Welcome to GWRA Weblogs, all about Railwayana Collecting at GWRA Railwayana
| 23/01/12 from Webmaster |
The 'live venue' auction at Pershore will take place on the 19th May 2012 and we are now taking quality items for this sale. We already have a superb line-up and gradually details will appear on the next auction page.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best GWRA ~ On-Line Railway Auctions ~ Second to none GWRA ~ Simply The Best |
| 24/02/11 from Webmaster |
Many thanks to all those who particpated in the recent on-line auction.
The 'live venue' auction at Pershore is next of course and we are now taking quality items for this sale. We already have a superb line-up and gradually details will appear on the next auction page.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best GWRA ~ On-Line Railway Auctions ~ Second to none GWRA ~ Simply The Best |
| 06/09/10 from Webmaster |
The catalogue for the 13th November 2010 is now online and appears at the 'next auction' link from the main page. Of significant note is lot 204 being the Worksplate from Stanier 8F number 48188. This was the locomotive that was involved in the Chapel-en-le-Frith accident when Driver John Axom displayed the utmost bravery and ultimate sacrifice when he stayed with his stricken charge as it ran away down the Doves Hole incline and crashed into a freight train ahead. For his bravery, he was awarded the George Cross. It is indeed a real priveledge to auction such a significant and historic item.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best GWRA ~ On-Line Railway Auctions ~ Second to none GWRA ~ Simply The Best |
| 06/09/10 from Webmaster |
Well, Quorn Swap Meet yesterday turned out to be yet another resounding success for Bob Withers. Celebrating 25 years of this special railwayana car boot, we were all treated to a free ride to Leicester North and back. I defied all my principles and took the opportunity to ride behind an engine I used to moan at in disgust, ie a Deltic! How times have changed. Although I looked upon them as 'nails', the fading memories of A4s at Kings Cross, being rapidly ousted by such ugly beasts, is now pretty insignificant. Early traction of this nature was indeed part of my affection for steam and I did witness the introduction of just about all the 'greenies' from the beginning. My first visit of many to Tamworth wouldn't have been complete without seeing 10000 & 10001 or indeed 10201 & 10202. Then of course came DP2 which I saw perhaps too often! I really enjoyed the ride behind D9009 and on the outward journey, was sat in the second carriage with windows open - of course. Great sound I have to say and the driver gave us all plenty of moments of beefy acceleration, generally accompanied with profuse amounts of smoky exhaust. I must say that one deep rooted opinion will never change, diesel exhaust stinks, steam exhaust smells wonderful. The return journey was equally enjoyable as Paul Tilley and I exchanged interesting information on the vagaries of diesel nameplates and also discussed the flame-cut panel from Deltic 55014 THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON'S REGIMENT. The flamecut is in the 13th November auction at Pershore and the mystery at the moment is the significance of the small yellow triangle at the bottom of the data panel. Evidentally, only two Deltics carried this triangle. For those of you who are well into Deltics, we also have an original Deltic Drivers Seat in the auction. Imagine sat on that in your office whilst you play on your computer Deltic Simulator! I must offer a personal thanks to Bob Withers and his team. 25 years of Quorn as we know it, is no mean feat. Like many things, the majority merely accept that it will happen and just take it for granted. So, spare a thought and think for a moment of the void our hobby would encounter without it. Well done Bob, here's to the next 25 years (zimmer frames included for the next free train ride, just hope it isn't a preserved Pendolino!!)
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best GWRA ~ On-Line Railway Auctions ~ Second to none GWRA ~ Simply The Best |
| 21 May 2010 from Webmaster |
We look forward to, what promises to be another superb auction at Pershore this Saturday. Once again, friends, colleagues, acquantances, clients and fellow collectors will meet up, not to merely enjoy the opportunity to bid for that elusive treasure, but to mull over all things Railwayana and no doubt many other topics. One has to admit, Live Railwayana Auctions are more than just Railwayana Auctions.
Future auctions have some real gems, here's a selection of North Eastern Totems coming soon
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best |
| 16 Jan 2010 from Webmaster |
We are pleased to announce that we have secured the majority of the 'other side' Nameplates of the Class 86 locos sold in our May 2009 auction for the forthcoming May 2010 auction. Once again we are auctioning these on behalf of our chosen charity Railway Children The Nameplates are - CITY OF STOKE-ON-TRENT CITY OF LICHFIELD SANSPAREIL PHOENIX THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION COUNTY OF MERSEYSIDE PEBBLE MILL
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best |
| 10 Jan 2010 from Webmaster |
Here's hoping that all our clients, friends and colleagues had a really Merry Christmas and are looking forward to a most prosperous New Year. As we approach our first major 'live' event of 2010 in the merry month of May, we have an interim, on-line/telephone auction coming up in January, starting on the 26th and finishing between February 2nd and February 4th. More details soon. GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best |
| 17/11/09 from Webmaster |
Another magnificent auction this past Saturday and despite the atrocious weather battering this tiny island of ours, we still had a bumper turn-out of brave souls determined to enjoy the atmosphere and aura of a typical GWRA 'LIVE' auction. Simon the Gavel was in 6th gear and the Porters were in their usual mode providing the occassional, light-hearted moment amid the frenzy! Cream of the auction was the H1 Nameplate THE NEEDLES realising a hammer price of £14,000, a new World Record for this class. Also a new World Record, LNWR 'Experiment' Class Nameplate SANSPAREIL which sold for £12,500. Other probable records, The West Cornwall Railway Pass at £2,500 and the GWR Cod Bottle at £620 Hopefully everyone had a great day going home happy and satisfied. We are all looking forward to the next big event on 22nd May 2010 and also on a lesser scale, the on-line Supplementary auction at the end of January 2010. l GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best |
| 20/10/09 from Webmaster |
Catalogues should be posted today but whether we beat the Royal Mail strike or not is uncertain. At worst they should be dropping through letterboxes next week giving plenty of time to browse at leisure. Time to announce an on-line/telephone Supplementary Auction scheduled for January 2010. Initially planned as a small susidiary auction to dispose of a very nice collection of at least 25 lots x 20 original colour slides being sold with copyright. However, we now have a growing number of items and although the space is limited in terms of the number of lots, if you have anything to move at quite short notice, here's an opportunity. Look forward to seeing you all in a few weeks time at Pershore, be early to reserve your seat and enjoy the wonderful English Breakfast available in the canteen! l GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best |
| 3/9/09 from Webmaster |
Once again GWRA turn up something outstandingly special, here's the image, it speaks for itself. The details on C.P. Charlton are quite fascinating and a very important man of the time.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best Better than internet auctions because not only can you bid by exactly the same methods as those (email, telephone, fax) but you can also attend in person, you can't do that with internet auctions
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| 3/9/09 from Webmaster |
A while since any updates but a busy time of course with the next major auction looming. We are almost full and only have space left for top quality items. I've long been an advocate of extolling the historical importance of those little gems that come to light from time to time at GWRA. This item has just appeared, catalogue description unedited:- North Midland Railway Time Table For Passenger Trains April 6th 1842. An incredible survivor showing a two column table for Down Trains and Up Trains from London, Birmingham, Derby, Chesterfield, Masbro', Barnsley, Oakenshaw, Normanton, Leeds, Manchester, York, Hull and Darlington. Beneath is a three column table showing Fares for Passengers, Horses, Carriages etc. Signed H. Patterson, Secretary. The reverse shows a comprehensive Itinerary Of The North Midland Railway detailing mileage and points of interest at those mile points (note, this makes wonderful reading with allthe junctions and other, early railway companies mentioned!). Framed 13¼" x 11¼" with glazing both sides for clear visibility of the front and back of the item. The itenerary header sums up that the North Midland Railway extends from Leeds to Derby, 72¾ miles. First ground broken at Clay Cross Tunnel February 1837, opened from Derby to Masbro' May 11th 1840, opened throughout June 30th 1840. Engineers George & Robert Stephenson, resident Engineer Mr. Frederick Swanwick. Wonderful! GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best Better than internet auctions because not only can you bid by exactly the same methods as those (email, telephone, fax) but you can also attend in person, you can't do that with internet auctions
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23/07/09 from Webmaster |
Latest arrival is the English Electric Worksplate ex Deltic D9016 (55016) GORDON HIGHLANDER. There is an image now on the 'next auction' page. We also have a small but significant collection of Insurance Company Signs, some solid bronze, others enamel. The significance of this collection is that most, if not all of the companies represented, are now confined to the history books. Much of this material may well be 'one off' so a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of British heritage. The Sun Alliance 'Sun' shown here is an example of the art deco nature of some signs (click it to see other images of some of the signs)
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best Better than internet auctions because not only can you bid by exactly the same methods as those (email, telephone, fax) but you can also attend in person, you can't do that with internet auctions
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08/06/09 from Webmaster |
We are thrilled to announce that we raised £19,750 for our Chosen Charity 'Railway Children' and can reveal that we have 8 further Class 86 nameplates in the forthcoming November 2009 auction. These are CITY OF LANCASTER + the three carried Plaques - HARDWICKE - METEOR - JOSIAH WEDGWOOD - NORWICH UNION + Plaque - PRESTON GUILD 1328-1992 - THE BIRMINGHAM POST - EUROPEAN COMMUNITY We also have THE SHAMROCK Headboard, a number of Totems including a virtually mint TEMPLECOMBE; a number of Targets to include a virtually mint BROADSTONE and an extremely good POOLE; a quantity of GWR Cabsides and a number of interesting Signalling Instruments and Tokens to name but a few. The auction is already filling so don't delay, contact us now to discuss how we can maximise your return for your treasures. Despite all the lucrative offers on Main Line Nameplate commission and misleading comparisons on some other sites about our commission rates, talk to us and you will be surprised what we can offer you.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best Better than internet auctions because not only can you bid by exactly the same methods as those (email, telephone, fax) but you can also attend in person, you can't do that with internet auctions
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03/05/09 from Webmaster |
Please note the following amendments have been made to the on-line catalogue Lot 367 has been replaced and is now the following:- Southern Railway enamel Target Sign BATTLE. Ex SECR station between Tunbridge Wells and Hastings. Opened on the 1st January 1852 being built in fine, Gothic style. Now a Grade II listed building being considered the finest small station of this style in the country. Good, ex lineside condition. Lot 198 should read Crewe 1959
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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20/3/09 from Webmaster |
Taking a short respite having just about finalised the catalogue for the 16th May auction, I have had the privilege to glance through the proof copy of what can only be described as the most stunning book ever on the subject of Railway Posters. Release is planned for later this summer and advance orders are highly recommended. Railway Posters are an art unto themselves and there is no doubt that this book, the first of many volumes, is itself a stand-alone work of art. Take a look by clicking the link below
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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06/03/09 from Webmaster |
GWRA are delighted to announce that our Chosen Charity is RAILWAY CHILDREN and you will see the new link on our home page. In a nutshell, the aim of RAILWAY CHILDREN is 'The relief of children and young persons under 25 years of age who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress, anywhere in the world and in particular those who are living on the streets’ Please take a little time out to navigate through their website to learn of the wonderful work they are doing around the world and how you might be able to help in some way. More information soon
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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24/01/09 from Webmaster |
Without doubt one of the most significant finds in recent years has arrived at the desk of GWRA. From Worcester, an original GWR / Oxford Worcester & Wolverhampton Railway Silver Pass. Attached to a chain with an original GWR wooden whistle, a later GWR brass Thunderer whistle and a original GWR St. Johns Ambulance silver badge, this amazing lot belonged to a Thomas Williams who undoubtedly was a respected official of the OW&WR when the GWR took over the company. It is probable that the pass is actually an early GWR example, certainly issued around the time of absorption of the OW&WR and shows the company to which Thomas Williams was an employee at the time.
Images of the first Diesel Nameplates, Warship Classes COSSACK and VANGUARD are now on the next auction page and this week, lotting of the first raft of Posters take place.
Additionally, a desirable brass and steel Tablet arrived this morning in the shape of DRAYTON - LENWADE, a scarce M&GN section around the Melton Constable area. We are expecting a substantial signalling selection in the coming auction so keep watching
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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13/01/09 from Webmaster |
With the railwayana year set to 'kick off', GWRA are now stepping up a gear after the Christmas break, to bring you another exciting raft of railway collectable auctions in 2009. Our first nameplates arrive later this week and the catalogue is now under way. Almost as I type, I am currently researching a number of posters and only yesterday, an interesting little Oxford Worcester & Wolverhampton Railway artefact was delivered. Although the forthcoming auction seems a while away, the snowdrops, daffodils and tulips are showing and Easter Eggs are in the shops, this in itself a timely reminder to dig out those excess items and get in touch with us.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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01/11/08 from Webmaster |
Unfortunately, one of the Vendors has decided to retain his collection of shedplates entered in the 15th November auction and as a result we have had to withdraw them. Although disappointing for ourselves and prospective bidders, we have to accept decisions of this nature regardless of the proximity of the auction. The on-line catalogue will be amended accordingly, sadly the hard copies have already been posted out. On a positive note, we are now nearer our normal quantity of lots so, provided our auctioneer Simon is on form, we should finish the auction around normal time. Looking forward to seeing old friends and new customers alike in a fortnight.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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15/10/08 from Webmaster |
The Catalogue in Word format, with clickable thumbnails, is now online.
If you are unable to make the auction, feel free to bid from hereon via email or telephone....enjoy!
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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13/10/08 from Webmaster |
The full catalogue is now on-line in pdf format for those who wish to download or just peruse. Everyone has a full 35 days to enjoy and digest but feel free to place bids via email or phone at your leisure. The full Word format catalogue, with thumbnails/full images will be on-line soon
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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22/09/08 from Webmaster |
Catalogue
description of the Peak Nameplate coming up for sale in the 15th November
Auction.
Nameplate ROYAL INNISKILLING FUSILIER and Crest. Ex British Railways Type 4 Co-Co Class 45, originally numbered D 63, later 45044. Built BR Crewe in March 1962 and allocated new to Derby. Named in September 1965 without ceremony. Withdrawn from Tinsley in June 1987 and cut up at MC Processors in November 1988. A magnificent, cast alloy 54" long plate with everything from name, cast alloy crest measuring 12½" in diameter and backboard totally original and ex loco condition. Note: The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers was an Irish infantry regiment of the British Army, formed in 1881 by the amalgamation of the 27th (Inniskilling) Regiment of Foot and the 108th Regiment of Foot (Madras Infantry). It saw service in the South African War, the First World War and the Second World War, before being amalgamated into the Royal Irish Rangers in 1968.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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12/09/08 from Webmaster |
Time has moved on and the auction is full unless there are any special items still lurking in those lofts!
Latest additions include The Bobby and Thorpe Marsh Power Station Diesel Nameplates and a wonderful selection of the smaller, yet most significant artefacts from our railway past. I am now in the process of collating the totem information and will be updating the 'next auction' page in due course. We do have some very special ones for you totem collectors!
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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14/8/08 from Webmaster |
GWRA will be in Glasgow and Edinburgh on the 30th August picking up items for the auction so if you live in this area and have anything of quality you wish to enter into the November auction, we still have a small number of spaces reserved for our Scottish clients. Drop me a line and I will arrange collection. Meanwhile, it's back to lotting up a rather large box of early, Photochrom GWR Carriage Prints and some rather desirable enamel advertising signs.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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8/8/08 from Webmaster |
Things are hotting up in readiness for the November auction. No doubt you would already have seen the wonderful worksplate collection on the Next Auction page. Some of these are as rare as the 'proverbial' but what about GT3!! I remember seeing GT3 at Rugby and I know I was quite intrigued by its sheer brilliance in design, it looked so like a loco....... and only if. Sadly it was doomed so quickly because of the policy BR had already adopted before it was even completed, ie to pursue diesel and electric traction with some vigour, the early 60's consequencies of which we all know only too well. A quick search on Google will present you with a number of websites dedicated to this loco. If you don't know much about it, take a look and relish. Some of the quality photographs, particularly the one on the English Electric site, show the worksplate in all its glory. It is interesting to know that although EE gave it a works number, it never did carry the standard EE numbered worksplate such as those on Class 37s etc. So, a unique item without doubt and only something you will find at GWRA. You may well comment that our Next Auction page really does need updating with more images, especially Totems but for once we are keping our powder dry, for the time being at least. We have some real gems lined up so keep watching! But, moving back to modern traction for a moment, we are pleased to announce the inclusion of the original crest from 47500 GREAT WESTERN, another coup for GWRA. Also, there are at least 2 more, modern traction plates still to come, one just might be an oddity in itself and with a number of mundane plates circulating at present, GWRA may well turn up something a bit special. A North Staffs Boxboard in the shape of Berry Hill has recently arrived, in original yucky green paint!. Although damaged, what a find, lurking in a barn for almost a lifetime. Now, we have a superb collection of Enamel Advertising Signs and as we prepare to take a firm market lead in these, and Posters of course, we welcome both into the forthcoming auction to rub shoulders with those already entered. Finally, a couple of very 'tasty' LNER Lincolnshire Seatbacks arrived today, Donington Road and Gosberton. The gems keep pouring in!
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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18/7/08 from Webmaster |
Now here's an interesting artefact that came today with Castle Class Smokebox Numberplate 4095, ex HARLECH CASTLE.
It is the original receipt from British Railways detailing the request by the purchaser to buy Smokebox Numberplate 4099, ex KILGERRAN CASTLE............. "I regret to inform you that this plate was damaged whilst being removed from the locomotive but I can offer you a similar plate removed from the locomotive 4095" This begs the question as to whether 4099 plate survived with a repair, or was simply tossed in the melting pot.
. GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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10/7/08 from Webmaster |
Those keeping an eye on the Next Auction page will have seen the stunning collection of Worksplates lined up for November. There are more to come but these rarities are second to none. Browsing through the Keith Buckle/David Love Builders' Plates Book demonstrates just how rare some of these plates really are. For instance, the KERR STUART & CO LD (instead of LTD) doesn't have an actual photograph, just a sketch. Likewise, the Brush Electrical Falcon Engine & Car Works only has a printed representation. Even more interestingly, the Hughes Locomotive & Tramway ( a forerunner of the Brush Falcon) isn't even represented at all! . GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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22/05/08 from Webmaster |
Newest entry for the November auction is a Class 52 'Western' Nameplate & Matching Cabside, not to mention a number of extremely interesting items. Images are currently being prepared for uploading to the next auction page
If you want your railwayana in the November auction, don't hesitate to contact the Experts - GWRA
. GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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17/05/08 from Webmaster |
A quick look at the results will show that a few more items have now sold. Don't be afraid to make an offer on the other Not Solds, most Vendors are flexible and you'll never know unless you ask.
. GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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11/05/08 from Webmaster |
Well, what a resounding success the auction was yesterday. With the economy suffering uncertain times, railwayana still shines through. With approximately 400 attendees, prices were bouyant, the Porters were well on form and everyone enjoyed the social aspect of the event, a perfect demonstration of how precious the live auction really is. Results are already published, we don't hang around I'm proud to say. We are now taking items for the 15th November auction and guarantee your items of note will appear on our website. In doing so, we assure maximum exposure time for Vendor items and maximum exposure time for Buyers to appreciate what they have available. . GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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08/04/08 from Webmaster |
The catalogue for the 10th May Railwayana Auction has now gone to the printers and I am currently working on the webcat, with images, to present on our website. Meanwhile, I have uploaded the pdf version so click here if you are able to view.
. GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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26/02/08 from Webmaster |
Although we will always be known as GWRA (or even Pershore Auctions to many), we are currently undergoing a small re-branding exercise as some may have noticed from our main web page. We are now G.W. Railwayana Auctions Ltd, less of a mouthful than before but still retaining our identity, logo and substance as before. Our success has driven us forward with haste and we are now in the final stages of VAT registration. This will mean that our commission for both Vendors and Buyers will be subject to VAT being added and will commence with our next auction on 10th May 2008. With the forthcoming catalogue almost complete, we are no longer accepting items for the May sale, unless it is something outstanding that can be wedged into a suitable position before final printing. . GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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26/02/08 from Webmaster |
More 'goodies' now arrived including GWR C/I boxboard HEATHFIELD SIGNAL BOX and LMS Boxboard BOURNVILLE. The latter sits quite nicely with the Bournville Totem and Bournville Direction Sign. Most would have spotted the Goytre Wharf GWR cast iron sign by now. Personally, I think this is the best GWR sign ever and certainly the only opportunity ever to acquire it. What isn't on the next auction page yet is another excellent cast iron sign in the shape of a Rhymney Railway C/I, Bi Lingual Trespass Sign....what another rarity GWRA have unearthed! The auction is now all but full but we would find space for your quality items enabling them to sit shoulder to shoulder with the delightful selection we already have on offer. We will be at Quorn this coming Sunday so you can meet either Simon or myself. . GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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11/02/08 from Webmaster |
Pace is hotting up for the May auction now that dreary old January is behind us. Looking through the office window looks like a summers day except the daffodils are in bud and the beech hedging has dried brown leaves clinging to otherwise bare branches. Treasures today includes an A4 chime whistle and an A3 whistle, not to mention a Class 47 Nameplate and a Castle Smokebox Numberplate. Also a variety of other goodies, not least three BR Direction Signs, all to be photographed soon. More totems arrive tomorrow and a couple of collections with substantial items along with multiple Key Tokens, some quite rare, in the next 2 -3 weeks. So, time is getting short so contact us now should you wish to get your items in this sale. . GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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10/12/07 from Webmaster |
Time has certainly flown since the auction on the 24th and organising the aftermath has taken up most of the time, hence little on the blogs. Having had a couple of weeks to get over the sheer elation at such a magnificent day, I have to confess, I still retain all the excitement and pleasure enjoyed throughout that day and, courtesy of your good selves, am absolutely delighted having received the wonderful accolades bestowed upon us. I have to say a big, big thank you to all those who have taken time to write, email and speak personally to congratulate us on, some even say, the best railwayana auction they have ever attended, not just at Pershore, but anywhere. Not only did we have a magnificent array of items, but also the professionalism, organisation, cash desk facility run by Karen and her team, slick auctioneering from Simon, canteen facility, quality of food, extended public address system and last but by no means least, the jovial, friendly team of porters and staff. I’ll add my own accolade to you, the public, clients and friends who attended and became an integral part of the proceedings to make it a most memorable day.
