Sunday and the weather is beautiful.
I have just gone down to the shop to collect a few items for delivery and Titus Odedun a Harley Street Consultant called in to buy a Satsuma vase he saw in my window last night. In this economic climate, as you can see not all my customers can afford a new car. If you remember Titus was the buyer of my candlesticks at the Cato Crane Auction that got national attention after being televised on Dickinson's Real Deal.
A 1936 Roles Royce
I wonder what will be in the van next week.
I have appointments in Preston, Chorley and Blackburn. Looks like a Lancashire Week for buying.
Monday
My afternoon call turned out to be a very interesting one. A long time customer called to say she had a good friend that was selling a few bits of furniture, including a dinning table and a set of chairs, chiffonier, Canterbury and some interesting dolls. When I arrived I was offered a cup of tea, always a good sign. The house was a large country gentleman's residence and the interior was fantastic. The gentleman's wife had got fed up with the antique regency table and chairs and wanted to make the dining room larger by using a round table. This meant the antiques or the wife had to go. The antiques lost and the van won.
TUESDAY
I have just been informed by Alex Murphy (Wigan and England rugby player) that Brian Farnworth clock maker and clock restorer for over 45 years has just died. He was working out at the local gym doing his normal morning session when he stopped for a moment, sat down and died. He will be missed by all members of the antique trade. He was by far one of the best clock repair men in the business. Honest and conscientious as well as being a colleague in the antique trade for over 40 years, he was also a very good friend. He leaves behind Sharon and his little son. Alex will inform me when the funeral is. When he does I will post it on the site. May he rest in Peace.
I bought some nice silver items this afternoon. Ever since Bunker Hunt and his brother tried to buy the worlds silver back in 1980 silver has never reached the $50 mark, But I do recommend buying Victorian and Edwardian silver items. Silver will never be this low again.
Off to Blackburn, Preston, Chorley .....Wednesday.
Thursday 9th April 2009.
To day will go down in my life as the day I bought the most items in one day.
As every one knows the pottery industry in the Stoke on Trent area, known worldwide as The Potteries is in free fall and total collapse. With Wedgwood, Doulton, Masons, Coalport and Johnson Bros just to name a few who have stopped trading this year alone.
I have been putting in tenders to purchase a lot of the stock that is in the hands of the Receivers or just being sold off by factories to pay bills.
To day I received conformation that many of my tenders have been accepted. To day I am the proud owner of 38,000 pieces of English Bone China. All made in England. None of it made abroad in places like China or India. Over the next few weeks theses items will be filtering through my shops.
Royal Doulton making items like Old Country Roses, Spode making Italian and Wedgwood making their ware in the Orient has been the major factor in all three companies finding them selves where they are to day.
It is a shame. English Bone China was the envy of the world and today only Duchess can offer a complete off the shelf range of items . Over the next few weeks theses items will be filtering through my shops.
The China Outlet at 8 Portland Street, Southport will be the first to be selling theses items some as much as 80% off the retail prices.
If you mention theantiquesman diary..................you will get an extra 10% off.
Good Friday.......The Antique shop in Southport is open today 10 to 5
Saturday....Very busy at the shop today. Everyone seemed to want to buy French furniture.
First customer of the day purchased a pair of French commodes. Second customer a pair of French dressing ( fauteuil ) Chairs. They had just left the shop when one of my dealer customers from Cyprus rang and said he is in town. All he was interested in was French furniture. Well it looks like I will have to travel to France in the next two weeks to replenish my stock. So if any French people are reading this and have some interesting items of furniture to sell please ring me on 01704 540808.
Happy Easter
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