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.
A piece of British military history - William Patent No 4762-90 silver cased Fast Beating chronograph pocket watch, Sole Maker John Taylor, Rochdale, inscribed to the back 'R J Mitchell, Chief Engineer, Supermarine Aviation Ltd' - Reginald Joseph Mitchell was a British aircraft designer who worked for the Southampton aviation company Supermarine from 1916 until 1936. He is best known for designing racing seaplanes, such as the Supermarine S.6B, and for leading the team that designed the Supermarine Spitfire' - the watch case by William Buck of London 1917, 58mm case, 191g gross With a further collection of Supermarine items to include the time recording machine, a large collection of black and white glass slide with various aquatic planes and prototypes and a black and white photograph of Group Captain Alfred Basil Woodhall OBE (9 January 1897 – 11 June 1968) a British senior officer who served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War
about Lot 1
Exceptional quality Russian Samorodok 14k bicolour engine turned cigarette case by Karl Bok (of Fabergé), St Petersburg, the hinged lid fitted with a Sapphire cabochon, 10.6cm wide, 146.3g
about Lot 125A
Tudor, Black Bay, a gentleman's stainless steel and bronze wrist watch circa 2020, ref;5612, Serial Number Q223867, the black dial with dot and arrow-head indicators and hands, three-piece screw case with a black enamel and bronze rotating bezel, 41mm case bronze crown (45mm including the crown), the case back inscribed 'Tudor Manufacture Calibre MT5612', on an associated black rubber strap (the original Tudor brown leather strap included with this lot), the movement not examined,; together with the original black case and outer card sleeve, Tudor International Guarantee card, Guarantee booklet, User manual, 2 Year Warranty Card and receipt from Goldsmiths for this pre-owned watch dated 12/04/2024 for £2,695
about Lot 176
Asprey, London, an 18ct gold engine-turned cigarette case with sliding covers, hallmarks for Asprey & Co Ltd, London 1936, approx. 11.5cm x 8.5cm, 190g including the steel hinge and clasp spring
about Lot 126
A charming novelty silver frog three piece cruet, comprising salt, pepper, and mustard, the mustard with hinged mouth and gilt interior with mustard spoon tongue, maker William Comyns, London 2005, the mustard 8cm high, 23.7oz gross
about Lot 260
Good quality near complete Odiot French silver three tier canteen of cutlery, golden oak and brass bound canteen, comprising 24 - table forks and knives, 12 - table spoons, dessert forks, dessert spoons, 6 - cake forks, soup ladle, sauce ladle, tongs and slice, weighable silver 170oz approx this does not include the knife handles or slice
about Lot 318
Cartier Panthere Vendome, a lady's 18ct gold watch, with diamond set bezel and bracelet, 24mm case, ivory coloured dial with Roman numerals, diamond set crown, quartz movement not currently running, 67.5g gross, Cartier pouch no papers
about Lot 8