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.
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
Attributed to Blaise Bontems (1814-1893) - exception quality model 11 singing bird automaton snuff box, tortoise shell case with gilt hinged lid and grille, with further concealed snuff box to the rear, in original fitted Morocco leather case with key, the box 3.5cm high x 10cm wide (full working order)
about Lot 2096
2006 Land Rover Defender 90 TD5 Station Wagon, 5dr Diesel Manual 4WD, 2495cc, One previous owner, 54k Mileage, Starts and runs well, V5 and keys present Reduced buyers premium of 10% on this lot (12% inclusive)
about Lot 1001
Charles Leickert (1816-1907, Dutch) - A Winter Skating Scene, signed and dated '52, oil on panel, 46 x 60cm, framed
about Lot 2502
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
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
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
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 quality pair of late 19th century Chinese porcelain cylindrical wig stands painted with a sage riding an ox with further figures in an exterior setting, pierced with shaped geometric holes, seal mark to base, 28cm high (2).
about Lot 532
Feliks Topolski (1908-1989) - full length portrait of King of Arms,, signed and dated (19)67, watercolour,, 180 x 120cm, framed
about Lot 1270