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.
Charles Leickert (1816-1907, Dutch) - A Winter Skating Scene, signed and dated '52, oil on panel, 46 x 60cm, framed
about Lot 2502
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
Impressive pair of grand tour lead twin handled urns, the scrolled handles with darted rim over a baluster bowl cast with dancing figures upon acanthus leaf and scalloped base, 97cm high x 50cm diameter
about Lot 1021
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
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 quality pair of late 19th century Chinese porcelain cylindrical wig stands painted with a sage riding an ox with further figures in an exterior setting, pierced with shaped geometric holes, seal mark to base, 28cm high (2).
about Lot 532
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
Walter Furlan (1931-2018) - 'OMAGGIO A PICASSO', impressive Murano glass sculpture, signed and titled to the glass base, H 44cm x Dia 50cm
about Lot 612
Georges Braque (1882-1963) - 'Guitare Ceret Boudin' homage to Picasso, signed and inscribed verso, collage mixed media, 47 x 39cm, unframed From a house clearance in the West Country
about Lot 2277
A fine Example of a 19th Century Indian Tulwar Sword with traditional steel disc hilt with gold koftgari decoration, and curved fullered blade, lacks scabbard,
about Lot 2151