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.
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
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
Feliks Topolski (1908-1989) - full length portrait of King of Arms,, signed and dated (19)67, watercolour,, 180 x 120cm, framed
about Lot 1270
Extraordinary Antique Punch and Judy set, comprising Mr Punch, Judy, Crocodile, Ghost, Monster and unusual black faced dandy, all hand carved and painted, with original clothing, Mr Punch 80cm long, with three additional characters Scotsman, and two moustached inspectors From a private collection in Bath, been in the family over 40 years and was originally purchased from a professor in the Liverpool area
about Lot 1150
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
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 stainless steel and white gold gents wristwatch 2018 ref 126334, silvered dial with lume hands and baton markers, date aperture, fluted white gold bezel, 41mm case, Oyster bracelet, currently running, box, papers, tags and spare link
about Lot 1
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
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