom Manager, Jo” Wells specialises in jewellery while Auction Administrator Lysia Parsons has a wealth of knowledge on RETRO items. Ron Davis, Greeter, Porter and Shifter is an expert on Militaria.
Kevin Wall
Jo’ Wells
Lysia Parsons
Ron Davis
From the February 2014
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