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. GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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24/10/07 from Webmaster |
For the model enthusiasts, we have a selection of 0 Gauge scratch built locos in our sale next May. There are no models in the forthcoming auction with the exception of the early, clockwork layout with rolling stock and of course the two 5" Gauge 'live steam' locos. Whilst on the subject of models, the Cotswold Model Railway Show is taking place at Thomas Keble School, Eastcombe near Stroud on Saturday 10th November 10am - 5pm and also Sunday 11th November 2007 10am - 4pm. For more information visit www.phoenixmrcglos.co.uk/cmrs Keep watching for more updates, meanwhile, happy collecting.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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19/10/07 from Webmaster |
The catalogue is now at the printers but for those fortunate enough to be reading this, just got to the next auction page and follow the catalogue link. Happy reading, hope you can make Pershore on the 24th November. Don't forget we have catering second to none, ample, convenient parking and railwayana to suit all pockets.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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17/10/07 from Webmaster |
With the catalogue now complete and awaiting the off to the printers, we can reveal that a number of foreign worksplates have been listed within. We know that in the past, collectors of such are more prolific than one might imagine. No surprise because the majority were British built and the plates we have are Beyer Peacock (ex Bengal & Assam Railways 4-6-0 RS Class) North British Railways (ex Nigerian Railways River Class Loco); Vulcan Foundry (qty 2 ex Nigerian Railways and ex Ghana Railways); Henschel (ex Malawi Railways) Items for the May 2008 auction are already coming in and we have some wonderful entries to be announced soon Keep watching for more updates, meanwhile, happy collecting.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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09/10/07 from Webmaster |
Well, the very special item has been collected and yet another stunning find to add to the forthcoming November auction. For the clock collectors we have a GWR & RR Joint Fusee in absolutely original condition with the ghost lettering 'GWR & RR Cos, Spiridion, Cardiff' visible. As far as we know, one has never been on the market before, in fact, this is the first one even known. GWRA certainly bring you the rarities in style! Keep watching for more updates, meanwhile, happy collecting.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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09/10/07 from Webmaster |
A number of notable late arrivals for the 24 November auction are certainly causing a 'stir' amongst collectors. The Nameplates speak for themselves of course and thank you to all those who have taken time to email me to comment on such a marvellous array. Like many, we too believe this to be the best selection to appear at any single railway auction ever. The GER brass Fireman's Helmet and Fire Brigade Armband are absolute stunners and apparently, no-one has ever seen either of these before. Tim Petchey of Winchcombe Railway Museum has an NER Helmet in the collection but neither of these. Personally, I think the helmet is one of the best items of railwayana I have seen and the appeal will be broad. One of the boiler plaques from Gresley A4 Pacific 60024 KINGFISHER is also in the sale and this is a wonderful addition. The two plaques fitted by British Railways were presented by the Royal Navy when HMS Kingfisher was decommissioned. BR even utilised the original back board because having removed the frame for close inspection, the stamping 'Top Starboard' is clearly visible. RSC Miniature Staffs are always sought after and we have a real treat in store for North Staffs Railway enthusiasts with no less than 3 examples LEEKBROOK JUNC - CALDON KIDSGROVE JUNCTION - GOLDENHILL HASSAL GREEN -LAWTON STN Also, a GNR Signal Lamp brass plated INGESTRE. Not NSR but the company crossed the far outpost of the GNR Stafford to Uttoxeter line at Ingestre, so pretty special. Whilst on the subject of Single Line Staffs etc., a most unusual, wooden staff with end key and brass plate DUNSTER - MINEHEAD BAY LINE is also in the auction and also a steel staff brass plated BOSCARNE JUNC - BODMIN TOWN. Together with a substantial array of Cornish alloy key tokens and a few others from different areas, in addition to the Gangers and Annetts Keys, the pair of Lynton & Barnstaple Tablets will have plenty of quality company throughout the sale. Whilst we wait for one more very special item to be collected, the catalogue hovers in anticipation, complete and ready for proofing with this one exception. Keep watching for more updates, meanwhile, happy collecting.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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27/09/07 from Webmaster |
With press release going out today, we can now divulge that we will be auctioning 8 main line nameplates in the November auction of railwayana. Images will appear later this afternoon so keep a watchful eye on the next auction page throughout this evening Keep watching for more updates, meanwhile, happy collecting.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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24/09/07 from Webmaster |
It's been pretty hectic over the last few weeks with a wonderful array of very 'tasty' items coming in for the November auction. These include a nice Whistle collection to include a Hull & Barnsley Railway cylindrical Guards Whistle, TVR, RR, L&YR cylindrical and a L&YR Button Whistle, Met & District PW, Met Rly etc. Big Whistles include a Merchant Navy Bulleid Whistle ex Brocklebank Line. A gorgeous L&YR cut-glass Decanter, NER crested Chamber Pot and an LNER Minton example A large array of single line Key Tokens/ Tablets / Staffs, LSWR Lamps and Cash Bags from Devon & Cornwall Silverplate to include a Midland Railway 'Filligree' Cover, stunning LNER Tureen with ornate lid, ornate LNWR Water Jug. More Posters to be listed soon. We have very limited space left so closing for entries will be end of this week for items requiring prominent images. Keep watching for more updates, meanwhile, happy collecting.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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04/09/07 from Webmaster |
As you can see, the on-line auction of Totems has commenced and a couple more have been added since start. Also a couple of other items not even remotely connected with totems! I'm quite happy to add anything else provided it is suitable but the main thrust is totems. You may also have noticed that I have spread the 'lot end' time. A sensible decision to allow last minute telephone bidding if so desired, without being caught out by everyone trying to contact me at the same time. I've been asked by a couple of customers whether the totems for the November sale appear now in the on-line auction. Simply not, we just haven't published those for the live November sale just yet. Keep watching for more updates, meanwhile, happy collecting.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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29/08/07 from Webmaster |
If you haven't noticed the poster images on the 'next auction' page, take a look now and click the thumbnails for larger images. The Quad Royal at the top is quite stunning and exceedingly rare. Only one has ever been publicly auctioned previously as far as we know. It has everything the seaside poster should have: sun, sand, sea, children, families, bathing beauty, ships and even seagulls....perfect. The second continues with the bathing beauty theme and again is quite stunning and the third concentrates on the family scene. More poster images soon including a delightful Bournemouth by Pines Express. Another mainline Nameplate and Cabside has been entered, early GWR Hall Class 4978 WESTWOOD HALL, not seen previously and in superb condition with original splasher paintwork, stamped on rear including 'R' for right hand plate. Cabside is stamped with usual, early GWR notation. Keep watching for more updates, meanwhile, happy collecting.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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23/08/07 from Webmaster |
Good news for web watchers and railwayana collectors alike. By specific request, a couple of Estate Collections of Totems are to be auctioned on-line by GWRA. The auction will commence on Monday 3rd September and end on Monday 1st October and will appear with all lots photographed, on our main website, www.gwra.co.uk. At present there are 14 quite stunning Totems, some exceptionally rare, to be listed. All will carry an undisclosed reserve and anyone registered with GWRA will be able to bid by email or telephone. Anyone not already registerd with us, can do so via the same medium. Contact us if you are unsure whether you are registered or not. If you have any surplus Totems or indeed anything else of a similar nature that you would like to add to this auction, up to Monday 15th September (the auction will roll-on until close) GWRA will only charge Vendors 5%. If you deliver them to us at Quorn, we will ensure inclusion on the start date. No details will be disclosed until start but as a taster, there will be a STOCKTON and a DARLINGTON If,
on the other hand you prefer to place your items in the 'live sale'
on 24th November, we still have spaces but they are very limited. Keep watching for more updates, meanwhile, happy collecting.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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07/08/07 from Webmaster |
It never ceases to amaze me when I open up deliveries that turn up almost out of the blue. Take today for instance. Three parcels arrive and I sift through the contents to find a number of gems lurking between books, maps and ledgers (some very tasty as you will find out) and there I find this stunner
Yes, it's a GWR brass Cashbag plate. Is it special then?.........is it ever! Anyone ever seen anything from Preston Halt before? Unless I'm corrected, not even a photograph exists, although I'm sure someone will find one now, I hope. On July 24th 1911 a new halt was opened behind Preston Sands, situated between Torquay and Paignton. Known as "Preston Platform", it was used only until the outbreak of the 1914-18 War, closing on September 21st 1914. Obviously the engraver was told to make it Halt rather than Platform. An
incredible survivor indeed. Keep watching for more updates, meanwhile, happy collecting.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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02/08/07 from Webmaster |
Just in case you haven't looked on the 'next auction' page yet, a wonderful collection of Shedplates have now arrived and I have listed them, along with the others already in. You will see that there are a number of great rarities with some never having been at auction before and a number only once or twice at auction before. In truth, there are very few Shedplates left now that have never been out so with the huge upsurge in interest in this field, GWRA are extremely pleased to be able to offer such a wonderful variety. We have capped Shedplates for the November 2007 auction now, unless of course you have a real gem or two to rub shoulders with these. Grange Cabside 6854 Roundhill Grange is the latest loco item to arrive. We notice that this hasn't been on the market before but one nameplate has been sold previously and also the smokebox numberplate Keep watching for more updates, meanwhile, happy collecting.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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24/07/07 from Webmaster |
Many of you will know of the disaster to hit Gloucestershire & Worcestershire over the past few days and of the awful state of Tewkesbury at the present time. Like virtually the whole of Gloucestershire, we are without water but we are safe and have electricity. To say we have been lucky and not suffered directly from flood water is an understatement, unlike the countless thousands of householders and businesses around the area. Our hearts go out to them and hope that the weather will now be kind and at least give everyone a breather for the mop-up operation. Life carries on and a cheer this morning was the Railway Antiques Gazette dropping through the letterbox. Definitely worth a mention for those who don't know, they have taken a quite unprecedented decision and stepped into the 21st century and opened a website! Apparently in its infancy, we can all look forward to Tim and Lindsay becoming web-wizards and gradually improving the content and substance in due course. Whoever would have thought!! The address for the RAG website is Like Tim in the editorial of RAG, we too would like to wish Bob & Joyce Smith the very best in their 'retirement' although we're sure to see them in the future. Personally, I can only reiterate Tims comments that these are two of the nicest people one is ever likely to meet, "the perfect gentleman and the perfect lady, a breed apart in today's society'. Still plenty of spaces left in the November auction so don't laze around he garden in the basking sunshine of this wonderful summer, dig out those artefacts in the shed or hiding the ripped wallpaper, it's time you decorated and thinned!
Keep watching for more updates, meanwhile, happy collecting.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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16/07/07 from Webmaster |
Having just picked up a couple of very nice collections, I thought I would pop an image of a very special, local item here on the blogs
Several Totems and Targets have come in too including a very rare BR(M) CASTLE BROMWICH. Only once at auction previously, at Bitton in the formative years of railwayana
Keep watching for more updates, meanwhile, happy collecting.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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06/07/07 from Webmaster |
Time to start the whetting of appetites and to remind everyone that now the last auction is well out of the way, GWRA are now taking items for the November auction. Latest arrival of considerable note is Castle Class Locomotive Nameplate & Cabside (to be sold as one lot) from 7036 TAUNTON CASTLE. The image is on the next auction page. These plates are new to the market having been in the vendors possession since purchase from Swindon Stores. Both are ex loco and quite magnificent. Smokebox Numberplate 62733, ex D49 'Shire' Class NORTHUMBERLAND. Has been in the vendors possession since the year it was removed. Believed to be only the second 'Shire' Smokebox to have come to auction
Keep watching for more updates, meanwhile, happy collecting.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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17/05/07 from Webmaster |
2008 Major Railwayana Auction dates for your diary.
Now that we know the FA Cup Final date we can safely avoid a clash and settle for the 10th May. Also, Saturday 15th November avoiding Guy Fawkes of course!
Keep watching for more updates, meanwhile, happy collecting.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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15/05/07 from Webmaster |
Well, another auction over and work has started in earnest, lotting up for the November one. Get in touch once you have sorted your items, the sooner we get them the sooner they will be advertised on our website. Some real 'tasties' are already in our possession and details will appear soon. Incidentally, I want to completely scotch the silly little rumour emanating from Yorkshire by silly little people, that the auction just gone is the last at Pershore. The sad few in the railway collecting world (and they really do know themselves who they are) will eventually go away. Won't it be a better place once they have!! GWRA are permanently here and riding higher than ever, totally independant and raring to go onwards and forwards, make no mistake. Some great results from Saturday. The Hall making £6,900 puts it top of the league for some time bearing in mind it was just the nameplate, the previous to go to market only a few weeks ago was a full set, nameplate - cabside - smokebox and they only reached £7,200. Having two strong bidders making the difference of course. The Somerset & Dorset Guards Whistle at £500 was quite stunning and will no doubt considerably enhance someones whistle collection. The GWR Button Whistle also did well at £210 and the North Staffs at £150. Just shows that even in small items, gems are still out there. Enamel signs, be they Totems or general signs, still show that quality counts and this was clearly demonstrated by the Leamington Spa General Totem reaching the dizzy height of £7,100 and the superb Severn Tunnel Junction Direction Sign making a mammoth £2,800. I have to say that the latter is the best Direction Sign I have ever seen and the Buyer will be well pleased. Frank Mason, born in Durham (which is not in Yorkshire so apologies to Geordies for the catalogue gremlin!) is one of the better Railway Artists and actually my own favourite. The two watercolours were stunning and the price tag of £2,000 each was no surprise. Normal, maritime paintings by Mason, not associated with the railway, sell for half to three quarters this value so the added poster association made all the difference. Rare shedplates continue to break the four figure mark and three such examples did precisely that. I think that just might be a record, three in one auction. 84D, Leamington came out top with £1,500 closely followed by 75F at £1250 and 60C at £1050. Lynton & Barnstaple Tablets are still quite strong selling for between £2,000 and £2,500. The 3½" Live Steam loco was hotly contested and reached a healthy £3,600. Just shows that GWRA can achieve excellence even slightly outside the box. Live Steam welcome for future auctions, looks like we can outdo even the specialist auctions in this field!! Keep watching for more updates, meanwhile, happy collecting.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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13/05/07 from Webmaster |
Some comments recieved Sunday morning....already!!!
from Milkman.............Really have to let you know what a wonderful day we had yesterday at your railway auction.It was slick, professional and the items you had were outstanding. Where you hold your auctions is perfect although the building work was a bit unexpected but the alternate entrance was quite well signposted. Full marks, we look forward to coming again in November and hope we can go away with some nice items once again. from DH................Many Thanks for an excellent day yesterday! from JB.............. Good auction yesterday, well done!! from JR...............Superb auction, superb catering from T..............Wonderful atmosphere, friendly people, relaxed yet professional. Not the pressure, hustle & bustle of others. Well pleased with the excellent results you achieved for my items, more of mine for November, thank you so much from
G.....................Just seen the auction results.
From Webmaster..... It's so refreshing to hear these comments. We did have a super day yesterday and the results were quite staggering. We already have some wonderful items entered for November, including some extremely desirable West Country 'tasties'. We are of course taking items for November from now on. On a more sombre note, feedback from our ever growing clientele is increasing regarding conversations, tactics and quips at our auctions made by unsavoury persons from "other concerns". We only allow approved Trader stalls, the Railway Antiques Gazette and Solent Railwayana to advertise their business on our premises. Anyone else doing so is in contravention of our regulations and we will not hesitate to bar such individuals from this coming November onwards. We ask our customers to let us know if you were approached by anyone touting their business in an unsolicited manner on our premises. Please treat such instances as junk email and spam, it only warrants deleting.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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12/05/07 from Web Master |
Results from todays auction are published in pdf format here (click link)
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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08/05/07 from Web Master |
Catalogue amendments noticed Lot
135 is in fact 3½" gauge and nothing like 2¼"
as stated Lots 200 and 201 images are shown the wrong way around in the hard copy catalogue
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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27/04/07 from Web Master |
Catalogues should be dropping on doormats this morning if they haven't already arrived. We hope there is something for everyone within and look forward to seeing you all at Pershore in just over two weeks time. We will be at Stoneleigh tomorrow and will take tems for the November auction.
GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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12/04/07 from Web Master |
The catalogue for the forthcoming Railwayana Auction is now complete and will be off to the printers this week. I have uploaded in pdf format, including the Supplementary catalogue and the link is here We are accepting email and postal/telephone bids from now The
normal web catalogue, with images will appear soon. GWRA ~ Live Railway Auctions at Pershore ~ At their best
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31/03/07 from Web Master |
With closing date for entries to the forthcoming 12th May auction set for this coming Friday 6th April, a reminder that we now only have space for quality items as the auction is all but full. We are taking items for the November auction but if you wish to deliver to Pershore on the 12th May, please contact us first. If you aren't aware, the upcoming auction has a wonderful signalling collection of Alloy Key Tokens and no less than 3 Lynton & Barnstaple steel and brass tablets from different sections. Additionally, an extremely interesting array of items from Mode Works on the Manchester Ship Canal including the two nameplates Arundel Castle and Alnwick Castle, qty 3 MSC Steam Cabsides (one slightly damaged by a wartime bomb) and a plethora of Hudswell Clarke Worksplates. Also a wonderful, full size Sentinel Sword Emblem and a selection of Registartion Plates to match the Worksplates. The Ephemera catalogue will be sent with the main catalogue. Unfortunately, we will not be able to display the Ephemera items at Pershore so we have extended the closing date so that additional telephone enquiries and possible private viewing can take place. This is of course similar to standard telephone auctions but we are currently adhering to pre signed cheque/bid submissions for the Ephemera only. Within
the Ephemera auction there is a substantial amount of Ticket lots together
with Luggage Labels, Official Booklets and Pamphlets and other paperwork
items of interest totally around 450 Lots.
GWRA
~ Live Railway Auctions at their best |
19/02/07 from Web Master |
Apologies for the lack of input to the Blogs recently, have been extremely busy with 3 catalogues currently on the go. However, a bit of a short cut to something I found extremely amusing, with considerable 'modern image' appeal. I am a self confessed fan of Clive James and this article, link to the BBC website, tickled me crimson lake! http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6368477.stm 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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09/02/07 from Web Master |
Unfortunately, more items have been reported stolen from the National Railway Museum 1. Enamel station name Eskdale Mines 2. Brass nameplate from the 1979 Replica Rocket 3. Two Steam
Locomotive Models: Gauge 1 Aster live steam model Southern Railway “Schools
Class” 4-4-0 “Winchester” Green Livery and Gauge 1
Bowman London and North Eastern Railway 0-4-0T No 300 Green Livery GWRA
reiterate that artefacts at the NRM belong to The Nation. It won't be
difficult to recognise these items so please, everyone be vigilant and
should any surface, let the NRM know immediately or indeed, ring your
local police. 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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03/01/07 from Web Master |
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS WORLDWIDE AND ALL WHO BROWSE OUR WEBSITE It is a great pity we have to start the New Year with the report of a theft from the National Railway Museum that took place during the Christmas break. The numberplate from 'COPPERNOB' was taken. It is oval brass with black painted background, lettered Furness Railway 3. Artefacts
at the NRM belong to The Nation
and we would all like this historic plate returned. It won't be difficult
to recognise so please, everyone be vigilant and should it surface,
let the NRM know immediately or indeed, ring your local police. 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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29/12/06 from Web Master |
Here's hoping everyone had a very Merry Christmas as we did, now it's back to business as usual. Most significant occurence to report is the arrival of a PENZANCE totem, along with a very nice HERNE BAY. Only one Penzance has ever been on the market before and that was almost 4 years ago. I did say it was time to get those totem treasures to GWRA to rub shoulders with Leamington Spa General and we are so pleased to be able to offer one of the top Western Region examples ever. Did you know that another treasure is in the 'wings' too!!
