Specialist Aviation Auction

CASE STUDY: SPECIALIST AVIATION AUCTION

SALE: Sale of World War II and assorted vintage aviation equipment and aircraft

LOCATION: Retro Aviation Ltd. Hanger 2, Hinstock Airfield.

BRIEF: To make space for new aircraft and related memorabilia vintage aircraft specialist and supplier of props to the film industry Retro Aviation (credits include 2008 Bond film, Quantum of Solace) commissioned Cuttlestones to hold an on-site sale of various aircraft and related items at its Shropshire airfield.

THE COLLECTION: The sale comprised a diverse range of lots, from intact and de-commissioned aircraft to individual parts. Aircraft lots included a painstakingly restored ex-Romanian air force Aero L-29 Delfin Jet trainer ground attack aircraft; a WW2 Avro Anson plane of the type that served with the RAF from 1933 -1968 and an ex-Swiss air force DH-Venom (developed from one of the earliest jets produced by Switzerland, the DH Vampire, itself a descendant of the Mosquito). Other lots include WW2 Cheetah engines, modern jet parts & engines, DC-3 propeller blades and cold-war era Classic Jet ejection seats.

MARKETING: Given the specialist nature of the sale, a detailed press release was distributed targeting aviation and militaria interest magazines and websites. A more general interest release was distributed to the Staffordshire and Shropshire local and regional press, and the sale was extensively advertised. Great promotional photography helped generate considerable press interest ahead of the sale date.

SALE HIGHLIGHTS: An Aero L-29 Delfin Jet Trainer at £5250 and two Rolls-Royce Griffon Engines at £5000 and £7500, respectively.

THE SALE: Held on location at Retro Aviation’s rural Shropshire airfield, this sale required careful planning to overcome the lack of communications and facilities on site. A combination of preparation and teamwork helped ensure the auction ran smoothy on the day.

QUOTE: “I was really pleased with the way the auction was organised and promoted; everything ran smoothly on the day and the resulting sales have helped make space for my latest acquisitions. We’re now planning to hold another sale in 2010 and look forward to working with Ben and his team again.”
Richard Parr, Retro Aviation

For further details call Ben Gamble on 01785 714905 or email: bengamble@cuttlestones.co.uk