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 museum quality scratch built steam locomotive train, featuring the London, Brighton & South Coast (LB&SCR) A1 Class locomotive, this locomotive became affectionately known as the Terrier due to the distinct bark of the exhaust, having the iconic gold and green colourway throughout, to include certificate of annual examination and steam test, L 70cm x W 20cm x H 32cm
about Lot 511
Omar Ramsden (1873-1939) and Alwyn Carr (1872-1940) - Exceptional quality rare copper, bronze and iron font cover, the copper body embossed 'In One Spirit Baptized Into One Body, mounted by a case bronze Holy Dove on cross, with iron scroll work and bobbin detail, H 126cm x W 80cm Reclaimed by the vendors grandfather from Our Lady of Dolours church in Chelsea during their renovations in the 1970s
about Lot 1001
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust ladies steel and 18ct bi-metal watch, 26mm case, gilt dial with diamond markers, further gold crown and bezel, original jubilee bracelet, box, service gurantee cards in red leather wallet and manuals, currently running
about Lot 2
Natural History - Exceptional fossilised Bison skull, from the Upper Pliocene Period 1.9 million years old, obtained from Central Java, Indonesia, W 130cm x H 47cm
about Lot 1090
Original Brilliant Signs Co 'Kennedy 18a' shop front sign, reclaimed from one of the famous Kennedy's pie and mash shops situated throughout London, exceptional carved gold lettering with acid etched gold border and dark green ground, 290cm x 50cm
about Lot 1061
Cartier 'Panthere de Cartier' ladies 18k and diamond dress watch, 18mm case, champagne dial, 18k brick link bracelet inset with approximately 5ct of diamonds, with sapphire set 18ct winding key, 52.4g
about Lot 12
Impressive late 19th century Italian Pietra Dura specimen table, octagonal form, inset with scrolled foliage and still life of flowering urns, 134 x 134cm, upon a bespoke hand made painted base 82cm high in total
about Lot 1209
Zulu Interest - mahogany cased surgeons kit belonging to James Henry Reynolds VC (1844-1932), used during his time serving in the South African Eastern Frontier Campaign, the piece has an inscribed brass plaque to the lid reading 'Surgeon Sir James Henry Reynolds, Army Medical Dept, 3rd Feb 1877' Reynolds was 34 years old, and a Surgeon in the Army Medical Department (later Royal Army Medical Corps) during the Battle Of Rourkes Drift, he served in the British Army during the Zulu War on 22/23 January 1879, at Rorke's Drift, Natal, South Africa, for which he was awarded the VC "For the conspicuous bravery, during the attack at Rorke's Drift on the 22nd and 23rd January, 1879, which he exhibited in his constant attention to the wounded under fire, and in his voluntarily conveying ammunition from the store to the defenders of the Hospital, whereby he exposed himself to a cross-fire from the enemy both in going and returning" Also included with the kit is a period Zulu Assegai that was reportadly taken from the Battle Of Rorkes Drift by Reynolds The surgeons kit appears complete and includes a number of bone saws, scalples, silk ligatures etc
about Lot 227