'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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14/12/06 from Web Master |
I promised more spotter jottings to give some light relief from the auction bustle and I'm delighted to have received the following from LAS. Hope you enjoy reading as much as I did. I'm keen to encourage contributors because it is memories such as these that we all really ought share. The vast majority of railwayana collectors were enthusiasts in their youth and the foundations of what we see and have today, were cemented in those far off, halcyon days when the sun shone forever and trains were trains. FROM LAS I was
impressed by the descriptions in your recent BLOG of living by the
It brought
back many memories of my own but what made me most envious was
My desire
to visit more exotic places was because although that I too grew
To be
fair, my Mum had taken me to stay with my great Aunt in Ascot when I
So when
did I get my opportunity to visit the West Coast main line? Well I
The first
visit was on a summer Saturday, when Lancaster was a busy station.
After
much negotiation and no doubt manipulation and pleading on my part,
my
'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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03/12/06 from Web Master |
Just received a parcel of 'goodies' from client in Spain and amongst the items, buried deep inside was this,
click the image for high quality We are already on the trail of, amongst everything else, top quality totems and they don't come better than this little rarity. Never on the market before and sought after by so many, this treasure is destined for the May 2007 railwayana auction. If you want your special totem to rub shoulders with the likes of Leamington Spa General, then don't delay. Get in touch with us now and we guarantee maximum exposure straight away, no painful waiting for catalogues to drop on doormats. GWRA act instantly to maximise the potential of every piece of quality railwayana entered into our sales. We mean what we say when we say 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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03/12/06 from Web Master |
I will be delivering many items for successful GWRA buyers to Sheffield this coming Saturday. I can collect items for the next auction at the same time but please contact me beforehand to discuss 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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29/11/06 from Web Master |
Postal and telephone bidders are reminded that we are now in a position to accept all major credit and debit cards
Unsold Lots appear on the last auction page as blanks in the cost column. These are available on a first come, first served basis at reserve. Offers below reserve will be passed to the vendor for consideration. Note the new GWRA number for Simon: 01386 765660 We have decided to issue a confidentiality statement to demonstrate the way forward and reassure our clients both current and future, that they can have utmost confidence in our ability to act on their behalf in a purely professional manner. Our mission has always been to fulfill their needs in the best possible manner based on the secure reputation we have built over many years. The link is on our home page for all to see. 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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28/11/06 from Web Master |
We are of course now taking items for the next May auction of railwayana. With this, there will be a supplementary ephemera and small item auction running in parallel. So, don't confine your entries to hardware, look out those those old bits of paper/tickets/booklets/buttons.badges/passes etc and if you have something special that you think worthy of inclusion, call me for a chat. I've added a couple of lines extra on the home page warning of misleading tactics by some Dealers. The warnings are more pertinent in view of unfortunate, pointed feedback received by us at Pershore on Saturday. GWRA Clients, both Sellers and Buyers are of paramount importance to us and we believe such antics wholly detrimental to the interests of everyone. Perpetrators are becoming rather tiresome and most certainly annoying. They will, in future, be publically excluded. 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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28/11/06 from Web Master |
Whew, auction over until the next one and what a day yesterday was! We had a record attendance by quite a margin and it was wonderfully refreshing to see so many new faces helping along new world records and some incredible prices that have pushed us further and further ahead of many competitors. Results are published already (E&OE) and there are some amazing results within. Star of the show was the A3 nameplate CORONACH which climbed to an astonishing £23,000 (£25,300 including Buyers Premium)) far outstripping the existing record for the class which stood at a mere £20,050. No surprise though, being arguably one of the best names and possibly most distinguished of locos of all the A3's with its Waverley connection. This undoubtedly had a huge bearing on the interest. We are sure this attracted a number of fresh bidders as well as some established collectors and it was vigorously fought over to the end. Another star, second only to the nameplate but of significant, historical importance, was the Great Western Railway Worksplate. Quality counts when it comes to railwayana and this was one of the best items we've ever had the pleasure to handle at GWRA. It shot to £10,100 like an express train, missing the record by only a couple of hundred pounds that was set a few years ago for a prestigious A4 locomotive worksplate. Not a bad effort for a little tank engine, right up there with the big boys!! The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway brass Tablet took our record even further ahead when the hammer dropped at £6,300 (£6,930 including B.P). Railway signalling fever wasn't just confined to the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway either. The Petrockstow - Torrington Junction rose to £1120 (£1232 incl B.P) and the Tyndrum - Crianlarich Tablet achieved £960 (£1056 incl B.P.) Honington Hall nameplate didn't get a floor bid at all even though the start price was just £4,000. However, it wasn't long before a call came in and it sold at reserve of £5750 (£6325 incl B.P.) An extremely vibrant and successful auction all round and we look forward to 2007 with great expectations for all collectors and vendors alike. Watch this space for more news and views. Next on line will be more enthusiasts jottings and memories from the steam days. GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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19/11/06 from Web Master |
It's been a very hectic Sunday putting lot stickers on just about 500 lots but it's all done and we are ready for the auction this coming Saturday. Whilst scrutinising just about every lot, we discovered a few points not noted in the catalogue and certainly worth a mention. Most significantly lot 29. It is a rather delightful, LMS embossed Loco lamp of LYR pattern and, as we have discovered, of considerable rarity. Also, lot 436 isn't any old Spagnoletti Block Instrument. Both indicators have a plate affixed that carry the unusual, shadow lettering. We have not seen this example before and a number of pre-auction visitors haven't either. Looks as if we have unearthed another treasure without initially realising. A snippet from the Vendor of lot 159, the Cambrian Railways C/I Fender actually came from Llansaintffraid station. Some lots are catalogued based on Vendor information. Often the catalogue is submitted to the printers before we actually get hold of these items and invariably a few 'gremlins' find their way in! Certainly the case with lot 377 which is in fact plated Langworth; some distance from Langwith Junction! Hope to see you all at Pershore on Saturday. Drive carefully and get to us safely. There are building works at the school at the moment but we shouldn't be affected beyond minor inconvenience of the loss of a few parking spaces and maybe a slightly different entrance. Signposts will be prolific if needed. The catering manager is new and rumour has it the food is even better than ever. Apparently, the full English breakfast awaiting the 'early birds' is something quite special. Quite likely the last Blog before the auction as it's going to be a very busy week or two.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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18/11/06 from Web Master |
With the November auction a mere week away, we still maintain the impetus for future auctions and items are now being accepted for the next scheduled railwayana auction in May 2007. A couple of significant items of great interest have arrived for the May 2007 auction of railwayana in the shape of a couple of Frank H. Mason original water colour paintings produced for the LNER poster 'East Coast' and the BR poster 'Scarborough'. Frank
H. Mason (1876 - 1965) As soon as the forthcoming auction is done and dusted, I will upload images of these stunning water colours.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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01/11/06 from Web Master |
More images have been uploaded to the web catalogue, in particular, many more Shedplates. Other images will appear in due course.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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31/10/06 from Web Master |
Now that the dreaded Halloween is upon us, we're about to enter the big month of November and gearing up for the major railwayana auction at Pershore. The catalogue is already on the next auction page and the hard copy is due back from the printer shortly. With the planned Transport auction sometime in the first part of 2007, we have been asked whether or not we will be accepting a large variety of different 'categories' from a variety of people hitherto unknown to the mainstream railwayana circle. It is possible that it may become a 'Collectors Auction' with a strong railwayana / transport flavour.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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29/10/06 from TH |
With the auction looming and most of the hard, preparatory work now done, I thought a little, lighthearted reading might be in order. It's quite wonderful how life produces little quirks that are totally unexpected. I like the phrase 'railway historians' and whether we were 'spotters' or 'gricers' or 'anoraks' or indeed whatever nomenclature one wishes to use, we all have memories that kindle our long and almost endless attraction to the steam age. Reading the ceaseless string of letters in Steam World for instance, admirably demonstrates the yearning for grey cell snapshots of incidents and happenings deep in history. Invariably in short-trousers, we clutched our Ian Allan ABCs, notebooks and pens. We stood in anticipation on platform ends, on country over-bridges, in line-side fields and old cinder paths. We 'bunked' sheds, tagged along with official works parties, craned our necks to get covered in smuts as we dangerously leant from a carriage windows and we got up at 4am to glimpse Pigeon Specials hauled by strange locos from far away. My own memories are numerous and would probably fill a book, but certain events remain as vivid as the day they happened, well almost. One in particular I have publicised through various mediums over the years in the hope that I would find someone, somewhere who could enable closure. Others are just incredible occurrences that I wished were captured on film, not by me, but by someone else with me in the frame! I was born in Worcester and was 8 years of age when my family moved to a house overlooking the main line to the north of the tunnel, twixt Rainbow Hill and Tunnel Hill. With such a wonderful view, it was no surprise that my interest in trains began then. It wasn't until I reached double figures that my parents allowed me to venture further than the park next to the railway track behind the house. So, I soon discovered the delights of Railway Walk, overlooking the Shed and Works, the vast Goods Yard and of course Shrub Hill station. By the time I was 11, I was allowed to venture further particularly as I now had a decent bicycle, no gears like my sisters, but still a bike. So, with the help of some older friends, I found out how to get to Bredicot. I'd never heard of it but I was told that Worcester had an avoiding line used by North - South Expresses and fast Freight Trains. Bredicot, a hamlet with about three houses, a farm and a vicarage, was the nearest place to the side of Worcester we lived, to gain access to this avoiding line. Road traffic was almost non-existent and the road bridge was a great vantage point. Looking north was a decent straight to another bridge near Crowle in the distance, probably ¾ mile. Looking south, a straight of about ¼ mile then a right hand curve toward Spetchley. This spot, interspersed with visits to Spetchley and a footbridge just south of there, became our 'best spot' to cycle to on Saturdays and school holiday days and evenings. By the time I was 12, my horizons opened completely when my father left me with an aunt, near the Elephant & Castle in London, for a 2-week holiday. Stories from that episode would almost fill a couple of chapters of a book! Put it this way, I went spotting all over London for 14 days out of the 14 days! From then on, the world was my oyster, well, not quite, especially with just 2/- pocket money each week! On 10th June 1961, just 6 days before my 13th birthday, I cycled to Bredicot on my own. I arrived to find it deserted. None of my friends were there but I knew they would arrive at some time. It's quite significant that at the moment, I can't remember the time. I did the usual by cycling over the bridge and down the slope about 10 yards, got off my bike and propped it against the fence. At that very moment, I heard an absolute roar to the south and I knew a Passenger was approaching, at some speed too. A Royal Scot burst under the bridge and to my utter amazement, it was double headed with another Royal Scot. I was so taken aback that I missed the second number and couldn't really remember the first either! I just watched in total disbelief as it stormed northwards, up the straight, toward Birmingham. It wasn't that long before my friends started to arrive and my excitement turned to gloom when no one would believe my story. I knew I didn't dream it but through my life, I have carried not just the wonderful memory, but also the disappointment of never being able to prove it. A couple of weeks ago, I was contacted by someone in Bristol who had read my story recently and he informed me of a book, Steam Around Bristol by Rex Coffin, that had a photograph of the north bound Devonian leaving Temple Meads double headed with Royal Scots 46137 The Prince of Wales Volunteers (South Lancashire) and 46157 The Royal Artilleryman. I was speechless, here; 46 years on I now had my proof. But it isn't the proof that really matters; all my railway friends from those days have either disappeared or, probably wouldn't remember anyway. No, it is the sheer joy of seeing that very train again, for the first time in 46 years. All I need now is to dig up a timetable from that year to get a rough idea of the time the Devonian passed through Bredicot. I'm sure this is going to be substantially easier than the task just achieved! OK, so this was an incredible turn-up, but, the very same week that I was contacted by this kind gentleman in Bristol, another of life's little 'railway' quirks took place. Believe me, I bought several more Lottery tickets just in case!! Just 4 weeks after this amazing event at Bredicot, on the 8th July 1961, I paid my 3rd visit to Tamworth. I can remember my first visit but the date escapes me completely. It might have been 1960 but what I do remember was getting to 'the field' and being met with a large crane, swinging a huge steel ball into the station buildings on the town side of the Low Level. It was being demolished, ready for rebuilding ready for the electrification. It was still a magical day, my first semi, 46253 City of St. Albans in green livery, racing northwards with the fireman doing something I thought downright mean. He was leaning out of the cab with a large rag over the last cabside number! Didn't make any difference, we could all read the name anyway. But I digress from my 3rd visit on 8th July 1961. I can't remember whom I went with but the oldest guy in our group was a 'newcomer' to me but obviously not to Tamworth or the other guys. He told us of his favourite spot, not in 'the field'. We followed him with great trepidation, as we turned left out of High Level station. We proceeded under a bridge that carried the high level and then turned under a long, low, tunnel and came out on the north east side of low level, right next to the platform but outside the boundary. What a great spot it was and no one else was there. For the first time I could see to the south, not very far but a different view altogether from 'the field'. The bad thing about it was the view to the north was very restricted because of the high level bridge. We were so close that southbound trains were almost upon us before they appeared beneath the bridge and came into view. It wasn't long before the activity started, sadly my notes have long gone so I can't elaborate. After some time, we heard a southbound train approach and almost stop somewhere up the line, near the Low Level signalbox. We couldn't see it and any noise from 'the field' would have been blocked by the embankment of the high level. The engine opened up very, very slowly and with it, our growing excitement. What on earth was going on? Suddenly, through the bridge, my first ever glimpse of a curved steam pipe that was not attached to a Castle. I knew and my friends knew in a tenth of a millisecond, that it was a Princess Royal Class. Slowly but surely, this maroon monster with a never-ending boiler, crept up to the water tower and stopped dead, right in front of us. What a sight! 46204 emblazoned on the cab and a dirty, yet quite clear nameplate Princess Louise. We were ecstatic as the Fireman climbed down to attend to the thirst of this huge beast. The newcomer I mentioned, shouted to the Fireman "I thought these were all in store" The Fireman replied, " We needed to drag them out today, you'll see more later on" We couldn't believe our ears and it seemed like an eternity that this wonderful engine sat in front of us quenching her thirst. We knew the Princesses were all in store and my chance of ever seeing was, until this day, was pretty remote. The Fireman was right, we did see more and they stayed in service for quite some time because subsequent trips to Rugby, later that year, produced several more, but that's another story. It is no wonder I have a memory of such magnitude and the quirk is this......... the November Steam World dropped through my letterbox and I could not believe my eyes when there, on page 12, a photograph of this very event, taken by Chris Hogg is there for all to see. There's a good chance that one of the youngsters leaning over the wall, next to a Tamworth Totem, is I! Naturally I have sent off to Colour Rail for the slide and hopefully it will be clear enough to show the guys leaning over the fence. I'll let you know!
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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07/10/06 from Webmaster |
A busy week to say the least and what a wonderful week it has been. Without doubt the totem of the decade has been entered into the forthcoming GWRA November auction at Pershore. With the tumbling of records over the past few weeks making headlines, we believe that all of this can fade into the background in a big way with the emergence of, undoubtedly, the highest prize of all time KINGS CROSS. My Harry Potter inference in the last Blog has certainly worked wizardry and produced this all time gem of gems. One has to look at the facts. Our previous record for a totem, Evercreech Junction was no surprise given the evocative location. But, there are a considerable number of totems surviving from this station and although Somerset & Dorset, the enthusiasm for this wonderful railway, is limited. The new record price for a Southend Totem was fuelled by an auctioneers dream, two determined collectors battling for supremacy and, fair play, a superb totem of mouthwatering stature. But, not particularly an evocative location and not significant in railway history terms. Kings Cross, capital of record breaking speed for steam; home of Top Shed where Mallard itself was nurtured and matured before giving the whole world something that can never be bettered and writing the history books in concrete. Starting point of the most famous expresses of all time like The Elizabethan, The Coronation, Flying Scotsman, Heart of Midlothian, The Aberdonian, Yorkshire Pullman, The Talisman, White Rose, West Riding, Queen of Scots; witness to every A1, A2, A3 and A4 ever. Whether they were ex works from Doncaster or in Wartime filth from Peterborough. The boyhood Mecca and home of dreams. Finally, Harry Potter's departure point for Hogwarts and believe it or not, Platform 9¾ was very close to the only platform at the station, that had totems. The 'Train Shed' itself did not have totems, pretty much like most London Termini, but it is believed that on Platform 10 or 11, a few totems were erected. What is for sure, is that only a very small number are known to have survived. One is firmly entrenched in a specific collection and may never surface. The one GWRA has may be the only one ever likely to come to market for a very long time. Other developments: well, with a small, yet significant array of Lynton & Barnstaple Railway artefacts on offer, a surprising entry arrived today in the form of the letter 'B' from the Bratton Fleming Station Staion Name Board. Under normal circumstances, a singular letter from such may only be worthy of passing interest. But, this wooden letter is of considerable significence because it is probably the only survivor. There is, on the back of the plaque on which this letter is mounted, an incredibly old note, written by, we believe, one of the children who found this in the yard of the station. All I can say is read the catalogue description then come along to the auction to view the item itself. A Kent & East Sussex Railway Handbill Poster has surfaced, which is quite desirable and a number of additional, quite stunning Posters have been delivered. These all appear on the next auction page and you will note the absolute scarcity therein. In particular the LMS Alton Towers and the Liverpool & North Wales. For local collectors, a very desirable Worcestershire and for the ever increasing Terence Cuneo fans, an Early Shift and scarce Port To Port are also included. We are all but closed for entries unless you have something of particular interest or value. A few more items are still to come this coming week, then the catalogue will be finalised for printing. If you have items for the May 2007 auction, now is the time to get these entered.
Keep watching, regular updates will be posted here.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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30/09/06 from Webmaster |
Last day of October and I can imagine how Harry Potter felt when he jumped through the wall at Kings Cross Station, Platform 9¾. How we all wish this could be reality. Indeed, for Harry Potter fans it is reality and for railwayana collectors, nostalgic imagination at its best. The sight of The Hogwarts Express, shrouded in steam, awaiting departure for a far off, mystical land, easily outweighs the critical absurdity of a Great Western Railway Hall Class locomotive departing from Kings Cross Station. The journey to Hogwarts takes the train, even more incredulously, across Glenfinnan Viaduct and undoubtedly through Glenfinnan Station, before disappearing into the transcendental abyss of 'nowhere'. Many railwayana fans are ardent Harry Potter fans, now it is time to bring Harry Potter fans into railwayana. We don't have Hogwarts Express nameplate in the forthcoming sale but we do have a Hall Nameplate.....let's see what else we can conjure up over the next few weeks.......anyone want to enter a Glenfinnan Totem for starters? Have you noticed the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Locomotive Lamp. What a beauty and full provenance with authentic, photographic evidence of the very lamp fitted to Locomotive LEW. Came with the ¼ Mile marker, also with full provenance. Put this with the incredible Brass tablet on offer and we have a trio of L&BR items of Titanic proportions. Talking of which, look out for our Transport Auction next year, Railway, Motoring, Shipping & Airline items are now coming in. Other railwayana items continue to roll in but I wont get everyone too excited just yet, after all, Winter is coming and we need to keep the cheer for gloomy days, it still feels like summer outside!
Keep watching, regular updates will be posted here.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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23/09/06 from Webmaster |
Well it didn't materialise until the day after but as you can see from the 'next auction' page, a London Chatham & Dover Railway silver pass has turned up and what a gem it is! A good quality image of the stunning LBSCR Clock has been sent by the Vendor. It really speaks for itself and we can honestly boast this to be arguably the very best railway clock ever to be auctioned, even better than the Dent several auctions ago. Why?...well just look at the sheer quality and note that it started its days at Victoria. What better location could one ask for. Look out this coming week for some superb silverplate now catalogued and ready for photographing. Keep those items coming, time is getting very short.
Keep watching, regular updates will be posted here.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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20/09/06 from Webmaster |
Goodness my job is just so good. Only yesterday I was telling you about the wonderful GWR Locomotive Worksplate delivered around lunchtime and here I am again to reveal todays incredible happening. I've just returned from Cheltenham Spa station where I met the 0857 from Darlington. It was 20 minutes late because of a broken rail at Birmingham but it mattered not, its precious cargo was cradled with a lifetime of care by the owner, who strode down the platform, clutching a long brown tube that held a treasure Long John himself would have happily exchanged for all his Pieces of Eight. Before I tell you what this incredible item is, here is an extract from a book by John Thomas entitled 'The Callander & Oban Railway' " In 1909 the Caledonian made history by spending £1,667 19s 7d on a spectacular coloured poster advertising Oban as a holiday resort. The Callander & Oban Railways share of the cost was £450 which the Caledonian Railway agreed to accept in six, half yearly instalments of £75. The poster created country-wide interest, the Railway News commenting: Such a picture could only be purchased by some millionaire and would be hid from view in a private gallery.Yet such a scene is at this moment exhibited as a poster on boardings and we can well imagine many weary city toilers will mentally thank the Caledonian Railway Company for giving them the opportunity of feasting their tired eyes on this vivid reproduction of a lovely picture" How stunningcan this get, indeed we have this poster coming up for auction in November. This poster is simply not known to have survived, not even in the National Collection at York Railway Museum. It is of course Quad Royal and the image is unbelievable. Titled 'OBAN The Charing Cross Of The Highlands' it continues to say 'Travel by Caledonian and Callander and Oban Railways - Excellent New Golf Courses' It isn't pristine by any stretch of the imagination and it is quite fragile, no wonder. But, it is arguably the best poster to come onto the railwayana market for decades. The appeal will be significant, not only to railway collectors but golf collectors and fine art collectors alike. I'd better get the image done and uploaded, see you all later. I wonder what will turn up tomorrow!!!
