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.
Keith Hope Shackleton (British, 1923-2015) study of a Buffalo ridden by egret and oxpeckers, signed and dated, oil on board, 60cm x 43cm, framed
about Lot 499
Exceptional Mid-Century 1950's Chantal Meteor 200 vinyl Jukebox, often described as the Holy Grail of the Jukebox world, this particular model being manufactured by Chantal Ltd, a division of Frenchay Products in Bristol between 1959 and 1961, a scarce and hard to find model with very few examples being produced during the two short years of production, together with large quantity of associated vinyl records
about Lot 316
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
18th century Chinese Export Kangxi blue and white porcelain vase, with Buddha and figures, 28cm high
about Lot 199
Andy Warhol (1928-1987) Marilyn Monroe, published by Sunday B. Morning, signed and numbered to verso 163/200, screenprint, 91cm x 91cm, unframed
about Lot 522
Bespoke 19th century Fairground steam powered confectioners vendor cart, to make ice cream and popcorn, fully restored with boiler certificate, the cart labelled James Heal of Halifax, the copper boiler with label for 'Ewarts, Victor Geyser'. Red painted steel frame, H 201 x L 175cm
about Lot 251
Unusual amethyst cathedral applied with figures mining for gold, 25 x 37cm
about Lot 379
Vintage Romany Gypsy caravan bow top wagon, with original decorative paintwork and fitted interior with stove, seating with Welsh blanket upholstery and raised bed
about Lot 1
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
