Cuttlestones celebrates success of first fortnightly general sale...

Last week saw Penkridge auction house Cuttlestones’ first general sale of its new fortnightly programme. The sale took place on Wednesday 24th March at 10am with a diverse catalogue of household, gardening and miscellaneous lots.

The move, a departure from the firm’s original programme of weekly general sales, is part of an ongoing improvement strategy that has already seen the refurbishment of the sale room and investment in both security and marketing, including the installation of a CCTV system, a state-of-the-art new website and online bidding facility. Spearheaded by MD and Head Auctioneer, Ben Gamble, the goal is to make Cuttlestones a leading light on the Midlands auction scene. Ben says:

“The decision to move to fortnightly general sales is not one we’ve taken lightly – weekly Wednesday sales have been hosted on this site for many years – what we’re doing is to improve the quality of items on offer and provide a platform where local people feel they can pick up real bargains to furnish their homes and gardens.”

Things already seem to be paying off – the sale was a real success, with highlights including a Quad Bike that sold for £470, a Sthil Petrol Hedge Trimmer that realised £140, a Royal Worcester 'Evesham' tea & dinnerware service that achieved £160 and a tub of assorted coins on which the hammer fell at £270. Other key lots included a gold plated pocket watch with 15ct gold fob that realised £110, a silver presentation bowling Jack that sold for £70, a modern French dining suite that realised £450, an antique smoker’s bow chair which sold at £85, a church pine pew that achieved £85 and a mahogany bar billiards table with accessories which sold for £100.

And the improvements don’t end here – June will see a project to remodel the foyer and office area of Cuttlestones’ Penkridge auction house to further enhance the experience for both bidders and vendors. As part of the refurbishment, the toilet facilities will be improved and the ground floor will become self-contained.

The next fortnightly general sale is set to take place on Wednesday, 7th April at 10am with viewing from 10am till 7pm on Tuesday 6th. For a full list of Cuttlestones’ 2010 sale dates, including fortnightly general sales and quarterly Fine Art and Antiques auctions, click here or call 01785 714905.