Keep watching, regular updates will be posted here.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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19/09/06 from Webmaster |
A very busy period has kept me away from the Blogs but a short respite gives me chance to talk a little on what's been happening over the last few days. Without doubt, the star item so far is Coronach Nameplate, but, delivered today, is the most magnificent of all Worksplates ever to grace GWRA auctions. I've uploaded the image to the next auction page for all to see and I am currently sourcing the history. It is of course, the brass GWR Worksplate from Locomotive 757 Built in December 1878.These plates are about as rare as they come and the excitement rippling around the collectors over this particular, early example, is immense. As soon as the history is known, by tomorrow hopefully, I will post here for all to see. More gems are on the way this week but we still have room for your quality items. Should you wish to place with us and not wait for future auctions, contact us now. Remember our competitive commission rates so talk to us to see what we can do for you. I mentioned Coronach, again, well, it is interesting to note that the reason it was at allocated to Carlisle Canal for such a lengthy period was of course to work the Waverley Route. It was for this reason that the post war, East Coast spotters down country, found this loco to be extremely elusive. I don't doubt that it may have strayed onto Kings Cross bound metals at some point, but it was a well loved Waverley Route engine, enjoyed by those lucky enough to regularly travel and spot that evocative line. The only photographs I have seen of the loco were taken at either Carlisle or Haymarket. It seems to be common knowledge that the cleaners at Canal were based in Penzance and only appeared for work when a Castle Class loco, double headed a Merchant Navy Class on the Thurso to Wick Gold Ore Passenger Trains (both locos fitted with Westinghouse Brakes and German Smoke deflectors). It is no surprise that the condition of this plate is so ex loco. You may have noticed the removal of the Class 47 plate Arnold Kunzler. A call from the Vendor prompted the removal because the other side is, evidently, has been presented by EWS to be auctioned for charity in a forthcoming sale at the NRM. A noble decision by the Vendor and certainly endorsed by ourselves. Hopefully, with a single plate available, the interest will be focused, and the charity will benefit. We are confident that a substitute Class 47 will appear so keep an eye on this page or the next auction page.
Keep watching, regular updates will be posted here.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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10/09/06 from Webmaster |
As promised, LNER A3 CORONACH Nameplate image is now on the 'next auction' page along with many more items I have had chance to photograph today. The whistles turn out to be something else and certainly not over-described in yesterdays Blog. The Bulleid is amazing and I think that even all those locos rescued from Barry would not have produced such a complete example. The Valve Gear Chain turns out to be ex TAVISTOCK as well and for the life of me, I can't remember one of these ever coming to market before. I wouldn't mind betting that the only survivors are those on original, rescued locos. What a find! The wonderful Chime most definitely ex BR Britannia Pacific 70019 LIGHTNING, has the valve with it and here's another surprise, there is, in a separate lot, another Valve. So all you collectors with just the Britannia Chime Whistle, here's your opportunity to make it complete. Stanier Hooter, not marked of course but most definitely ex Stanier Princess Royal Pacific 46205 PRINCESS VICTORIA. Many sceptics can be reassured that this, along with the other star whistles, came fom the same Vendor and he was pretty particular with his choice. The last whistle is that off a Southern Railway N5 Locomotive. We have, from another Vendor, an interesting Industrial Whistle to round off the selection. Before we leave the whistles, on a smaller scale, a very choice pair of 'horn' guards whistles have come in. One is South Eastern Railway, the other London & South Western Railway. Now there's a couple of rarities. Someone's had a clear out of Carriage Prints and apart from the framed & glazed singles, a box of 26 assorted, early examples, mostly pre-grouping, have been lumped together for an interesting 'delve' cast Iron Signs are a little thin on the ground so far (not that I mind not getting a hernia!) Best example in to date is a Great Western & Midland Trespass. We have a number of more common signs so if you have something special, let me know soonest.
Keep watching, regular updates will be posted here.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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09/09/06 from Webmaster |
The excitement has got the better of me having been informed by the Vendor of the locomotive whistles, precisely what the origins are. I'll be photographing tomorrow all being well, along with CORONACH nameplate so keep looking. Meanwhile here's a taster of the whistles and believe me, they aren't just plain whistles, in some instances, everything including the kitchen sink comes with them. Bulleid complete with valve and mounting brackets, definitely ex West Country Pacific 34011 TAVISTOCK (Interestingly, the chain from an unrebuilt WC is also in this collection but the loco is unknown) Chime definitely ex BR Britannia Pacific 70019 LIGHTNING Stanier Hooter, definitely ex Stanier Princess Royal Pacific 46205 PRINCESS VICTORIA There are a couple of others but I won't know until tomorrow
Keep watching, regular updates will be posted here.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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08/09/06 from Webmaster |
Exciting things happeneing at GWRA. We are about to take charge of arguably the most exciting railway clock ever to come to market so mark time and keep a close watch for developments. It is going to be in the forthcoming November 25th auction and along with CORONACH Nameplate and the Lynton & Barnstaple Tablet, be a star of the auction. Rumour has it there are a few more real 'stars' on the way. Nearly forgot to mention the exciting Locomotive Whistles, just wait for the surprises!! More news at the week-end. Company News: Although our costs have continued to rise year on, a decision has been taken to permit free railwayana trade stalls at GWRA subject to certain conditions. Strategically, we may well have more stall holders attend the auction giving greater choice and offering the public greater options to fulfil their day at Pershore. With effect from the forthcoming 25th November auction, existing stalls will now have to comply with size/cost provisions. Conditions for the availability of free stalls on request. GWRA will continue to have half time breaks for lunch and leg-stretching. This will also give the public a chance to browse the stalls as part of their break. Vendors remember our flexible commission rates. Talk to us, especially if you have quality items, you might be surprised at what we can offer you. We freely negotiate and for really top quality items, we will beat any other major auction house. Keep watching, regular updates will be posted here.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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06/09/06 from Webmaster |
It's been a busy couple of weeks so I make no excuses for neglecting the blogs a little. Work on the catalogue, amongst other things, has kept my head down for long periods but many, welcome interuptions from clients delivering items, has helped considerably and everything is on course for a stunning auction in November. We are of course still taking quality items but time is getting short. Top news is the arrival of the STAR item to date in the form of a most wonderful, absolutely ex loco, red background A3 Nameplate CORONACH. Ex LNER 4-6-2 numbered 2747, later British Railways 60093. Built at Doncaster in December 1928 under works number 1703 and named after the racehorse owned by Lord Woolavington that won both the Derby and St. Leger in 1926. It was allocated to Doncaster in 1928, Kings Cross for 2 months in 1930, back to Doncaster until 1939 and then on to Haymarket and to Carlisle in 1941.It was withdrawn in April 1962. Photographs will be uploaded this coming week-end, it really is a stunner! More gems are coming toward the end of the week so postings here are about to 'hot up' Keep watching, regular updates will be posted here.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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31/08/06 from Webmaster |
With the holiday season all but over, we are now down to serious business again in the railwayana world. A scarce British Railways Western Region Totem has arrived in the shape of TOWYN, only once at non mainstream railway auction before and probably missed by most. Also an almost mint totem SALISBURY from the Southern Region. It will soon be time to get photographing items in earnest and they will be posted on the next auction page soon
Keep watching, lots more items are now on their way and regular updates will be posted here.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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14/08/06 from Webmaster |
Between 1932 and 1933, the GWR built just twenty Collett designed 0-4-2T locomotivesfor Branch line traffic. They were numbered in the range 5800 to 5819. Only two cabside numberplates from this class have ever come to auction and GWRA hold the record, by a long way. Cabside number 5819 of cast iron construction, was sold back in May 2005 for £1350. All but one of the class was scrapped before the end of 1959. The sole survivor, at least for a couple more years, was 5815. Ex Worcester and Bristol St. Philp's Marsh, it finally went in 1961 only to languish at Swindon, almost forgotten, for some time. Collectors now have a rare opportunity to obtain a cabside numberplate from this elusive class of locomotive. Cast iron Cabside Numberplate 5815 has been entered into the GWRA November railwayana auction and a quality image appears on the 'next auction' page.
Keep watching, lots more items are now on their way and regular updates will be posted here.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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25/07/06 from Webmaster |
Scottish Cash Bags seem to be real scarcities and today's post brought an absolute delight revealing no less than half a dozen from north of the border. Not any old cash bags I have to say, indeed, all 6 are from extremely desirable, closed stations. Two from the Waverley Route in the form of a North British Railway STOBS STATION and a later LNER BELSES (Belses Station). A couple of Caledonian Railway examples, TANNADICE and MONIKIE, an LNER DOLLAR and a very interesting LM&SR DALMELLINGTON which was at the end of a small branch from Dalrymple. A reminder that although we are right in the middle of our sweltering summer, November isn't a million miles away so dig out those items and get them to us as soon as possible. There is no better place to get the exposure they deserve than on the GWRA website. The cash bags received today are already photographed and on the 'next auction' page. Keep watching, lots more items are now on their way and regular updates will be posted here.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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07/07/06 from Webmaster |
Scheduled dates for 2007 railway auction are Saturday 12th May (note, FA Cup Final is a week later) and Saturday 24th November. There may well be others but we will keep everyone informed of course. Writing catalogue descriptions for auction is often a ponderous affair but every single item has such intrigue and history. Take one such item collected this week from Wolverhampton. A wooden, rectangualr tray measuring just 13½" x 9½" with a metal reinforcing band around the sides and back and two wooden strips beneath to act as feet. Branded beneath 'BR(W) this may seem a little bland, but, it has 5 rows of twenty slots cut into the top surface and each slot holds a GWR half moon Pay Check. They are numbered 1 - 100 and the only oddity, obviously added by BR, is number 81 which is a B.T.C half moon Pay Check. The whole lot, along with a box containing number 101 - 170 in sequence, was recovered from Oxley motive power depot on closure. I've no idea how many GWR employees were at this depot, but there must have been quite a large work force. How wonderful it is to imagine the lives of the people who handled and drew their pay with these. Whole working lives in one small tray. Drivers, Firemen, Fitters, Cleaners and, not forgetting the one time job of the Vendor himself, Knocker-Upper to mention just a few. It's worth remembering, akin to all Railwayana, the Buyer of this lot wont be just buying 170 GWR Pay Checks in a wooden tray.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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30/06/06 from Webmaster |
Apologies for the lack of input for a week or so, I've been to Portugal for some fresh sardines and a bit of Fado. Sadly no railwayana there but I have come back to a mountain of items to catalogue and, when I can get round to it, photograph for inclusion here on our site. The November sale may seem a while off but work is already well under way and some very interesting items are due in over the next few weeks. Keep this page bookmarked. GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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17/06/06 from Webmaster |
As mentioned in an earlier Blog, the prospect of another Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Brass Tablet came to fruition today. To our knowledge, this one, WOODA BAY - BLACKMORE, is the only one known and is set to compliment the WOODA BAY - LYNTON example sold recently for £5400 by GWRA. Blackmore Gate, named after the former landowners, the Blackmore family, which included the Exmoor novelist, R. D. Blackmore, is apparently in the middle of nowhere. The former station on the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway is now an inn. We have to admit, we've had some incredible Signalling Tablets at GWRA in recent years but this is the real 'icing on the cake' and easily the best ever. With sheer quality railwayana of this nature, it's time to climb into the loft and sort those wonderful treasures for the GWRA Major Railwayana Sale on 25th November. It might seem a long way off but just think of the publicity benefits we can give. The last L&BR Tablet appeared on our website months beforehand and we all know how that smashed the world record by miles. I've included a thumbnail link for the tablet and I will be uploading images of more wonderful items from the end of June.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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10/06/06 from Webmaster |
A number of collectors in the UK actively seek out foreign railwayana and we believe there are many overseas collectors who actively seek out British railwayana. We already have many clients registered from abroad and we are looking to expand this clientele considerably. Like it or not, one of the biggest tasks facing the ‘hobby’ is the encouragement of new collectors, not only here in the UK, but worldwide. Emphasis should be particularly on younger individuals who may, for instance, not remember the steam days but who are sufficiently interested in the wonderful history of railways and prepared to perpetuate that interest via the memorabilia arm. So far, there has only been a mild influx of overseas railwayana filter onto the UK railwayana market. Europe has been a little weak and railwayana from France in particular, is significantly very poor. The ‘old enemy’ has little to offer with only the odd cabside making minor in-roads. We see little change here and in terms of railwayana, France is pretty insignificant and unlikely to improve. Encouragingly, items from Germany have occasionally been quite significant. GWRA had a wonderful collection of German Steam Worksplates some years ago. Scandinavian items are almost non-existant as are items from the Iberian Peninsular. This has to improve. Poland and Russia appear to provide an increasing supply of loco items, particularly emblems and numberplates. The Middle East has yet to offer a great deal although items from Turkey come to market from time to time. The emblem carried by Turkish Railways locomotives being especially attractive. Asia, in particular India, had marvellous railway systems in steam days with enormous amounts of locomotives and infrastructure. Items of great interest arise from time to time and GWRA have had some incredible items over the years. Strongest area without doubt, has been South Africa and a reasonable amount of wonderful artefacts, including nameplates, have surfaced over the years. Other areas of Africa such as Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) and Kenya have also produced interesting items. China, with its late demise of steam, has yet to produce the expected plethora of items but time will tell. However, the Far East, in general has provided us with some assortment. The German Worksplates mentioned earlier were from locos that worked the sugar plantations of Java. Australia is beginning to show some good quality and a couple of lots in the recent GWRA railwayana auction were highly sought after. American & Canadian items are predominantly Diesel orientated although there seems to be a fairly healthy, growing market in steam items, particularly worksplates and believe it or not whistles & bells (but not as implied, ‘everything’) The Central & South Americas have yet to produce, only a small number of items have appeared from this part of the world. This will undoubtedly grow. Indications are promising with significant signalling items of UK manufacture, apparently being saved as modernisation takes place. Without doubt, there is plenty of scope and the world market for railwayana is pretty much un-tapped. Hopefully this will change in the coming years as the worldwide audience grows daily. Meanwhile, GWRA will continue to encourage growth of the hobby of railwayana collecting through all means possible. Although we are indeed a commercial concern, our vision is fuelled by a somewhat deeper interest in world railway heritage.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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30/05/06 from Webmaster |
I've had a couple of enquiries about the ranking of the Musselburgh totem sold at our last auction. My records show it to be in 8th place which is pretty good considering all those placed above are much further North and predominently in the Highlands. The biggest surprise to us is the lack of interest in Perth, never at auction before and certainly worth a top 10 position and of course Kittybrewster, especially when you see the following list of rankings, with prices, of the top 8.
1. Kyle Of Lochalsh......£8100 (not quite the record which is of course Evercreech Junction at £8150 held by GWRA) 2. Knockando......£6100 3. Bridge Of Orchy......£5800 4. Roy Bridge......£4800 5. Wick......£4700 6. Kittybrewster......£4500 7. Fort William......£4500 8. Musselburgh......£4100
Perth, Kittybrewster and Bridge Of Allan are still available at incredibly low reserves considering their rarity.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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29/05/06 from Webmaster |
An eventful week has passed since the auction and we can confirm that the previous world record for a Police Truncheon, not just railway but all, was £1800, so the £3000 for the Canterbury & Whitstable Railway literally blew the 'also rans' out of the water. We also note that the large Frys Cocoa enamel advertising sign was also a world record for this particular example. The more we delve into our results, the more records we seem to have broken so it makes sense to seek out GWRA to auction your treasures. With the imminent introduction of complimentary catalogues to our 1,000+ registrants worldwide and the projected download from our website of 2,500 catalogues, we are forging ahead to be top of the tree when it comes to railway auctions. Meanwhile, we have begun our search for a business model. Our resident computer operator, Jessica has admirably fulfilled the role to date and may well be on holiday when the next railwayana auction takes place in November. I know this will be a disappointment to many but we are striving to renew the contract. GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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21/05/06 from Webmaster |
Well, what a day yesterday!! We had another record number of new registrants and we broke a number of world records for certain fields of railwayana. The Canterbury & Whitstable Railway Police Truncheon amazed us all at £3,000 hammer price. 8415 Cabside numberplate soared to £2,200 beating the previous world record for 8415 in the November 2005 auction by £100, an amazing result indeed. Whover would have thought a Pannier Cabside would sell for more than a Hall cabside...twice! The Rhondda & Swansea Bay Railway and the Glasgow & South Western Railway Pocket Watches were undoubtedly world records. Everyone was absolutely stunned by the mammoth figure of £5,400 for the second Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Tablet, Wooda Bay - Lynton, that we've had the pleasure to sell. A little birdie tells me more L&B Tablets are due soon. Take a look at the Results page for a full listing of lot numbers, catalogue descriptions and realisation. We are already taking lots for our next major Railway Auction scheduled for November. Should we have sufficient in good time, we are quite flexible regarding additional events GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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18/05/06 from Webmaster |
As we put the finishing touches to the big day on Saturday, due to an 11th hour dispute of title, we have regrettably had to withdraw 26 items from the sale pending resolution. However, we have managed to substitute 11 additional items to help alleviate the impact and the revised lots/items are reflected and embedded in the on-line catalogue. To simplify and highlight the changes, they have also been listed below. Withdrawn: 79, 80, 138, 139, 170, 230, 250, 290, 296, 297, 310, 330, 367, 373 and 400 Substituted: 82, 140 (with a better quality example), 156, 192, 196, 202, 214, 215, 279, 298 and 338 Our sincere apologies to anyone who may have shown an interest in any of the mentioned items. Rest assured we continue to have the best interests of all our clients and customers foremost in mind and we are sure that we have a wonderful variety of delightful items, across the board, to please everyone. We are now taking items for the next scheduled Railway Auction on Saturday November 25. We already have a good selection of items and welcome enquiries from now.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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17/05/06 from Webmaster |
Ten additional items are now being catalogued for Saturdays sale of Railwayana so here's a glimpse of what is on offer as extras. Click the item name for images, catalogue lot numbers later:- LNER Seatback DUNFERMLINE UPPER and a similar DYSART. Desirable Fife locations north of the Forth Bridge on the route to Thornton Junction An LNER GER pattern Sliding Knob Handlamp marked 'Stratford X' An LB&SCR Handlamp stamped LBSCR A 5A Crewe Shedplate and a similar 84E Tyseley Shedplate Plus a couple of GWR Motive Power Depot Plates 'Cleaning Oil' and 'Engine Oil' and a Pullman Coach Plate
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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16/05/06 from Webmaster |
TILE HILL totem arrived today and apart from a couple of border chips, is in wonderful condition with deep colour and shine. I have re-photographed and the updated image appears in the full web catalogue.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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13/05/06 from Webmaster |
Today should be a bit of a rest day really, what with the cricket and the cup final to watch, plus the big party tonight. However, railway auctions wait for no man and I have to tell you about a very exciting, additional lot due in early next week. It is for inclusion in the forthcoming auction so no-one has to wait until November or whenever the following auction takes place. Never out before, a BR(M) Totem TILE HILL. Only seen a photograph so far but it looks to be very good. Face drilled variety of course, ex Coventry to Birmingham New Street LNWR line. Of the six additional lots, 4 are totems and this one, together with the Lincoln Central, just shows what is still being unearthed.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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08/05/06 from Webmaster |
I've added a few more images to the catalogue if you haven't looked for a while. In particular the enamel Birmingham Snow Hill Running In Board. As can be seen, it is exactly as it came off the station and the Vendor hasn't done anything to it.
I'm not going to embarrass Bryan by letting on just how many times his photo has been viewed. I take it the regulars at our Railwayana Auction in Pershore have easily spotted that it is indeed, our local collector of anything railway related from the Tewkesbury area and more importantly, of significant stage fame. Yes it is none other than our head porter. I think it a nice touch to have the occassional picture of our happy staff, here on the website, especially when they are about to celebrate their 50th birthday.....have a good one Bryan but don't forget, back to business 7 days after, on stage at Pershore High School!
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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07/05/06 from Webmaster |
Checking our webstats show that the catalogue downloads have now exceeded twice the amount of hard copy catalogues posted out to subscribers. There have been 2475 downloads from our worldwide audience, outstripping our record by miles. Railway Posters are flavour of the past week and it is no wonder with such an array of gems coming up in our next railwayana sale. I have to say, this is probably the best selection of British Railways Posters we've ever had the pleasure to auction. The condition and vibrancy of the 'family seaside' and others is incredible and they have already stolen the hearts of many who have viewed the images. I feel privileged to have handled and researched these. Hopefully everyone has seen the Lincoln Central Totem that arrived yesterday, what a beaut! Crikey, who is this Bryan? Another clue.......the Railway have to do without him when you come to Pershore.... Ok, so here's a big clue. Look hard at his photo, he hasn't really changed much. Now there is less hair, he's certainly a little bigger, no gaps in his teeth, doesn't wear lipstick any more (not in public for sure) and certainly doesn't wear pink....we think. Estimate this was taken about 48 years ago....special day coming up on Saturday, one week before the auction Ahhhhh.....click the thumbnail....no prizes for guessing because it's too easy and no jibes at Pershore please....well maybe a few!
