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.
Feliks Topolski (1908-1989) - full length portrait of King of Arms,, signed and dated (19)67, watercolour,, 180 x 120cm, framed
about Lot 1270
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
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
Ana Maria Pacheco (b. 1943, Brazilian) - 'Head', polychrome carved wooden sculpture, on original plinth, 175cm high (including plinth) 73cm (head only)
about Lot 2272
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
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
Augustus John (1878 - 1961) - 'Magnolia', signed and dated 1943, inscribed 'To To J W Rickstone', Ernest, Brown & Phillips Ltd, The Lecester Galleries, London label verso, watercolour in brown wash, 53 x 30cm, framed +Purchased from Bonhams, New Bond Street, June 2007
about Lot 1295
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
Exceptional quality 19th century Ouvertures or Overtures music box, with extra large brass cylinder, playing 4 airs, the walnut case with satinwood boarders and boxwood inlay, 64cm long
about Lot 71
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