Welcome to John Rolfe Auctions, a new saleroom based in Tetbury, Gloucestershire which was started by auctioneer John Rolfe in 2022.
Hello, my name is John. Having spent a lifetime in the antique trade (son of a dealer), the last 20 years I have been working up from a porter to head valuer and auctioneer. Now with my experience from shop floor to top table I feel ready and rather excited about this independent venture.
I have worked in all areas of antiques, design and collectables. Being head valuer one has to be able to spot quality across the board. We will certainly be able to assist in any area whether it be:
Jewellery - Silver - Watches - Clocks - Modern Art & Design - Decorative Arts - Pictures & Paintings - Asian art - Ceramics - Glass…
To me it is important that an auction house is as accessible as possible. Be gone the days of the pompous auctioneer in his bow tie and monocle, antiques and collecting should be for all. I want to keep hold of the traditional values that I hold so dear but welcome the modern advances that continue to revolutionise the industry.
The things I pride myself on are honesty, service and quality. If we can provide you with those things and perhaps a smile then I will be completely content.
See you at the sale.
Augustus John (1878 - 1961) - 'Magnolia', signed and dated 1943, inscribed 'To To J W Rickstone', Ernest, Brown & Phillips Ltd, The Lecester Galleries, London label verso, watercolour in brown wash, 53 x 30cm, framed +Purchased from Bonhams, New Bond Street, June 2007
about Lot 1295
Exquisite 18ct Cartier cigarette case engraved with the crest of King Boris III of Bulgaria, with further fluted decoration, sapphire set thumb piece and sprung internal clasp, 11.5cm long, 160g, within original red leather box
about Lot 361
Good and rare Ainsley 'Blue Cornflower' Butterfly handle part tea service, comprising 10 cups, 12 saucers and side plates, 2 biscuit plates, milk jug and sugar bowl
about Lot 2206
Feliks Topolski (1908-1989) - full length portrait of King of Arms,, signed and dated (19)67, watercolour,, 180 x 120cm, framed
about Lot 1270
Exceptional quality early 18th century framed collection of three pairs of miniature portraits on mother of pearl, with aristocratic gentlemen and their partners, in fine dress, each 5.5 x 4cm, set within a period giltwood and gesso easel frame, with label verso 'The property of the late Edward Steinkopff Esq' 27 x 23cm in total Provenance: Widden Hill House, Gloucestershire Edward Steinkopff was a German entrepreneur and art collector who lived much of his life in Britain. Other notable works from his collection include Fra Angelico 'The Madonna of Humility' and JMW Turner 'Oberwesel'
about Lot 1368
Charles Leickert (1816-1907, Dutch) - A Winter Skating Scene, signed and dated '52, oil on panel, 46 x 60cm, framed
about Lot 2502
1960 Mondial Sprint motorbike, BSJ 784, frame and engine no 02277, 175cc engine, fully restored with various receipts and photographs for work carried out, V5 Reduced buyers premium of 10% on this lot (12% inclusive)
about Lot 6
1940s Bedford MSD Flat Lorry, XVV 913, Chassis no MSD 24440, Engine no 2699, both numbers correspond with a build date of 1946, 3519cc engine, 54000 mileage, with large supply of historic paperwork, V5 present Reduced buyers premium of 10% on this lot (12% inclusive)
about Lot 2
Ana Maria Pacheco (b. 1943, Brazilian) - 'Head', polychrome carved wooden sculpture, on original plinth, 175cm high (including plinth) 73cm (head only)
about Lot 2272
John Maltby (1936-2020) - 'Reclining figure and trees (Dartington)', on a plinth base, monogrammed, signed and titled to the base, pottery sculpture, 21 x 28.5cm
about Lot 1251