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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06/05/06 from Webmaster |
Thought those interested would like to look at the Lincoln Central Totem that arrived today. Click the thumbnail for a larger image
Recovered from a refuse tip in Lincoln around 30 years ago indicating the reason for such scarcity. If they all went to the tip it's no wonder none have been at auction before Well who is Bryan? Another clue.......even the Caterers can't do without him when you come to Pershore...image soon!
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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02/05/06 from Webmaster |
..............and just to get the Lincolnshire collectors excited, not to mention totem collectors worldwide, we've just had another incredible late entry promised............................. BR(E) LINCOLN CENTRAL Totem Need I say more, never offered before either privately or at auction so an absolute gem. Keep a watchful eye on the website, an image will appear as soon as possible and who knows just what else might turn up between now and the auction on the 20th May
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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02/05/06 from Webmaster |
As we finally move into the month of May, auction month of course for GWRA, we ready ourselves for the excitement to come. The telephone calls and emails are building to a crescendo since publication of the catalogue on our website and I can divulge that there have been 1862 catalogue downloads so far. Couple this with approximately 1000 hard catalogues going into the hands of Royal Mail today, simple maths show a total of 2862 to date, our best ever by far and still almost 3 weeks to go to auction day. I can also reveal that the Nameplate & Cabside STARLING, tops the image views with 231 different client views. The photograph of the common starling in my back garden hasn't been viewed at all indicating all 231 viewers to be railwayana enthusiasts and not 'twitchers'. The Posters and Truncheons are also showing immense popularity and it goes without saying that the Totems are causing the usual stir. The next couple of weeks are set to be extremely interesting and we are all looking forward to seeing everyone, old friends and new, seasoned stalwarts and fresh faces, in fact everyone prepared to brave the wonderful English May weather and venture to the Vale of Evesham, one of the most picturesque parts of the country this time of year. Well who is Bryan? Another clue.......we can't do without him when you come to Pershore
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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29/04/06 from Webmaster |
Yet another extremely desirable, additional lot just posted into the web catalogue along with images. It is lot 249c, a wonderful, GWR Platform Lamp Post embossed GWR Co and with the makers name Hardy & Padmore, Worcester. As with the Tyers Instrument in the previous Blog, this will need collection from the Vendor premises but this is in Devizes, Wiltshire. The Lamp Post is complete but did recently meet an unfortunate accident in the Vendors drive, courtesy of a careless lorry driver!. However, it has been expertly welded back to its former glory and is so difficult to spot the weld (no, not spot welded!) that no-one would ever know. Bear in mind just how rare these are, as the catalogue description points out, most survivors are firmly planted in gardens and preserved railway stations around the country. There's no doubt that GWR and pre-grouping actual Lamps come to auction much more frequently so here's a golden opportunity to get the big piece of the jigsaw. Hard copy Catalogues are almost ready to post out and should be dropping through letterboxes early next week, Bank Holiday excepted of course.
Who is Bryan? A clue.......you can't miss him when you come to Pershore
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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27/04/06 from Webmaster |
Another extremely desirable, additional lot just posted into the catalogue along with images. It is lot 249d, a complete Tyers No 7 Tablet Apparatus Machine in excellent condition. In view of the short notice logistics, this is being auctioned as 'Buyer Collects' from near Yelverton in Devon.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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25/04/06 from Webmaster |
A couple more Totems have arrived for inclusion in the forthcoming 20th May auction. I have allocated them to Lots 249a and 249b. They are BR(S) Oxshott and Cobham & Stoke D'Abernon. Images are on the catalogue page.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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22/04/06 from Webmaster |
Cambrian Railway and Signalling collectors will be pleased to note that I have added another desirable Tyers Tablet to the catalogue in the shape of a LLANYMYNECH – LLANSAINTFFRAID number 16. From the short branch to Llanfyllin. This whole area has a very interesting railway history and much can be found on the internet with a little searching. So, along with the Montgomery Signal Box Nameboard and the Cambrian Railways cast iron Bridge Restriction, we have a nice little package for the Cambrian enthusiasts .
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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21/04/06 from Webmaster |
GWRA announce its step into the European market with the launch of our new website www.gwra.eu Our original website will still exist of course so no need to juggle around with your bookmarks. The new site is pretty much on the same lines as the UK site with just a few minor alterations but the main thrust is to target the European market as well as the UK market. There are a substantial number of clients already on our books from this area and hopefully we will now be able to expand, particularly with Buyers. We do pride ourselves in being at the forefront in terms of internet presence and our straightforward, easy to navigate websites have held us in good stead since we first embarked into the incredible world of hyperspace. As the ever increasing number of railwayana collectors join the technological world and get themselves hooked up to broadband, it is no surprise that we see a reciprocal increase of catalogue downloads from our site. These downloads are of course free and so, as a consequence, GWRA have decided that once this years auctions are done and dusted, our catalogues will become complimentary. All clients currently registered and all new clients who register from now on, will automatically receive a catalogue from 2007 onwards
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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16/04/06 from Webmaster |
The 20th May Railwayana Auction catalogue is now on-line, simply follow the 'next auction' page from the GWRA Home page. For those of you unfortunate enough not to be able to attend the sale in person, you are welcome to place commission bids via email, snail mail or telephone Tony on 01684 773487. Should you require any further information on any lot/s, please ring Simon on 01386 760109 As usual, we welcome 'special' late entries
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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25/03/06 from Webmaster |
With less than 2 weeks left to cut-off, we are now only taking 'choice' items. There is a strong Scottish flavour in the forthcoming railwayana auction, particularly with the extremely desirable Totems entered. This week, several items from Ayr have appeared that once belonged to a LMS then later BR Fireman. Most significant, smokebox numberplate 45432. This was a Dumfries loco for a while but was withdrawn at Ayr. Several shedplates from locos at Ayr are also with us, each with the loco details on the reverse, 67C, Ayr, 67D Ardrossan and 67E, Dumfries. We've certainly looked after Scotland this time and to cap it all, we have an absolutely stunning NBR Silverplate Candelabra Lamp of significant proportions. Apologies if I sound too excited about the forthcoming items, but about an hour ago I had a wonderful intake of extreme nostalgia watching Jubilee LEANDER race past my house here in Bredon. For those who have visited, you will know just how close my 'platform' is to the main line and how wonderful the view is. I can't wait for 1630 this afternoon when LEANDER is on the 'up'. The view down the line to Ashchurch is incredible and it's quite a steady gradient up to my house so locos work hard. For those who don't know and who read this in time, LEANDER is being banked up the Lickey by RHOOD ASTON HALL at 1737 this afternoon. Now there's a chance in a lifetime. Not so nostalgic for me but a pretty good sight anyway, was a pair of Class 50s double heading through here at 0730 this morning on an up special to the North East. Bit of a bonus at Bredon so to speak!
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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19/03/06 from Webmaster |
Item update: The Castle Smokebox Numberplate 5063, ex EARL BALDWINhas just been delivered and what a beauty it is. Been in one persons collection for a long, long time having previously came from a BR Driver. Also arrived yesterday and images now on the 'next auction' page, Swanwick Target, Sholing Totem and a few other little tasties yet to be lotted. Image of the recently submitted Corby Totem also now appears and one can see the impact of the unusual, small lettering this totem bears. You may have also noted the pic of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Brass Tablet LYNTON - WOODA BAY.This is the second of these we have had, the last being number 18 and this one is number 11. These are so popular we have no qualms about another one appearing at GWRA in quick succession, indeed, the sheer rarity speaks for itself and interest is already running very high. We have one lot of interesting Southern Railway official publications too. There is a book called Devon & Cornish Days which has quite stunning, colour images. Not a rarity by no stretch of the imagination but the inscription inside the cover is of great interest. It is in the pen ofthe original owner, Henry Skinnar, 5 Lincoln Road, Pinner,Herts. Dated 13th May 1941, it says "Train journey Waterloo to Pompey 11/6/1941. Reporting back to base as survivor from HMS 'Wildfire' Sheerness. Mined and Sunk 5/6/41". Other books in this lot include ACE, a very interesting summary of the Atlantic Coast Express and Schools.
Keep looking, more coming soon.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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14/03/06 from Webmaster |
Item update: A small collection of enamel Advertising Signs have arrived,some images soon. Additionally, a couple of desirable Pocket Watches in the form of a Rhondda & Swansea Bay Railway and a wonderful Glasgow & South Western Fusee. Plus a rare pair of LNER Enamel Seatbacks, Mablethorpe and Louth. These are much scarcer than the cast iron variety although the C/I Coxwold in the auction is a real 'gem'
Keep looking, more coming soon.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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09/03/06 from Webmaster |
Items for the forthcoming auction are still coming in with a couple of deliveries expected today. As can be seen from the 'next auction' page, more Smokebox Numberplates have been entered including BARRY CASTLE. Another Castle Smokebox should be with us soon, one not out before. Two Station Direction Signs also just in, BICESTER NORTH STATION and SUTTON PARK STATION. To many, including myself, these are more attractive than the standard Totem because they have a totem in reverse colour anyway and always include the word 'Station'. By the week-end, there will be more special morsels posted here to excite the serious railwayana collector. Closing date is a mere 3 weeks away so don't delay. Anything offered after that will have to wait until November, unless it is a complete collection warranting a separate auction. Arrived literally a few minutes ago, a very nice BR(S) enamel Signal Box Board HONITON. This is an extremely desirable location on the main route to the West Country from Waterloo. An image will appear on the 'next auction' page soon. Also, an original Great Southern & Western Railway C/I Trespass Sign. For all of those collectors who have seen the numerous fakes around and about, take a close look at this one to see what an original looks like. If you have a good memory, you'll never be taken in again. On the subject of cast iron, the 'Electric Trains Stop' is quite special. 9F Smokebox Numberplates are very sought after and appear at auction quite infrequently. We now have two, 92039 and 92048
Keep looking, more coming soon.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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22/02/06 from Webmaster |
News of a trio of extremely scarce Scottish Totems to compliment the Musselburgh and soon to be photographed together as a wonderful quartet of sheer delight. Here we go.......BRIDGE OF ALLAN, half flanged; KITTYBREWSTER, fully flanged and location of the Aberdeen steam shed; PERTH, half flanged, also location of the steam shed and incredibly rare like Musselburgh. This gives GWRA an array of the most stunning Scottish totems possible and as soon as the sun shines in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, as it always does, the images will appear on the 'next auction' page. With this collection today comes a couple of local totems in the form of WORCESTER SHRUB HILL, to compliment the Foregate Street already entered and a STOURBRIDGE JUNCTION. From Worcester again GOODS YARD SIGNAL BOX cast iron signal box name. This was affixed to the signal box situated behind Shrub Hill between Wyldes Lane Signal Box and Shrub Hill Signal Box (still in situ at the London end of the station) This will nicely compliment the Henwick signal box diagram and lever plates already entered in the auction. Now, a couple of auctions ago, we smashed the world record for a brass Pannier Tank Cabside with 8415. A famous Worcester loco that saw service, for a while, on the Lickey as a Banker. Well believe it or not, the other side has come blasting out of the woodwork and is up for auction in May. Not only but also, 4113, another Worcester loco is also with us. And, just to put some icing on the cake, Smokebox Numberplates 5944 ICKENHAM HALL and 6995 BENTHALL HALL. How about this scenario.....6994 FLEDBOROUGH HALL loses its smokebox numberplate, probably somewhere in South Wales as it was at Canton and Severn Tunnel at the end. Shed staff spot this and because the loco is still serviceable and needs a smokebox numberplate, 5202 is up the dead line awaiting scrapping, still with smokebox affixed. So, an enterprising individual, probably a Cleaner chasing his belated Fireman position before steam disappears forever, removes it and applies to 6994, turned around so that the back is facing the front...still with me...then paints the number 6944 to keep the identity of the pretigeous Hall. Well, this is precisely what happened and the plate is with us to prove this. Not often you get the opportunity to buy a 2-8-0 and Hall combined!
Keep looking, more coming soon.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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20/02/06 from Webmaster |
Arrived today, without doubt the best Scottish Totem to come on the market for many years. No other than MUSSELBURGH, fully flanged and in absolutely wonderful condition. The original station was at the end of a small branch off the East Coast main line,just outside Edinburgh. In fact, it was the only station on the branch. It was opened by the North British Railway in 1847. Passenger service ceased in September 1964 and the goods facilities ended in December 1970. Little is left of the branch and buildings and a new station opened in the 1990's further south on the main line. This totem is first time on the open market ever. You may have noticed the addition two Railway Police Truncheons that have appeared on the 'next auction' page. We believe the C.W.R. to be Canterbury & Whtstable Railway, if so, it will be the first example ever to surface. The accompanying arrival of the SER example now shows the two varieties of this truncheon, both of which are in the auction. More 'tasty morsels' soon. GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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16/02/06 from Webmaster |
It's very easy to get carried away with the apearance of a special Nameplate or Totem or Cabside etc, but let us not forget the other items of railwayana that appear with wonderful regularity these days. Sometimes, first impressions are not encouraging, especially when a brief description is given over the phone. How wrong can those impressions sometimes be! For instance, last night I paid a very local visit to a gentleman who had been handed down through the family, a bundle of photographs and 5 little albums, hand assembled, containing tickets, little timetables and photographs. All dated and neatly laid out. Here's the catalogue description and even this is vague! " Personal Photographic/Ticket/Timetable Albums of last train workings together with a good quantity of personal b/w photographs of railway interest (all sold with full copyright). There are 5 albums in all: 1. Ashchurch - Malvern (includes a rare pic of Malvern Hanley Road in Nov 1952 and good shots of Ashchurch, Mythe Tunnel and Ripple etc last train to Upton ) & Coaley - Dursley (rare pics of Stroud Cheapside and Dudbridge stations): 2. Kemble - Cirencester & Kemble - Tetbury includes incredible Rail Car pics and not seen before images of Cirencester Town Station (including station name): 3. MSWJR - Kingham include Charlton Kings, Leckhampton, Notgrove, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Chedworth, Marlborough, Chipping Norton……quite wonderful. 4. Settle -Carlisle & Penrith - Barnard Castle also Morecambe Electrics…..superb. 5. Mixed Gauges, mostly narrow. A wonderful trip down memory lane, tastefully put together by a gentleman who cared deeply about his railways. See what I mean. For those interested in these, wait until you view! We're expecting more items soon including some incredibly stunning artefacts...details soon Keep looking
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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12/02/06 from Webmaster |
Items are coming thick and fast now as the railwayana ''season' gathers pace. I still have some very desirable items to come in and of course be photographed, some will be today so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the sun will once again peep from behind those dull winter clouds we are so used to here in the UK. Totems now photographed and on the 'next auction' page include local Worcester Foregate Street (still to perhaps get a Shrub Hill and Henwick) Just north of Worcester we have a rather desirable Bromsgrove from the wonderful little station at the foot of the famous Lickey Bank. Also local in the other direction, Gloucester Central (still to perhaps get a Gloucester Eastgate). The North Eastern Halifax Town is the best example I have ever and the Templecombe, famous for Somerset & Dorset Railway connections, is a real treasure. The Rubery - Longbridge East Miniature Train Staff is quite superb and, along with the other signalling staffs, tablets and key tokens, will certainly cause excitement at GWRA.......and there are more to come!
Keep looking
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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02/02/06 from Webmaster |
First nameplate just arrived for the May auction. GWR 4-4-0 Bulldog Class 3455 STARLING with its Cabside Numberplate. As soon as the big star of our solar system decides to shine again, I will get a high quality pic on the 'next auction' page. Also 2291 Cabside Numberplate, a much loved Gloucester loco for many years. Additionally from this collection, BR(W) totems Bromsgrove, Earlswood Lakes, Stratford-On-Avon, Henley-In-Arden, Lapworth, Worcester Foregate Street and BR(NE) Poppleton black edged lettering. Not to mention a variety of superb lamps including Caledonian Railway, North British Railway and an unusual LNER small example. Star signalling item at present, a Webb & Thompson Staff 'Halesowen Junction - Longbridge East'. We are getting a really high quality selection of staffs and tablets and more are due soon.
Keep in touch
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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01/02/06 from Webmaster |
Unbelievable addition via todays post. Firstly, what might well be the only surviving London & Birmingham Railway Firemans Button. Would have been issued between 1837 and 1846. This was before Birmingham even became a city and of course, before the days of municipal fire brigades as we know them today. Image soon. Secondly, a pair of wonderful Railway Policemen's Truncheons. The first is a London & Brighton Railway and the second a South Eastern Railway. The former, dating from between 1840 and 1846, is in wonderful condition, the latter, probably later, is 'used' having a number of knocks and scars, perhaps having been in the possession of a rather heavy-handed Bobby! Some wonderful items are currently being catalogued and there will be more updates in the next few days so keep looking. See you soon
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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28/01/06 from Webmaster |
Update for the forthcoming auction. Items are now coming in at a steady stream so a little update for everyone. Quality Totems are undeniably destined for GWRA with the Evercreech Junction world record fimly entrenched with us. On offer so far is a wonderful BR(S) Templecombe with all its Somerset & Dorset association. The best BR(NE) Halifax Town seen to date, in almost mint condition, a very rare BR(W) black & white Langley (Bucks) and an equally rare BR(W) Melksham (remember GWRA sold the last one for £3100) Also a BR(W) Cardiff Queen Street and a Gloucester Central: BR(S) Grove Park (a second left over from the last auction that has been repatriated from Japan) More are on their way so watch this space carefully In today, 3 stunning GWR Volumes of Carriage Plans. These were discovered in a loft, in Swindon and believe me, these are so substantial, they are a must for either a museum or for an author of what could be the most definitive book ever on GWR Carriages. There are literally hundreds of plans of all types of carriages including the Royal Carriages and Horse Boxes. Lot numbers, build dates and actual carriage numbers are included in this indexed archive. The quality of the plans with side, end and birds-eye elevations is superb, indeed, the discerning Railway Modeller would have enough material to write several books and be provided with a life-times work. Also a A Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Signal Box Diagram NEW LONGTON in its original wooden frame. A nice collection of framed carriage prints are currently being lotted. Some wonderful items will be coming in over the next few weeks including a Class 56 Nameplate and a 'named' class 40 Worksplate. Also a little collection of extremely tasty enamel Doorplates including a few rarities. For those into Australian Railwayana, a couple of items arrived including a Department of Railways New South Wales Locomotive ownership plaque. These were carried on the front of diesels from 1951. It is chromed brass construction with the coat of arms engraved and painted . The plate is in ex loco condition and still retains traces of original maroon paint around the edge and back. It is very unusual to find one of these in the UK. See you soon
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ held at Pershore Worcestershire ~ Worldwide Audience 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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19/01/06 from Webmaster |
Arrived home after a refreshing week in the Canaries to find the deal on the Sir Launcelot nameplate and smokebox concluded. With the majority of items that were originally not sold, now sold, the 2005 auctions are now history and we move on to the next major railwayana event of 2006 and that is the 20th May auction. Contact us now if you wish to have your items included.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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07/01/06 from Webmaster |
Keeping you updated, a number of exciting Signalling items recently arrived for inclusion in the 20th May major Railwayana Auction include:- A GWR Triple Slot Instrument, GWR Brass Shelf Plates BROMYARD and LEIGH COURT plus a very nice Midland example from Nailsworth Signal Box, DISTANT FROM STROUD. A delightful Brass Tablet CAMELFORD - PORT ISAAC ROAD and a wonderful Fibre example HAWES - GARSDALE. Plus 2 very nice Webb & Thompson Electric Staffs, one large, one miniature, both from the East Sussex 'Cuckoo Line' (more details later) To those of you who have contacted us over the past week or so to pass on best wishes for the year ahead and to express dismay at recent 'unhelpful and un-neccessary' comments, we thank you very much indeed. We appreciate your thoughts and reiterate that our professionalism and dedication will always raise us above and beyond such occurances. It's all systems go for the forthcoming auction and we look forward to providing a sterling service to our Customers, both Vendors and Buyers, in 2006 ****** Happy New Year to one and all ******
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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27/12/05 from Webmaster |
Doesn't it come and go in a blink, as always! Hoping you had a good one of course and, perhaps, still lucky enough not to be back at work yet and prolonging the enjoyment of the festivities. GWRA are back at work now and excitedly looking forward to the next railwayana auction on the 20th May at Pershore High School. As we gather pace, I will be letting everyone know, through these blogs, gems and treasures as they arrive.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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2/12/05 from Webmaster |
With everyone getting ready for Christmas, the emphasis generally moves from railwayana to the forthcoming festivities. However, if you have taken a look at the 'next auction' page, you will see that we already have a very nice selection of British Railways Posters lined up for next May. These belonged to an ex GWR Driver who, like so many all those years ago, had the foresight to prevent such historic artefacts being confined to the bin. The majority are in almost tip-top condition and when one sees such images as the family beach scenes, it is no wonder these are so collectable and sought after. We have a number of quality Totems already and an interesting selection of what can only be described as 'incredible turn-ups' More later as I gradually upload interesting items. Meanwhile, keep those items coming, the major Railwayana Auction in May will creep up on us rapidly, believe me!
