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.
Terry Frost (1915-2003) - "Lizard Black", "Tide Up Newlyn", "Newlyn Blue Q", each signed and titled in pencil, limited edition screenprints from runs of 75 and 125, largest 102cm x 92cm, framed. (3)
about Lot 1597
Good quality large 19th century country house pine dog kennel dresser and rack, fitted with an arrangement of drawers and cupboards, H 244cm x W 244cm x D 55cm
about Lot 1391
Atelier Versace - Exceptional quality mahogany two seat sofa with giltwood decoration and carved swan neck detail, raised on claw and ball feet, H 87cm x W 168cm x D 76cm
about Lot 1168
American War of 1812 historical interest – Good George II silver baluster coffee pot, inscribed 'Retrieved from The President's Palace Aug 24th 1814, 2nd Lieut Lewis Agassiz, RM', with crest of a flaming torch, maker Elizabeth Godfrey, London 1742, 22cm high, 21oz approx, from the property - Victorian silver small tankard, with same family crest of a flaming torch, maker John & Henry Lias, 8cm high, 4oz approx (2) Second Lieutenant Lewis Agassiz (1793-1866) was leading one of the firing parties into Washington D.C. To reward his efforts in the battle and for reportedly being the first soldier to go forth and torch the Whitehouse the Agassiz family was granted a Coat of Arms by the British Crown. The coat of arms gifted to the family depicts a burning torch and can be seen etched into the main body of the coffee pot. The burning was one of the final events of the often-forgotten War of 1812, a conflict which saw the US try and fail to secure Canadian territory and Britain try and fail to blockade the US. British troops torched the White House, Treasury and parts of the Capitol Building in a punitive mission near the end of the war. They also looted what they could, effectively collecting "souvenirs". While much of the Whitehouse’s documents, valuables and artwork were rounded up by First Lady Dolley Maddison in the days prior to the ransacking many were left behind in the panic. Agazzis collected the coffee pot during the aforementioned ransacking and later returned the relic to England where it was etched with the inscription and his newly acquired Coat of Arms. The piece likely formed part of the extensive table service prepared for over forty military and cabinet officers expected for dinner by Dolley Madison. It wasn’t unusual to see English hallmarked silver in distinguished homes in the U.S during this period due to its superior quality. English silversmiths were more able to maintain consistent quality than their American counterparts and as a result wealthy Americans imported English silver goods to the Colonies. Some observers allege that most of the spoils of war taken during the sack were lost when a convoy of British ships led by HMS Fantome sank en route to Halifax off Prospect during a storm on the night of November 24, 1814. Making the already special piece a very unusual survivor of the period. ‘Trophies’ from the event were allowed to remain with the respective families of soldiers due to the American Civil War-era "Lieber Code". The US declared that items captured from an enemy in time of war can be kept. The laws only applied to American forces, but other states adopted similar regulations. Since then, several international laws prohibiting wartime looting have been created, but the original code also remains in effect. The piece has remained in the Agazzis family and was entered into the auction by a relative of Lewis Agassiz. Accompanying the coffee pot is a later Victorian silver cup having the same crest etching also coming from the family.
about Lot 83
Impressive pair of large Italian Neoclassical patinated bronze urns, depicting Dionysus (Bacchus) in relief, with putti and Acanthus details, raised on circular pedestal bases, H 65cm x W 42cm
about Lot 280
Winston Churchill interest - An exceptional brass ships wheel desktop barometer gifted to Winston Churchill, inscription to base reading 'Happy Birthday! 1st Lord Of The Admiralty, 30th Nov 1913' The barometer was gifted to Churchill on his 39th birthday by the Armstrong Whitworth Company who would later produced The Armstrong Whitworth A.W. 38 Whitley bomber used by the R.A.F during the outbreak of WWII. Shipbuilding was the major division of the company hence their recognition of Churchills birthday during his time as Lord of the Admiralty. Between 1885 and 1918 Armstrong Whitworth built warships for the Royal Navy, Beiyang Fleet, Imperial Russian Navy, Brazil Navy Imperial Japanese Navy, and the United States Navy. Churchill was appointed to the coveted post in late 1911 and, like most things that he did, he took it up with great gusto, he adored Navy life aboard the Admiralty yacht Enchantress and after taking up office he set out to visit every capital ship and every Royal Navy base in the British Isles. He spent eight months of his first twelve in office aboard the yacht, Churchill was instrumental in reshaping the Royal Navy, with larger more powerful ships and modernising them from coal to oil. His moves would prove instrumental in preparing the Royal Navy for the First World War. Provenance: The vendors father was the gardener and groundskeeper of Churchills former residence Chartwell House, Kent. The barometer was located in Churchills Staff Office and was gifted to the vendors father shortly before Churchills death.
about Lot 227
Hermès Black Birkin 40 Togo leather handbag, having polished gold-tone hardware, dual rolled leather handles, wraparound leather strap closure, stamped letter N and K6, turn-lock fastening, detachable clochette with padlock and keys, and four protective base studs, the bag coming with original box, canvas bag, rain protection bag and Hermès leather paperwork with envelope
about Lot 162
Niels Otto Møller (1920-1982) - Six 'Model 80' mid century rosewood dining chairs, H 78cm x W 48cm x D 44cm (6)
about Lot 1336