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.
Impressive pair of grand tour lead twin handled urns, the scrolled handles with darted rim over a baluster bowl cast with dancing figures upon acanthus leaf and scalloped base, 97cm high x 50cm diameter
about Lot 1021
A fine Example of a 19th Century Indian Tulwar Sword with traditional steel disc hilt with gold koftgari decoration, and curved fullered blade, lacks scabbard,
about Lot 2151
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
Ana Maria Pacheco (b. 1943, Brazilian) - 'Head', polychrome carved wooden sculpture, on original plinth, 175cm high (including plinth) 73cm (head only)
about Lot 2272
Exceptional Victorian carved oak eagle lecturn, the well carved eagle on column, the top carved with rocks then entwined grapevine, on a quadruped base with gothic carved brackets and good paw feet, 174cm high
about Lot 2437
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
Exceptional Patek Philippe 'Pagoda' Commemoration 1997 limited edition 18ct gents dress watch, ref. 5500, champagne dial with gilt Roman numerals and subsidiary second dial, 28mm case, with box, outer box, tags and full papers, Limited to only 1100 in yellow gold
about Lot 25
Rare and Impressive Nicole Freres Grand Format fat cylinder music box, No. 34734, the bedplate stamped 'Nicole Freres, A Geneve', playing eight overtures listed on a engraved white metal plate, remarkably the airs of varying lengths, quality clean rosewood case with boulle work, bone and lacquered panels, 72cm long
about Lot 271
Good quality Victorian style cast iron gazebo, the domed canopy or gazebo with scroll work detail raised above six spiral twist Corinthian column supports (AF)
about Lot 1275
Georges Braque (1882-1963) - 'Guitare Ceret Boudin' homage to Picasso, signed and inscribed verso, collage mixed media, 47 x 39cm, unframed From a house clearance in the West Country
about Lot 2277