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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30/11/05 from Webmaster |
Phew, another auction almost over and now looking forward to the next on May 20th 2006. Many top class items are now with us and we are well advanced. Although it seems an age away, believe me it'll be here before Santas boots are dry! So, time to clear the attic, shed, garage and cobwebs. The sooner we get the items, the sooner we can get them photographed and onto our website
The auction last week was incredible. Despite the dreadful weather, well in excess of 400 dedicated enthusiasts turned up and we broke our own record by miles for newly registered attendees. Had the roads from Devon and Cornwall been clear, I think we would have been bursting at the seams! Prices virtually across the board were very bouyant and many items exceeded expectations by far. Totems did very well despite the recent fall-back. Dawlish was the star at £5,800, no surprise in view of location and desirability. Next came Bourne End at £2,300, Coundon Road at £2,200, Caerleon at £2,100 and Hartford & Greenbank at £2,000. Radford, Grimes Hill & Wythall, Tamworth and Ledbury all went over the £1000 mark and many more fell just short of 4 figures. In all, very satisfying and plenty of happy Vendors and Buyers alike. Cast iron signs are picking up at last and the two Rhymney Railway signs, both magnificent rarities, cruised to £2,200 and £1,200 respectively. Quality Signalling Equipment will always sell itself and it was no surprise to see the two incredible Train Describers from Hereford reach £680 for the smaller receiving instrument and £2,000 for the transmitting instrument. A plethora of Signalbox brass Shelf Plates, predominently from the Birmingham area, produced some frantic bidding by those dedicated to this area of railwayana. No shortage of Smokebox Numberplate enthusiasts with some prices above average. Cabsides were mixed but only 7779 failed to attract any interest, although, a few enquiries after the auction may well produce a 'post-auction-sale'. An area for the future, without any doubt whatsoever, is modern traction. The presentation nameplate "Railway Magazine 1897 - 1997" was a stunner at £600. If the presentation plate makes this sort of figure, the one carried on the loco should fetch 10 times that!! Depot Plaques are extremely sought after, even those never carried so watch this space, ex loco examples will leap ahead. Shedplates were in abundance and the recent upward trend continues with the scarce ones commanding top action. We have enough cast iron examples of these for our next auction, so, unless you have any real rarities, no more this time please. We would still welcome alloy versions though. Only one Poster in this sale, but what a special one it was and the bidding proved this. Considering it wasn't a 'fine art' poster depicting a wonderful country scene or seaside view, it still managed to attract a top bid of £660. We're hoping to get a wonderful collection of posters shortly and if so, these will appear on our 'next auction' page very soon. Arguably the most wonderful item of all was the brass GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY letters from Taunton Station. These achieved a well deserved £2,700. Chances are, the only other ones, from Leamington Spa station, were lost or melted down. The Buyer of these must be utterly thrilled to now be the owner of what can only be described as a magnificent and historic piece of The Great Western Railway of Great Britain. Incidentally, the hard working Porters at GWRA held up the initial letters 'GWR' when this lot came up and after the hammer dropped, added the 'A' to make of course 'GWRA' . A nice touch because we really were proud to present this particular lot. Nameplates were disappointing because pre-sale interest was high, particularly in the King Arthur and Cory Hall. The two GWR plates had been on the market previously and this could well be one factor affecting lack of current interest. The Grange came in very late and we didn't have any time to advertise its inclusion. In future, to get maximum publicity, we would need such items well in advance. So, all three are still 'in the market' and awaiting bids. There has been some activity with Sir Launcelot which is no surprise, it is a quite magnificent plate. Ecclesiastical Carriage Prints were also disappointing. The Cathedral examples, particularly the Southern series are most uncommon, yet no-one showed any enthusiasm for them. My own opinion is that Carriage Prints still present an area for the future. There is little doubt that 'quality counts'. It is true across the entire collecting world and railwayana is no exception. GWRA are contantly striving to improve the quality of the items we offer. This has been a quality auction and our next sale looks very promising so far. We certainly have many items lined up that fall into the quality bracket....watch this space.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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14/11/05 from Webmaster |
Catalogues should be dropping through letterboxes this morning or tomorrow morning. Our regular printer for the past 10 years has retired and we have had to source a replacement at fairly short notice. Despite the few extra line spaces here and there, we're sure the quality is better and it is certainly clear and easy to read. There will be more railwayana stall holders in attendance than ever before, 20 to be precise and with the additional classroom now in operation, we have now accomodated everyone on the waiting list. We can take more so if you fancy a stall at one of the top railwayana auctions in the world, book now for next May to avoid disappointment. Simon, the regular 'team' and I, look forward to seeing you all at Pershore on Saturday week.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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03/11/05 from Webmaster |
Late entry arrived today, now catalogued and photographed here on the web. The wonderful, Great Western Railway Grange Nameplate RUCKLEY GRANGE, ex 6846. A small flyer will go in the catalogue to indicate this, something GWRA are certainly not averse to doing when such a quality item is entered at the 11th hour!.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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01/11/05 from Webmaster |
Quality items are already coming in for the May 2006 auction so please keep them coming and in good time too. All we ask is that you don't bring them to Pershore on the 26th November. We are all very busy on the day and much as we would like to, won't have time to deal with incoming items. Catalogue is now at the printers and those of you awaiting the hard copy shouldn't have to wait too long.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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30/10/05 from Webmaster |
Hope everyone put their clocks back last night, would hate for you to be late for the auction on the 26th November! One important amendment to the catalogue (apologies to all those eager beavers who have downloaded already) Lot 168 is a GWR C/I Doorplate "INSPECTOR" and not "GUARD" which is elsewhere in the auction. I say this is important because both these Doorplates are extremely rare and would certainly only have been used on large stations. These two came from Birmingham which supports that fact. Hopefully no more amendments but you never know with these gremlins. I blame Nunney Castle to be honest. Last time she came past my house southbound toward Gloucester, the gremlins had infiltrated the firebox because she was really struggling. A few may have jumped out with the smuts and sought refuge in my computer. I'm pleased to say that both recovered admirably!
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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26/10/05 from Webmaster |
As promised, a wonderful snippet of information on the final delivery, today, for the forthcoming auction. A magnificent pair of what must be considered to be the rarest of cast iron ever to come from the Welsh Valleys. The 82 years young Vendor remembers seeing both of these when he was just 7 years old and both were affixed to a gate, not far from Pengam. They were later found on the Cottage property he had purchased and have been in his posession ever since. Take a look at the 'Next Auction' page for the images. The catalogue is now on-line and can be found by clicking the Sir Launcelot image on the 'Next Auction' page. The hard copy catalogue will be available later. Commission bids are welcome from now.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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23/10/05 from Webmaster |
Almost forgot to let the Somerset & Dorset fans know about the full set of McKenzie & Holland L&SWR cast iron mile markers. Comprising ¼, ½, ¾ and full miles 48. Looking at the mileage chart for the S&D, which starts at Bath Green Square (Park), Shillingstone is 47 and a bit so these must be from the Blandford and of Shillingstone Yard? I'm sure the S&D crew will correct me if I'm a long way off. Also in the sale is an original, framed telephone circuit card from Chilcompton Signal Box to Binegar, another S&D delight.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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22/10/05 from Webmaster |
Having spent the whole day at Evesham taking photographs for the hard copy catalogue, I'm now home, totally exhausted and have just ordered a take-away Korai Chicken ....no-one come near me tomorrow. I'm going to relax with a glass or two of my favourite Australian Shiraz this evening and for a couple of hours forget about the past few manic months of meeting many wonderful people, taking in items for auction, preparing the catalogue and all the other tasks involved with running a railwayana auction. Our forthcoming auction is set to be superb and it was rounded off nicely yesterday with some wonderful Worksplates, a few more very 'tasty' totems including Bedminster and Chilvers Coton, a North Staffs LMS Hawkseye Cheddleton and a very nice Hymek Worksplate. We have two quite wonderful items coming on Wednesday to cap everything off nicely and I will post details as soon as delivery takes place. We now have 529 Lots to please everyone and hope that you will all be able to make Pershore High School on the 26th November. We are expecting a full turn-out so don't come late and lose out, particularly if you have to make a toilet stop on the way and miss lot number 2, you will be extremely annoyed. The web catalogue will be here on our site by the end of Wednesday next week, the 26th October and for those unfortunate few who can't make it on the day, you are of course, invited to email your bids should you wish. Or you can ring me to place bids by telephone, book a telephone bid or just have a chat about the items you wish to enter into the next year May auction Should we have Pershore Plum Nameplate come in at the last minute, we will of course let you know!
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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14/10/05 from Webmaster |
Lots happened since the last posting. Two more totems have just arrived at the last minute, one extremely rare and in almost mint condition. From the Coventry area, a COUNDON ROAD, fully flanged. One of only 6 that were fitted. The interesting story behind this one is that the Vendor, along with a friend, tried to obtain one each from the station when they were locked away in on of the buildings. The signalman saw them and told them to write to the Area Manager which they duly did. To their surprise, they were told to go and see the signalman who would give them one each (yes, give) When they turned up at the signalbox, 4 of the totems were already there and they were given all 4! This particular one in GWRA is all but mint so must have been just about the best one. We believe the one that has been through auction before was pretty poor (one of the remaining 2 which the Vendor remembers being somewhat rough?) The other totem is NUNEATON, ex West Coast Main Line, Trent Valley station. Nuneaton had two stations and the same totems were utilised at both. However, this one definitely came from the Trent Valley station. Also, two wonderful Worksplates, both ex South African Garratts, one Henschel, ex GO Locomotive and one Beyer Peacock, ex GMA/M Locomotive. The former even has the matching Tenderplate with it. For the Diesel collectors, a pair of Deltic Horns, a number of Depot Plaques including a rare Barton Hill Unicorn, a Saltley Seagull and an Immingham Star and a stainless steel 'Mirrlees' engine plate from a Class 31 prior to engine conversion in 1964. We are now closed for accepting further lots unless you have a Castle Nameplate or something equally as desirable! We are however accepting lots for the 2006 auctions.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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01/10/05 from Webmaster |
Literally just in, four more totems including a very select BR(NE) EAGLESCLIFFE with black edge lettering, an extremely scarce experimental black and white BOURNE END in mint condition and a couple of Scottish examples in the form of BELLSHILL and CAMBUSLANG, both ex Caledonian Railway stations in the Rutherglen area. Yesterday produced a GWR Pocket Watch, another collection of Luggage Labels, a small GWR Axe and a rather large collection of Argo 45's and LPs of Steam Sounds. As always, items for everyone at GWRA and still no Buyers Premium nor VAT and don't forget, the auction is very near to full with several small collections still to arrive this coming week. This is basically last call for any quality items for which a prime spot could be found
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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30/09/05 from Webmaster |
A very nice collection of Luggage Labels have just arrived. Not generally considered for mainstream auction but there are 3 albums of approx 700 Labels, some quite scarce. A separate paged lot comprises a very rare Lynton & Barnstaple Railway together with Somerset & Dorset Railway, Plymouth Devonport & South Western Railway and Midland & South Western Junction Railway. In Clocks, we have a handful of stunning examples to include a wonderful Lancashire & Yorkshire, ex Longton Bridge Signal Box, a Rhymney Railway, a GWR drop dial, a BR(NE) and an LNER Seth Thomas. The auction is very near to full with several small collections still to arrive this coming week. This is basically last call for any quality items for which a prime spot could be found
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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22/09/05 from Webmaster |
As promised, Smokebox Numberplates from a pair of WDs have arrived. 90538 and 90559. The former is so ex loco it still holds that magical smell of smoke, soot and steam found only in the murky depths of a dark and dingy steam shed....quite magical indeed. And quite literally just dropped off, BR(W) fully flanged Totem DAWLISH. What a wonderful item from one of the best loved, South Devon Holiday locations imaginable. It is in wonderful condition with just the smallest of professionally repaired chips, barely visible. Deep colour and shine and without doubt, probably the best one that will ever be found from this station if you consider the local environment along that famous 'sea-wall'. Only once ever at major auction before some 17 years ago, it will fill that missing slot for several handful of collectors.
We are about to present one of our best auctions yet and we are still accepting quality lots for another week or so. If you want your special item or items to be part of this magnificent sale, ring me or email me soonest.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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21/09/05 from Webmaster |
A wonderful, Gloucester allocated Hall Nameplate has just been entered into the next auction. 5968 CORY HALL was a favourite loco around Horton Road Depot in the final years of steam. Although we auction railwayana from around the entire country, indeed, the world even, it is always quite gratifying for such local items from the Midlands and South West, to come to GWRA. I will be putting an image on the website within a few days. Likewise, 8742 brass Cabside Numberplate is now added to our list and although this loco was a Reading resident under the GWR, it moved to and became a Stourbridge favourite throughout BR days. We are awaiting more Smokebox Numberplates through the post so I will keep the updates posted as they occur
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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11/09/05 from Webmaster |
A large amount of Signalbox Signalling Instruments have now come in for inclusion in the 26th November Railwayana Auction. No less than 22 actual instruments arrived over the past 2 days to include a quite magnificent Tyers Train Describer from Barrs Court Junction Signal Box in Hereford. Just take a look at the image on our 'next auction' page. A receiving device, also by Tyer was fitted in Shelwick Junction Signalbox where trains were routed to either Shrewsbury or Worcester. Other instruments from the Hereford area include Spagnoletti Single and Double Block Instruments, Signal Repeaters and Lamp In/Out Indicators. Not to mention a wonderful, boxed AVO (Multimeter) electrical measuring instrument made by Weston Electrical Industries in the USA, and bearing an ivorine plate "Telegraph Inspector, G.W.R. Signal Dept. Worcester" From the Wolverhampton area, instruments include an incredibly rare Double Slotting Instrument, used when the distant signal of one signalbox, was on the same post or gantry as the stop signal from the next signalbox along. Also a lovely GWR Tyers Permissive Block Instrument, used of course instead of absolute block instruments to allow passage of more than one train into a particular section at any given time. A couple of other rarities from Wolverhampton. A Firemans Call Box and a LNWR Crewe lower quadrant home Signal Indicator. The Firemans Call Box, so embossed, was sited at the home signal so that in the event of a train being halted, the Fireman would climb out of the engine cab and depress the plunger. This would not only notify the signalman but also set protection for the rear of the train. For those into GWR brass Shelfplates, these too: Kingswinford Junction South Main Lines: Round Oak South: Round Oak South Box: Stow Heath (a pair, one hand engraved the other machine engraved) Images of these will appear later today once the head has cleared after Englands wonderful win yesterday
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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09/09/05 from Webmaster |
As items begin to pour in, time for another railwayana update. No less than 8 Smokebox Numberplates turned up yesterday. A wonderful Scottish Pair of Standards, both ex 66A Polmadie and a nice selection of GWR Pannier Tanks. Look on the " next auction" page for images of all.That makes 10 Locomotive Smokebox Numberplates so far including the King Arthur one with the Nameplate and of course the Bath Green Park, S&D one. Also today, a very nice quantity of select Carriage Prints, some scarcities, some to suit all pockets. Rarest being a few Southern Series including a Salisbury Cathedral and a Winchester Cathedral. Surprisingly, the first Southern Railway Target has turned up a scarce Balcombe. We normally have more Targets but with the expexted rush and mayhem over the next two or three weeks before deadline, who knows what will turn up. So, get up in the Attic and get that railwayana into GWRA, the Specialist Railway Auctioneers. Our next scheduled auction of Railwayana after the coming 26th November extravaganza, isn't until May 2006 so now is the time to 'make hay'.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Railway Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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06/09/05 from Webmaster |
A quick update on items coming in for auction. We have a stunning array of choice Signal Box Instruments and other items and a list will be published soon to whet many appetites. One of the nicest Signal Box Diagrams I've ever seen has been entered in the shape of an original, company marked, glazed and framed Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway 'LIGHTHOUSE' which was between St. Annes and Ansdell
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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02/09/05 from Webmaster |
Deliveries today include a wonderful, flanged British Railways Eastern Region enamel direction sign SOUTHEND and SHOEBURYNESS. Now although both stations were fitted with totems, no Southend seem to have survived despite a large quantity adorning the platforms at one time. A Shoeburyness totem is known, but has never been offered. Like many other Essex totems, apparently they were all confined to the skip upon station rebuilding. So, this enamel is a real treasure in itself. Many Essex collectors of railwayana will no doubt show great interest in this. Also arrived a few minutes ago, the following totems: BR(M) HARTFORD & GREENBANK (never offered before), WARRINGTON, OXFORD ROAD and BR(S) CATFORD BRIDGE and GROVE PARK. Images soon.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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01/09/05 from Webmaster |
Now that September has arrived, the railway collecting scene is about to lift off yet again. As always, it has been a pretty quiet Summer with few events associated with railwayana. Things are set to change with the first, post Summer Holidays event taking place this Sunday at Quorn. Railwayana stalls will be out in force as collectors shake off the dust, wipe clean the sun tan lotion, pull off the home and distant and get themselves back on track so to speak. I will be picking up a number of entries for the forthcoming November 26th auction of railwayana at Pershore High School. If you have any special items of railwayana, particularly those that you are uncertain of 'fixed price' selling, please come and talk to either myself or Simon. We still have room for a nameplate or two to supplement the King Arthur nameplate already entered. A couple of sizeable collections are due in over the next few weeks and we are filling rapidly so don't delay. More details soon so keep an eagle eye for more 'goodies' Recent additions include a BR(S) Hook Totem, 41304 Smokebox Numberplate (from a well photographed Somerset & Dorset loco), Fraserburgh and St Combs Light Railway Plan & Sections dated May 1897 and a nice little collection of Railway Paperweights
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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24/08/05 from Webmaster |
Just delivered, another extremely rare, unseen totem in almost mint condition and still with original bracket, BR(W) GRIMES HILL & WYTHALL, F/F from the North Warwick line. Never auctioned before and never offered privately. The November Railwayana Sale is hotting up and GWRA have shown yet again that we are the Railwayana Auction for rarities. Photograph uploaded tomorrow to go in pride of place so far with the wonderful CAERLEON totem also arrived this week. More in the pipeline so watch this space, make sure you bookmark this page along with our main site.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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20/08/05 from Webmaster |
Many of you may only read the Bloggs page, but if you look on the 'next auction' page, you will see that I am now starting to load up images of 'tasty' items coming up in the November sale of railwayana. Today, a dreamlike totem has appeared. No other than BR(W) Caerleon in just about mint condition. The Vendor travelled daily from the station to school and remembers just 4 on the station. Although known to have survived, one has never been offered previously at auction or privately. Personally, I think this is just about the most wonderful of all Welsh Totems. We have some more wonderful totems lined up so keep watching this space.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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01/08/05 from Webmaster |
Having just returned from a wonderful week in the Scottish Highlands, including a run on the Jacobite from Fort William to Mallaig, it's time to get back to the auction business. A few nice items were collected on route back home including a Manor Powis Signalbox Board, the Seth Thomas Clock from that box, and a desirable Cambus to Alloa West Key Token.
Over the next few weeks, I will be uploading images of items in the forthcoming sale of railwayana. Be aware, we are now into August and time is moving on, so, if you are looking to place items into this coming sale, delay not. Also, remember GWRA do not have any hidden charges and we do not charge Buyers Premium nor VAT
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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10/07/05 from Webmaster |
The November auction of railwayana is filling rapidly so please ensure you don't leave it to the last minute to get your items included. It may seem a long way off but we are already looking forward to 2006. Star item just arrived for the 26th November Railwayana Auction - Southern Railway King Arthur Class Locomotive Nameplate SIR LAUNCELOT with matching Smokebox Numberplate SIR LAUNCELOT was one of a batch of just 10 Locomotives built at Eastleigh Works in March 1925. Numbered 448 to 457, these 10 were unique in the numbering series and also in the fact that they received G14 Drummond Tenders. As far as King Arthur Nameplates go, this one is probably one of, if not the, most well known and desirable of all names from the Round Table. The Smokebox is in itself most desirable because there were of course only 10 in this numbering series. The remaining King Arthurs were numbered 737 to 806 (30736 to 30806). The nameplate is in wonderful, 'cared for' condition, nicely polished yet retaining the character of clear bolt marks and numerous knocks and dings from 34 years of service. The rear is in absolutely original, untouched condition and clearly stamped '455'. The original Smokebox Numberplate is clean with the clear Eastleigh Triangle cast into the rear. In all, a magnificent nameplate and smokebox set.
These brass emblems were fitted to the splashers of GWR 4-2-2 'Singles'. They are absolutely genuine, Swindon produced emblems removed from a locomotive at Wolverhampton for spares or simply as keepsakes. The crests have of course been reproduced in alloy by Swindon but the smaller emblems, from the GWR 'twin shield' logo, have not.
