Cheffins hosted the renaissance of the standalone automobilia auction for the first time in over 20 years and it was met with unprecedented interest and bidding from collectors world-wide.
The auction consisted of over 700 lots of enamel signs, oil and fuel cans, petrol pumps, advertising and memorabilia - many of which were straight from private collections. One vendor had amassed an amazing collection over a 40 year period and it was all sold under the hammer without reserve.
There were a host of incredible prices, notably a Wakefield Castrol Motor Oil miniature promotional display can, standing around 4.5ins tall, which went under the hammer for an immense £3,136. Other outstanding examples included a promotional Essolube miniature display oil can marked "1 gallon" which achieved £1,456 and two magnificent Castrollo Upper Cylinder Lubricant Dispenser Cabinets, with both the early and later style decals, which fetched £2,240 and £4,032 respectively.
In the enamel and printed sign section some further strong prices were realised including a ‘Smokers are Requested To Used Swan Vestas’ enamel sign by Chromo, which sold for £2,464. A Firestone double sided flanged enamel sign saw bidding from Australia and eventually finished at £1,344. A Tecalemit Shell Service single-sided printed aluminium arrow sign, a more uncommon variant, topped out at £2,016 while a William Pretty & Co. Motor & Electrical Engineers enamel sign, reportedly from Scole Nr. Diss, Norfolk and likely to be a sole survivor, reached £2,240.
Other significant prices include a trio of oil pouring jugs; a Wakefield Castrol Motor Oil One Gallon oil pourer - £1,344; a ILO W.B Dick & Co. Ltd quart oil pourer - £2,464 and a Castrollo Upper Cylinder Lubricant pouring jug - £896.
Tom Godsmark who heads up the Automobilia department at Cheffins and who is responsible for the resurgence of these sales comments: “The automobilia and petroliana market is as strong as it’s ever been. We saw a fabulous entry from both existing and new clients and likewise with bidders, some of whom had not attended our auctions for over 20 years. We saw a full auction room and over 240 registered online bidders too. Some of the prices achieved are staggering and demonstrate the level of interest and current strength of the collecting market.
The revival of these sales has largely been driven by client demand from both vendors and buyers and our incredible social media following which means we can reach a truly global market place when advertising these sales.
If you are interested in consigning to our next automobilia auction, please contact Tom Godsmark on 01353 777767, option 2.