July 26th 2006 A rarity at auction
Today I went along to an auction in Dorking, Surrey looking to purchase a very rare corkscrew patented by Twigg & Bateman in 1868. I'd never seen one, such is the rarity of the piece which boasts a very unusual piston rod mechanism which catches on a spring mechanism within the handle. I had a very tidy sum in mind to buy it, including Ruth's housekeeping cash for Aug 2006 - July 2015.
After watching a goodly number of lots, including pots, pans, toys, figures & statues sell for no more than £20.00 the magic number was called.
"Now for lot 386, two corkscrews, where shall we start, £60.00?"
It quickly went to £120.00 in the room & before a short pause...there followed a bidding war between - one in the room & one on the phone. A classic, heart rushing battle.
& the hammer price??? It sold for £4900 + commission but sadly, not to me.
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At times like these you want to grab the phone & make a deal with the other bidder just so one of you gets the piece & the other gets a few quid not to bid.
The auctioneer didn't relate to any bids on the book during the pause between the room & the phone bidder, which makes me think but for one of the two bidders the corkscrew would of sold for £120.00!
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