One more thing before todays close, for those who eagerly contested, but lost out on the GWR Lost In Transit Jigsaw Puzzle in the May auction, we have unearthed another for November. In excellent condition with a fair box, this one too will be well sought after. Quite often, rarities appear consecutively once one has surfaced. However, once this happens, there is a sudden disappearance for eons. Moral is, get them whilst you have the opportunity for it may not arise again.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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01/07/05 from Webmaster |
Totem time at GWRA with three new additions arriving for the railwayana auction in November. Firstly a BR(M) Tamworth which is fully flanged. Not scarce but a really firm favourites among totem collectors and totem lovers. Tamworth was of course the best known 'spotters' paradise of all time. The Low Level was on the West Coast main line and the High Level on the Newcastle - Bristol main line. Although the station confines were banned to spotters, there were many vantage points to be found, not least the playing field to the N.W. of the stations. From here, both lines were easily visible as were the loco numbers. My first visit was marred by the appearance of the English Electric 'Whistlers' but steam still prevailed and engraved in my memory forever was the sight of my very first Coronation Pacific, City Of St Albans in green livery, flying northbound through the Low Level station. I'm sure it was Summer 1961. What would certainly date it was the awful distraction of a huge iron swing-ball demolition crane slamming its way through the Low Level station buildings. All in preparation for what was to come. But, although a distraction, it only took my eyes when nothing was passing, which wasn't very often! Additionally, another nice pair of BR(M) totems from the Nottingham - Mansfield line. Radford totem, fully flanged and Sutton Junction totem, thin flange, face drilled for wall mounting. Also a lovely collection of signal box lever plates and other items from the Birmingham area. For the discerning signalling collector, a very nice pair of Shelf Plates, West Bromwich and Handsworth & Smethwick.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Auctions' at their best
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20/06//05 from Webmaster |
Here we are just 24 hours from the first day of summer and the longest day. Time is certainly flying and items for the November auction are beginning to arrive with some momentum. Don't leave it to the last minute to get your railwayana treasures into GWRA Railwayana Auctions and remember, no Buyers Premium nor VAT so bidders can go to their maximum and vendors can achive their ultimate. For the discerning Signalling collector, we have some real gems already entered and as a taster, how about this (click the image for a large version)
Indeed it is another Lynton & Barnstaple Brass Tablet. Remember the Wooda Bay in the May railwayana auction realising £3,600, this one too will be well sought after. For those into specialist signalling instruments, we have a pair of wonderful Tyers Number 6 Tablet Instruments, one 'A' Configuration and a similar 'B' Configuration. These are heavy so potential buyers, bring a friend! Better still, a North Staffs Railway Tyers 1 position, 3 wire instrument with integral Bell, ivorine plated 'LONGPORT JUNCTION'. Goodness, they don't come better! Some wonderful Totems have already come in, the latest being a raft of very local stations. To whet the appetite, take a look at these British Railways Western Region, in station order along the "Cathedrals Express Line" HONEYBOURNE - EVESHAM - PERSHORE - GREAT MALVERN - LEDBURY
Still close to home, a rare CHELTENHAM SPA LANSDOWN ROAD. It has some damage and the flanges have been flattened. But, it is exactly as it came off the station and a little work would make it look extremely presentable. Also arrived recently, a couple of British Railways Midland Region, RADLETT and SUDBURY. For the locomotive collector, 6316 brass Cabside Numberplate has turned up and the original paintwork is stunning. This is how they should be, obviously the cleaners at Croes Newydd din't do much with this loco, the rim stampings are very clear and the original orange lining can be seen beneath the flaking black paint. I would assume this loco saw many, many years service plying the ex Cambrian Railways area of North Wales. Keep an eagle eye on these pages, I will be updating regularly and no doubt the excitement will start to rise as the summer temperatures have over the past few days.
GWRA Railwayana Auctions ~ based Central England ~ Worldwide Market 'Live Auctions' at their best 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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06/06//05 from Webmaster |
As we drift away from the last auction and focus on the next, perhaps it is time to reflect on the results of the recent auction of railwayana held on the 14th May at Pershore High School. It was a mixed day with many items extremely bouyant and some world records broken yet again. The 8415 Locomotive Cabside was a real turn up for the book and there must have been two local bidders who remembered this loco at Worcester because they fought it out to a remarkable £2100, almost three times the norm for a brass Pannier Cabside. This is what GWRA auctions are all about, the excitement for the Vendor, who was in the auditorium, must have been priceless. The gasps from the general public and the cacophony of disbelief afterwards, was something not to be missed. This was 'live' auctions at its best. Forget the far off phone auction scene, they have the excitement of the Sea Of Tranquility and as much atmosphere as the Moon itself! The Staff Only Jigsaw produced by the GWR, 'Lost In Transit' achieved £920 which was no real surprise considering the rarity. Many GWR Jigsaw collectors require just this one to complete the set. Clocks were outstanding with £6,500 for the rare Dent Regulator and £2,000 for the Neath & Brecon Railway example. GWRA have developed a real niche for quality railway clocks and GWRA auctioneer SimonTurner, is undoubtedly one of the top railway clock experts in the country, certainly an advantage when valuations and expectations are sought. Totems had a varied day with common varieties showing signs of decreasing interest and value. But, scarcities still hold firm with the likes of Bamber Bridge fetching an outstanding £2,600. The world record held by GWRA, Evercreech Junction at £8150, still has no near contenders. Perhaps a second example of this famous Somerset & Dorset station just might do it. Lynton & Barnstaple Railway items are always at a premium and the brass Tablet Wooda Bay - Lynton was no exception. A staggering £3,600 beat its last outing at another auction by a few hundred pounds. This shows that GWRA are becoming the leading outlet for quality items. 1950's enamel signs with the British Railways 'totem' logo are now so sought after, the market has virtually dried up but GWRA boasted a superb BR(E) double sided example in excellent condition, in the form of "GOODS AND COAL DEPOT". I think the entire audience was taken by this sign and the bidding was frantic. The hammer finally dropped at £1350. Now we are working on the November auction and some wonderful items have already stared to grace our premises. Watch this space closely! Happy summer to all....when it finally arrives! 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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27/05/05 from Webmaster |
Now that the fine weather has finally arrived and we are all reminiscing back to those wonderful days at the lineside, browsing through the latest issue of Heritage Railway, I realise just how lucky we are in this country, to have so many preserved steam railways on hand. Railway collectors and regular railway auction visitors, particularly those who attend GWRA auctions, are indeed a special breed of people and the vast majority cut their teeth and grew out of short trousers in the steam era. Those majority undoubtedly visit, on a regular basis, some of the preserved railways this country has to offer. Those who own, operate and toil on these railways, many being volunteers, deserve mammoth appreciation, for were it not for them, our railway heritage would be lost forever. I visit the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway at Toddington as often as possible and occassionally take the trip to Cheltenham Racecourse and back. I also own a small share of Merchant Navy loco 35006 Peninsular and Oriental S N Co and hope to see it run at Toddington soon. The Severn Valley Railway is also fairly near and what a wonderful railway it is too! The museum of relics is a real treat and bonus and thereby lies another area of our railway heritage and again, we are lucky to have museums and centres that cater for those interested in railway relics and artifacts. Near Toddington lies Winchcombe and nestling down the main street is arguably the best private museum of our railway heritage, not only in the UK but probably the entire World. When you decide to spend a day at Toddington, why not visit Winchcombe too, but put aside a good 2 to 3 hours to amble around this wonderful trip into the past. Our next scheduled auction at Pershore is on Saturday 26th November 2005. We're now accepting lots so in between those visits to preserved railways and museums, why not dig out those unwanted items of railwayana and contact GWRA. It may seem and endless summer away but as we all know, time, like a 'semi on the main' flies. 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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20/05/05 from Webmaster |
With the 14th May Railway Auction receding into history, we are now preparing ourselves for the onslaught of new items coming in for the next major sale on the 26th November 2005. A quick look at the results from last Saturday will show some blanks for 'not solds'. Some of these are still available so be sure to peruse in case you miss something. Once the aftermath of the auction has settled, I will resume some railway ramblings and certainly continue the Cycling Spotting Trip to Wolverhampton and Birmingham back in 1962
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09/05/05 from Webmaster |
Getting the Royal Scot nameplate and Underley Hall nameplate ready for the coming railwayana auction on Saturday, I remembered that we now have the image of County Of Dorset nameplate from the 1931 list of GWR nameplates for sale at Swindon. Incredibly, the nameplate was offered to the individual who sent the image, back in 1995 for £2800. Sadly he didn't buy it because he really wanted the later Hawksworth designed straight one from the 4-6-0 County, numbered 1013! He did offer £2750 which was declined....moral of the story....never say 'no'. 'GWRA ~ The Railway Auction'
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15/04/05 from Webmaster |
With most of the auction admin completed, there is a little time to continue part 4 of the 'Roundhouse' For Sale list. Last posting was worksplates and was dominated by LNER examples. Time to take a very brief look at LMS worksplates. Nothing of great interest surprisingly but by todays standard it is worth noting that LMS Built 1944 G.W.R and similar 1943 S.R and 1944 S.R were the same price as Built Derby 1927, all coming in most expensive at £8 each. Cast iron plates were £2.2.0 for Horwich examples and £4 for Crewe examples. The oddity was a St. Rollox dated 1907 for £7.10.0. There were 3 Beyer Peacock plates on offer, 7139 dated 1944 at £6.10.0, Manchester 1914 at £4.10.0 and Manchester 1913 at £6.10.0. Grouped with these, a Gorton Foundry 1896, ex B.C.D.R. at £14, easily the most expensive. There were no less than 6 Hunslet Engine Co Diesel worksplates, all priced at £5.5.0 and last but not least, a steam example, 1637 dated 1929 priced £7.10.0 Cast iron throws up some interesting comparisons and the list is extensive. As a starter, an LNWR Rhybudd Trespass was £8 and 10/- less expensive than a Midland Railway Beware Of Trains!! For a mere £3 more, a Lancashire & Yorkshire ...Not To Stand On The Coal Ramp... was offered and for just £8, a LNWR & Furness Joint Shut & Fasten Gate. Common Midland Railway Trespass Signs were £5.5.0, LNWR were £6, LNER £3.10.0 and GNR £5.10.0. M&GN Trespass (short style) was £10 and another slightly less common Met & G.C. Joint Trespass £7.10.0 GWR Platelayers and Propping Wagon Doors both priced at £4.10.0. The latter doesn't state the Managers name, perhaps it was pretty insignificant in those days. Part 5 will continue with cast iron and perhaps general miscellany.
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15/04/05 from Webmaster |
Further correspondence has been received on the 1931 list of GWR nameplates for sale at Swindon. Another nameplate, County Of Dorset, is known to have survived and we are hoping to have a photograph at some point. It's intriguing that the list is beginning to grow and it would certainly be interesting to receive any more information on any of these, indeed any other 'early' nameplates that have survived and are currently unknown. For those who haven't yet noticed, the catalogue for the forthcoming railwayana auction is now on-line. Hard copy versions should be back from the printer soon. We are already accepting items for the 26th November sale and although it seems far away, don't delay if you have items for disposal. If you have a valuable item or items that you wish to auction in a hurry, we are able to place here on our website in an instance, details on request. Meanwhile, enjoy browsing the catalogue and we hope to see as many of you as possible at Pershore on the 14th May.
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05/04/05 from Webmaster |
11th hour happenings at GWRA with GWR Nameplate Underley Hall and matching brass Cabside 6928, coming in for the 14th May sale. This is a lovely set and hasn't been out previously. Also in the post this morning for inclusion, A BR(W) Totem Barmouth and a lovely BR(M) Totem Hemel Hempstead & Boxmoor. On Sunday, the ground shook around GWRA HQ with the arrival of no less than 5 Joint cast iron signs, all great rarities but a couple of proverbial 'hens-teeth'. The rarest of all time, the LM&S & GW Joint Rys Propping of Doors Sign actually dated Mar 1922 and bearing the name of the Joint Superintendent, J. Ratcliff. We believe this sign has until now been unheard of. Also an earlier London & North Western & Great Western Joint Railways with almost the same wording, has the name of Williams beneath. This one is known but still extremely rare. Also a wonderful, and possibly almost as rare, Great Western & London & North Western Joint Railways Steam Rollers, Traction Engines and Motor Lorries Weighbridge Notice. To round off, a nice matching pair, to be sold separately of course, LMS & GW Private Path sign and a Private Road sign.
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30/03/05 from Webmaster |
It never ceases to amaze me how such superb items suddenly appear, right at the last minute. Here's yours truly trying to get the catalogue for the forthcoming railwayana auction tidied up and ready for the printer, when whoosh, in comes another 4 GWR Cabsides. All cast iron and little gems in their own right, but goodness, two are quite stunning. How about 5819 and 9317 to set the world alight, not to mention 3808 and 9743. There were only ever 20 '5800' Class 0-4-2T Locomotives built at Swindon, this one was built in August 1933 and went new to Llandovery Depot. Its last GWR shed was Newcastle Emlyn and was withdrawn from Carmarthen in June 1957 Likewise, there were only ever 20 '4300' Class 2-6-0 Locomotives built with the 93xx numbering scheme. 9317 was built at Swindon in April 1932 and was allocated to Weymouth. Its last GWR shed was Oxford and it was withdrawn from Severn Tunnel Junction in June 1964 Also appearing today, Industrial Nameplate WILLIAM STRATFORD. Built by Andrew Barclay in 1923 and numbered 1799. Ex NCB Colliery at Baddesley, just outside Atherstone. The fascinating history of this colliery and of the locomotive, with a very good photograph, can be found here:- http://www.irsociety.co.uk/Archives/11/william_francis.htm
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25/03/05 from Webmaster |
Regarding our website, we are soon having to upgrade our servers in view of the substantial increase in traffic over the past 12 months or so. We are certain there won't be any disruption to service but we always have to remember those computer 'gremlins'. I am armed with several cans of 'anti-bug/creepy crawly/gremlin' aerosol. Just as I was about to close the entries for the 14th May railwayana auction, another little bundle of gems appear. More details when I have had chance to sort and lot up. Two nice smokebox numberplates are amongst the items, namely 1650 (Ex 85B although more likely to have worked from Lydney around the Forest of Dean area) and 40684 a Liverpool area loco. However, that has to be it for this auction, snail catalogue needs to go to the printers pretty smartish. GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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24/03/05 from Webmaster |
A wonderful collection of items in last night just about completes this coming railwayana auction. So, unless you have something special, items accepted from now on will be for the next railway auction. One of the most wonderful items in this particular collection is an LMS enamel Lamp Tablet BREDON which is the local village of yours truly of course. There were two platforms here and both sides had a number of these signs. Yet, this is the first one to come to auction which just proves that many, many items from our railway past, are still around and coming to light a generation or more later. GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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22/03/05 from Webmaster |
More items catalogued today including a very rare BR(S) totem ADDISCOMBE. Never before at railwayana auction or recorded as being sold privately, it is the dark green, black edge variety. This comes with a nice collection of various items from the Purley Oaks area. One item of note is a small, LBSCR enamel WC notice referring to dropping 1 Penny or 2 Half Pennies In The Lock - quite a stunning little gem indeed. There is a Purley Oaks Target and a Purley Oaks green Platform Lamp Diffuser, not to mention a Deepdene totem and a Botley totem. Also with this lot, a number of loco photographs signed by William Stanier and actually accompanied by the hand written, hand signed letter to the Vendors Father enclosing such. Even the envelope is included and it is dated August 1960. The Vendors Father became acquainted with both Stanier and Bulleid at the exclusive club frequented by them. GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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21/03/05 from Webmaster |
Another 'new to market' collection arrived today ready for the railwayana auction in May. GWR Cabside 7317, ex 2-6-0 Mogul being the first item. These seldom come to market for some reason, in fact this is only the second we have ever had at GWRA, plenty of 63XX but not these. It is cast iron of course and a nice addition to the sale. Also a nice trio of worksplates including a large oval brass K1 62032, A rare Horwich 1949 ex 'Flying Pig' 43038 and a NBL diamond from a WD, number to be researched. Incidentally, we also have a nice brass Drewry from an early BR Diesel. Finally, an O2 Smokebox from a loco that worked the Highdyke Ore Trains, 63932. And for David Shepherd fans, an early Limited Edition 'Over The Forth'. Beautifully framed and with certificate. We are now only taking very 'special' items as closing date is almost upon us. GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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20/03/05 from Webmaster |
Well, the items that arrived yesterday for the 14th May railwayana auction. A good place to start is with the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Steel Tablet WOODA BAY - LYNTON number 18. With items from this wonderful little railway appearing once every green and blue striped moon, this is certainly an exciting find. Also coming out of this collection, the two different varieties of Somerset & Dorset Railway Trespass signs, the rarer of the two being the one with the spelling mistake. Because they are dated the same, August 1903, one can assume the spelling mistake was spotted by someone after the initial batch were cast and rectified rather quickly. With the collection has come not only these two S&DJR signs, but also an S&D Occupation Crossing Sign and the much sought after Beware Of Trains. What is so nice about the Occupational Crossing Sign, is that it is triple titled:- London & South Western & Midland Companies Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway....wonderful. GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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18/03/05 from Webmaster |
A few more items have arrived for the next railwayana auction that are worth mentioning. A little collection of items from Exmouth Junction Signal Box including a pair of mahogany mounted 'tappers' that had rather a novel use in the box. Evidently, the box was manned by a lone signalman and during busy periods, when down at the Pinhoe end of the box for example, should the Block Bell sound at the Exeter end, to save dashing up to that end to respond, he would use the 'tapper that was wired in parallel but situated at the opposite end of the box. The same occured whilst at the Exeter end. The tappers have 'Exeter A' and Pinhoe ivorine plates attached and each would have been wired to the opposite Block Bell. Also with this collection, a rare Train Staff with brass plates at one end from the Thorverton - Stoke Canon Junction single line section along the beautiful Exe Valley route to Tiverton. Also a trio of GWR 'named' signalbox Shelf Plates, one from Teignmouth signalbox (Old Quay), one from Dawlish Warren signalbox (From Starcross Box) and one from Newton Abbot signalbox (Hackney) We have a very exciting consignment tomorrow and an equally exciting one on Monday so more news then. GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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16/03/05 from Webmaster |
After all the excitement of the nameplate yesterday, I forgot to mention that another half dozen totems are due in next week...details later. We have also taken delivery of a GWR Ships Bell which sounds rather interesting, well it would sound rather loud actually but the clapper is missing! Tomorrow, more 'goodies' are on the way so hopefully, I will be able to do a post then. GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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15/03/05 from Webmaster |
All can now be revealed on the most stunning of all nameplates ever, to come up for railwayana auction. It is the original LMS nameplate from a locomotive built at the North British Locomotive Works, Queens Park, Glasgow under works number 23595 in 1927. If the magical number isn't enough to set the heart racing, here's another fact. In 1933, so the story goes, the nameplate was removed and fitted to a similar, Derby built loco, which apparently was in better condition. This loco was subsequently shipped from Tilbury to Montreal in Canada and from 1st May through to 25th May 1933 (Seventy two years ago from the date of the coming auction) it ran various tours, ending up in Chicago in time for the World Fair. On return to the UK on December 5th 1933 after running 11,194 miles, it had acquired the famous Warning Bell. Still not there? Well, the original nameplates were then removed and the commemorative ones cast and applied. Thankfully, both originals survive and here we have nothing less than ROYAL SCOT Bought by the Vendor from the well known collector Richard Rutherford in the days when nameplates were the same price as a medium value totem today, it comes with a personal letter from him detailing the authenticity. The face is polished and has been overpainted in black, but, the original, matt maroon colour is quite evident, as are the splashes and other remnants of the maroon gloss used on the loco. The back has a most wonderful patina. This will be a chance in a lifetime for serious locomotive nameplate collectors and we at GWRA feel extremely privileged to be able to offer this magnificent plate. Images are imminent. GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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11/03/05 from Webmaster |
The Shropshire Union Railways & Canal Company 'Sufferance' cast iron arrived for inclusion in the next railwayana auction, is a real gem indeed. It shows the original colours used by this company and in terms of actual layout of the sign from an asthetic viewpoint, is perhaps in the top 10 of all time. There is a clear image on the next auction page. Also of the Taff Vale Railway, double sided Trespass. Not as rare of course, but seldom seen and extremely desirable GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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09/03/05 from Webmaster |
The Great Western Railway produced 'special' copies of their books such as Holiday Haunts, Cathedrals and Abbeys, to present to Ocean Liner Companys for use in their ship libraries. They were obviously keen for business, particularly from the American tourists who regularly plied the Atlantic on visits to Great Britain. They were hardbound issues and inscribed on the cover was the shipping company and the actual name of the liner. In terms of collectability, they are extremely scarce and a very definite field for the GWR publicity collector. More than likely "one offs" as it is doubtful that the limited space on even the most majestic of ships, would have given room to more than one copy of any book in its library. And talking of majestic, a sister ship of the White Star Line, RMS Titanic, was not only the Olympic but indeed the Majestic and it is from this famous liner that we have a Holiday Haunts book, in virtually mint condition, coming up for sale in the 14th May auction of railwayana. White Star memorabilia is extremely collectible in itself so this book should have a two-pronged appeal. Not quite as appealing but of some scarcity is a GWR Dock Department Rule Book. Seldom seen, we also have an extremely good example in the forthcoming sale. GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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08/03/05 from Webmaster |
Thank you all you mathematicians. With a 2005 estimate of £40,000 for the nicest of the plates on offer at Swindon in 1931, bought for the equivalent of 25 pence, the increase is 160,000 fold. Were it to increase by the same amount over the next 74 years, that would make the plate worth £4,800,000,000 (yes, four thousand eight hundred million pounds)....now there's a thought for your great grandchildren!!! GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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07/03/05 from Webmaster |
I have just found an interesting article on page 311 of the July 1931 Great Western Magazine and I would like to share it with you all. It reads:- "There is on hand at Swindon a number of engine name-plates recovered from Great Western railway engines from time to time as they would have been taken out of service. Enquiries are invited from members of the satff and general public who may be desirous of obtaining one or more of them. Brief descriptions of the plates, with titles at present available, are given below and further particulars may be obtained on application to Mr. A.C. Cookson, Stores Superintendent, Great Western Railway, Swindon." Cast brass oval combined name and number plate. Approximate weight 43lb. each. Length 2 ft 1½ inches. Height 1 ft 5¼ inches GLASTONBURY and Coat Of Arms, KENILWORTH and Coat Of Arms, LAIRA, MARAZION, TAVY, TREGOTHNAN, DARTMOUTH, KINGSBRIDGE, LAUNCESTON, NEWLYN, RESTORMEL, ST. AUBYN, TORQUAY, ATBARA, KITCHENER, LADYSMITH, OMDURMAN, POWERFUL, PEMBROKE, WOLSELEY, WHITE, AUCKLAND, ADEN. Steel plate arc with tubular brass beading and brass letters rivetted on. Approximate weight 40 lb each. Length 6 ft approximately. Height of letters 3½ in. ST. GERMANS, ST. IVES, FOWEY, NEWQUAY, ST. ERTH, ST. AGNES, TREGENNA, ST. AUSTELL, ST. ANTHONY, TINTAGEL, FALMOUTH, ST. JUST, ST. COLUMB, WEYMOUTH, KING HENRY, KING RICHARD, BLENHEIM, BESSBOROUGH, CAMBRIA, GROSVENOR, ALEXANDER HUBBARD, HOTSPUR, MARLBOROUGH, OXFORD, SHELBURNE, AVALON, EDWARD VII, PENZANCE, BIRKENHEAD, CARDIFF, KING WILLIAM, KING JOHN, SHREWSBURY, SAVERNAKE, SHAKESPEARE, WYNNSTAY, COLONEL EDGECUMBE, BRISBANE, COLOMBO, SYDNEY, ST. JOHNS, DURBAN, GIBRALTAR, HALIFAX, HOBART, LYTTLETON, MAURITIUS, MALTA, KILLARNEY, QUEBEC, CITY OF CHESTER, CITY OF GLOUCESTER, CITY OF HEREFORD, COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, COUNTY OF DUBLIN, KING JAMES, COUNTY OF KILDARE, COUNTY OF KILKENNY, COUNTY OF BUCKS, COUNTY OF MONMOUTH, COUNTY OF CORNWALL, COUNTY OF DENBIGH, COUNTY OF OXFORD, COUNTY OF BERKS, COUNTY OF WILTS, COUNTY OF DORSET, COUNTY OF DEVON, COUNTY OF STAFFORD, COUNTY OF GLAMORGAN, COUNTY OF PEMBROKE, KING CHARLES, BARRINGTON, CARNATION What an incredible list of quite stunning nameplates. It would be heart-warming to think that they were all purchased and still survive today. Somehow I doubt it. Almost 74 years have passed and although they probably cost about 5/-(25 pence in todays money!) in those days, if that, not many employees could probably afford to spend several weeks wages on something not as important as food for the table and coal for the fire. We know that City Of Gloucester was found recently. Lets hope the next one is found before another 74 years pass because if not, what price a nameplate in 2079. It certainly wont be 5/- .........but it mightn't be far off!! There again, if it goes up by the same percentage as it has...well, I'll leave that one to the mathematicians amongst us...answers on a very long toilet roll!! Incidentally, if anyone can get hold of a copy of this particular GWR Magazine, the preceding chapter is about Signalling Exhibits at the then Science Museum and there are some wonderful photographs of company Truncheons. Of course in the early days, all signalmen were sworn constables and they wore armlets, 'towsers' and top hats and were issued with truncheons. Perhaps more at a later date, meanwhile, perhaps a little drooling over the nameplates would be in order! GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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27/02/05 from Webmaster |
Two very interesting clocks arrived today in time for the next auction. A wonderful, early Cockermouth & Workington Railway 12" Fusee made by Sutton of Whitehaven and a Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Trunk, ex Horwich Works. The former is from a Railway that opened in 1847 and had only 8½ miles of track and just 6 stations. I've never heard of any artefacts coming from this company ever, so a stunning rarity to say the least. It's not until research is undertaken that one realises the intricacies of our long gone railway system. Just look at those 6 stations for instance. OK, Workington is still there and Cockermouth, although closed as late as 1965 (late being 45 years ago now!!) but in between, just consider: Workington Bridge (closed 1951), Camerton, Broughton Cross (closed 1942), Brigham (closed 1966). More interestingly, the original C&WR Cockermouth station, where this clock may well have resided, was closed 100 years earlier in 1865. I tell you, being a Railwayana auctioneer is quite wonderful!! GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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25/02/05 from Webmaster |
A "most wonderful nameplate" is no understatement but you will have to be patient. All will be revealed soon. Meanwhile, more exciting items have arrived this week, the best being a GWR Jigsaw Puzzle 'Lost In Transit'. It is in excellent, complete condition with an extremely good box. This is by far the rarest of all GWR Jigsaw Puzzles and the very first time at GWRA auction. Updates to the picture gallery once I get the images completed - when the sun shines next!! Speaking of the weather front, here's hoping for a significant improvement for Quorn on the 6th March. GWRA will be in attendance as always and anyone with items for entry into GWRA, please bring them along and we'll collect them from you. Don't forget it's Mothers day on that day too, mustn't neglect the 'real' world! Good to see the March edition of the Railway Antiques Gazette arrive before it is due, well done again Tim Petchey. Another fine edition with extremely good articles and plenty for everyone. GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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24/02/05 from YellowSub |
I've heard about the early GWR nameplate City Of Gloucester coming up for sale but what about this "most wonderful nameplate" you talked about on Valentines day. Are you going to give us a clue? GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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18/02/05 from Webmaster |
More ramblings on a bicycle, looking back to July 15th 1962...nothing short of a day fit for Kings Having whisked myself around Wolverhampton Works, I made my way to the steam shed, 84A. I don't remember the layout very well and I certainly don't remember exactly how I got in but, the first loco entered in my little book was 6008, King James II which was parked next to 4930, Hagley Hall. I also copped 3778 and 6152. By this time in my spotting career, I had already paid several visits to Snow Hill and had seen most Kings. In fact I needed just 5 to complete - 6003 King George IV, 6006 King George I, 6015 King Richard III, 6017 King Edward IV and 6029 King Edward VIII. Although 6008 wasn't one of these, I was pretty excited at seeing my first King 'on shed' and I knew there would be more. 7024 Powis Castle was the next namer recorded and I couldn't believe my luck! It was adjacent to 4970 Sketty Hal,l 5926 Grotrian Hall and 78008. I didn't stand much chance of copping a Castle but I needed a number of Halls, sadly not these two. The Castles I wanted were 4037 South Wales Borderers and 4090 Dorchester Castle and 7024, yes, Powis Castle....incredible!! Next was a sight to die for! No less than 15 namers in a row!! The first, well how about 6017, I now needed just 4 more Kings. 6020 King Henry IV was next door followed by a fine pair of Castles, 5038 Morlais Castle and 5036 Lyonshall Castle. 5983 Henley Hall was next in line and then lo and behold, 6015 Richard III. Now only 3 required, would this be my lucky day. Disappointment with the next two...ha ha, as if seeing three consecutive Kings next to each other was disappointing! Following 6015 was 6016 King Edward V and 6027 King Richard I and we weren't anywhere near finished yet. 5932 Haydon Hall separated the three monarchs from the next one which was 6012 King Edward VI. 6907 Davenham Hall separated 6005 King George II and 7019 Fowey Castle. Just before a rather rude interuption by two Serfs, ie 6159 and 5183, 6011 King James I ended the line of succession. However, three more Kings came into view, all in a row. 6001 King Edward VII, 6002 King William IV and 6013 King Henry VIII...no wives and no more for this was the last King I ever saw in BR service. So, I ended up happy, no, thrilled to bits in fact, to see such a display at the age of just 14. Unfortunately, from what I remember, it was rather foreboding because I'm sure the Kings were all withdrawn and in a sorry state....but was I glad I had at least witnessed such an array of locomotives. On my way out of the shed, I actually copped 7330, 8452, 6422 and 6418. The only other locos on shed that day that I haven't mentioned, was 6159, 5183 and 3778. So, only 3 Kings left to see and 2 Castles. Did I ever see them......sadly not. Also a few Halls and 3 Counties also evaded me but I did see all the Granges and Manors. I had decided to make my way home via Birmingham because I wanted to visit Aston and Saltley. But before making the return leg of my journey, I decided to find Oxley Shed. I have vague recollections of a wide open area but little else. However, here is the list of locos there that very day and what a wonderful collection of just about all named steam with a couple of Westerns thrown in. 4950 Patshull Hal ( a welcome cop)l, 5973 Rolleston Hall, 6840 Hazeley Grange, 4989 Cherwell Hall, D1005 Western Venturer, 6871 Bourton Grange, D1006 Western Stalwart, 6615 (the only non-namer steam, which I copped), 6861 Crynant Grange, 6925 Hackness Hall, 4960 Pyle Hall, 6983 Otterington Hall, 5975 Winslow Hall, D3026, 6975 Capesthorne Hall and 7828 Odney Manor (a cop) Next entry on this theme will be a switch to ex LMS sightings at Aston and Saltley. GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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16/02/05 from Webmaster |
Another fine totem delivered this morning, Bamber Bridge from the ex Lancashire & Yorkshire station just to the East of Preston on the Blackburn route. It's a real rarity having been at auction only once before, 16 years ago at the Malvern Winter Gardens. Another scarce totem is arriving tomorrow so hopefully more news then. Oh, I almost forgot, keep looking to see the Somerset & Dorset items and a Lynton & Barnstaple Railway item of significant desirability.....not to mention that nameplate! GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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14/02/05 from Webmaster |
Valentines Day already and the May auction approaches with haste. More wonderful items have been delivered and more are due later this week. Today we have secured a most wonderful nameplate, details of which will be released very shortly. GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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02/02/05 from Webmaster |
Everyone keep a look out for this one.....BATTLEFIELD LINE RAILWAY- SHACKERSTONE STOLEN LOCO NAMEPLATE Sometime during the first two weeks of Jan 2005 one of the nameplates of 0-4-0ST "WALESWOOD" was removed from the Shackerstone site without permission. If you are offered this item please inform the police and Shackerstone Station Office on 01827 880754 GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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27/01/05 from Webmaster |
It never ceases to amaze me when certain items turn up for inclusion in GWRA. Yesterday, a gentleman dropped by with a huge, black book tucked under his arm. As he struggled to the door with what was obviously extremely heavy, my intrigue was apparent as he quipped 'I told you it was heavy!' As he laid the item on my large, oak table which I'm sure I heard groan in protest, it looked immense and there in the centre, firmly affixed, was this silver shield. Over 4" across and 4" deep. Click it for a larger image
The album itself is a huge 24½" x 14½" with 50 large format b/w photographs, mounted between cellophane. Rather than re-describe it, below is the catalogue description I have formulated " Great Indian Peninsular Railway presentation Album of enormous proportions and significant, historical importance. Measuring 24½" x 14½" x 2", the velum type cover has a large, silver shield affixed which is exquisitely engraved and reads:- "R.V.Symonds Esq., O.B.E. From The Engineers Of The Great Indian Peninsular Ry 17 - 1 - 28". Opening to 50, thick pages each holding a large format 12" x 8" black and white photograph showing work on various aspects of the railway. Starting with the Victoria Terminus Administrative Offices, now the Mumbai Chhatrapati Sivaji Terminus, completed in 1888 at a cost of 300,000 pounds. Successive pages show remodelling and new bridges around the station (note everything off the rails comprises of horse-drawn carriages and no motor cars). Locations include Parel Overbridge, Kurla Harbour Branch, Parsik Tunnel (with fabulous Steam Train shot), Mumbra Bridge, Kalyan, Thull Ghat (showing Survey Team), Bhore Ghat, New Station at Poona, New Station at Nagpur etc. etc. The accompanying paperwork extract from the Railway Gazette Sept 17th 1923, courtesy of the NRM, details the widening work carried out on this railway wonderfully captured photographically within this album. Also shown is an extract from the Universal Directory of Railway Officials which puts Mr R.V. Symons OBE as Chief Engineer. A wonderful item indeed." The photographs are quite stunning and tells a story of the re-work done on this Railway. Many collectors marvel at brass nameplates and rightly so, but there were thousands. Many marvel at station totems, again rightly so but there were even more than thousands. This deserves real marvel, the shield is unique, the contents quite probably unique. Thank goodness it has been saved and I'm sure, wherever it goes at the auction, it will be treated the care it deserves. GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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21/01/05 from Webmaster |
I've been having a New Year cleanout and I've stumbled across an old diary/booklet I started scribblings in 1960. Sadly it is very sparse but there are some interesting notes and even some shed bashes which I will share with everyone in due course. Scribbled on the first page, apart from going to the Gaumont cinema in Worcester to watch 'The Smallest Show On Earth' are a few train related remarks. The first - "Today cycled to Leamington. Weather good, shed good, trains good, cycling not bad" No date unfortunately and on the surface pretty insignificant. However, it was probably the start of many cycling trips, invariably on my own, on my sisters bike (it had gears and mine didn't!) to 'local' areas of interest. I say 'local' because Worcester to Stafford and Worcester to Swindon, to name the furthest, was no mean feat at 14 and alone. No-one would dream of doing it today! Another story for another time even beats that, ie when I was 12, I stayed with an uncaring aunt in the Old Kent Road, London (backing on to Bricklayers Arms Locomotive Depot) for a fortnight. I travelled on the tube every day to sheds and stations only in childhood dreams for most. How I did it I will never know but the lure of steam and all those magnificent monsters at Kings Cross, Waterloo and Liverpool Street, taught me in three minutes flat how to read the underground and how to travel it (very cheaply!!) One of my 16 year old cousins, who lived near London Bridge station, was a spotter and he took me to Willesden and Camden shed, Nine Elms and Stewarts Lane. All four 'bunked' on a Sunday and the final one was extremely precarious. I remember him saying 'don't step on those whatever you do'!! Gives me the horrors today, believe me. Anyway, turning the page of this little book, opens on 15th July 1962. My memory recalls a beautiful day and I certainly rose early with every intention of going somewhere 'good'. Duly packed up with Marmite sandwiches and a bottle of Tizer in the saddlebag, plus ample pens, my shed directory, loco shedbook and this little book, I headed up the A449. First stop 84G Kidderminster. Although I had been there many times, I had never bothered with the shed. I really thought I had seen all the allocated locos at Worcester. How wrong, the fifth loco I saw was 3619 and it was a 'cop'. I also copped 6679, another resident. Here's the list, as written and hopefully correct. 4147, 4114, 3601, 8718, 3619, 6314, 6679, W21, W25, W31, 3607, 4129, 4153, 6388, 4629, 4175 So 13 steam locos and 3 railcars (which were also cops) Not a bad start Next stop - Wolverhampton. Somewhere on the way I saw 9716 and it was a cop, where it was isn't recorded I managed to find acces to the works first. Vague memory put me at the bottom of an embankment and a filthy, engineering blue brick wall. How I got in I really don't know but I can still feel the excitement today. I spotted a pannier first, 1630, my favourites of all panniers, without doubt stemming from my passion for 1661 back home. Then a glimpse of a Manor, yes, 7816 Frilsham Manor, disappointment at not being a cop but wonderful to see. Then, only 4 locos down, my first major, County of Monmouth, 1020. That made the journey so far well worth while and I would have been quite happy not to have copped another loco. Even so,I was a little disappointed again when I spotted Hall 4941. It wasn't a cop and it was one of those dreaded 'chhllan' names that my youthful ignorance couldn't even start to pronounce, despite my mother being Welsh! 4703 was another highlight, I loved these locos, they were majestic yet un-named and I could never understand why. A couple of Standards appeared and then a succession of tank locos brought works to an end. The works list, of which I copped 12 including a couple of diesel shunters - 1630, 7816, 6156, 3210, 9470, 1020, D3983, 6148, 5184, 5191, 4941 (Llangedwyn Hall), 9477, D3038, 3816, 9642, 3615, 5564, 5181, 4703, 82008, 73097, 6618, 9435, 9626, 6156, 6614, 6160, 9665, 5184, 9422, 4636, 9774, 5184, 6601. Next stop and even better to come, the steam shed. Keep tuned in for more GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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21/01/05 from Webmaster |
Time to take a third look at the Roundhouse 'For Sale' list and see what Worksplates were on offer just over 34 years ago. B1 locomotive 61009 Hartebeeste was the first worksplate on offer at £10. I only ever saw 20 out of 59 B1 named locos. Living at Worcester was wonderful for ex GWR and LMS stock but in the twilight of steam, B1s became more frequent albeit still rare. If my memory serves me correctly, 61251, Oliver Bury, made an appearance on shed one day and 61004, Oryx was seen at Abbotswood Junction. The rest would have been seen on my one off trips to far away March, Doncaster and Sheffield although no doubt I would have seen a few over 'bird-cage' bridge at Rugby, my second best favourite haunt after Tamworth. Apologies for the nostalgic digression! Worksplate from 62745, The Hurworth, was a couple of pounds more at £12 and K1 class 62033, 62036, 62056 and 62059 were half the price at £6 each. Moving on to the 'big guns', 1730 Doncaster 1930 was a cool £17.10.0 and for the extra 10 shillings, you could have had 2130 Darlington 1950 (ex A1 locomotive 60149 Amadis) or 2041 Doncaster 1948 (ex A1 locomotive 60124 Kenilworth). Slightly cheaper at £15 was 2576 dated 1924 (ex A3 locomotive 60077 The White Knight). Surprisingly, the most expensive in this section was 2268 Inverurie 1910 and 2067 Darlington 1947, both at £20. Finally, a couple of 8F loco worksplates 'Built By And On Loan To LNER' . The first, 1970 dated 1944 (ex 48522) and the second, 1990 dated 1945 (ex 48538), both cast iron, both priced £10. Next time, we'll finish off the worksplates and take a look at Tender, Wagon & Bridge Plates and perhaps a delve into Cast Iron Notices etc. GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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8/01/05 from Webmaster |
A couple more totems arrived today plus some very interesting little bits including a GWR gem from circa 1900 which was evidently missed by most in a recent on-line auction and now, rather fortuitously, has found its rightful place in GWRA! One totem from Essex has only ever been at auction once before, many moons ago, and will be highly sought after without doubt. GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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7/01/05 from Webmaster |
We are now fully open for business again of course and things are now picking up after the break. A very nice collection of 'interesting' totems have arrived for the May sale. More details later but hopefully a number of people will get very excited, especially over the one that hasn't been auctioned before. As always, GWRA can boast the unusual railway artefacts and the upcoming auction will be no exception. GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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6/01/05 from Webmaster |
A little late but GWRA wish all clients, friends and foes a very Happy New Year. It's been a hectic Christmas for everyone no doubt and my own discomfort of spending a large part of Boxing Day, completely stationary on the M6 between Stoke and Sandbach, pales into complete insignificance with our thoughts elsewhere as we contemplate this tragic world in which we live. GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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8/12/04 from Webmaster |
Time to take a second look at the Roundhouse 'For Sale' list and see what Worksplates were on offer just over 34 years ago. There were 5 Andrew Barclay plates available, the earliest being the large, brass oval number 1768 dated 1922 at £12. An incredible amount if you consider an extra quid would have bought two Mogul Cabsides! Certainly of greater interest, number 1912 dated 1927, ex LMS 44368. This too was £12 and much better value than the previous one, but still extremely expensive. Three alloy plates were £3.3.0 each, two of which were ex BR Diesels, number 426 dated 1958 (ex D2411) and 398 dated 1956 (ex D2956) Also 5 Armstrong Whitworth rectangular plates, 3 of which had damaged bolt-holes. Complete ones were number 1226 dated 1935 at £5.10.0 (ex Black 5 locomotive 45127) and number 1354 dated 1936 at £7.10.0. (ex Black 5 locomotive 45299) Why the latter was £2 more is a mystery, unless it is because the former was a Scottish loco and the latter a Longsight and then Crewe loco. I'm pretty sure it wouldn't make the slightest difference today at GWRA, unless a special memory was held by two bidders, keen to have in their collection. That of course could apply to either plate. The 'broken' plates were number 453 dated 1927 at £10 (listed as ex MR 4F loco, I can't see this in my records but I don't have the full AW list to hand), number 1452 dated 1937 at £4.15.0 with all corners broken (ex Black 5 locomotive 45397 an Aston and Carlisle loco) and 1454 also dated 1937 at £5.10.0 (ex Black 5 locomotive 45399, an Edge Hill loco) Only one Peckett for sale, listed as a cast iron plate, number 2045 dated 1943 at £6.10.0 Now a few absolute delights. Great Northern Railway brass ovals. Firstly number 730 Doncaster 1892 at £30 and likewise number 957 Doncaster 1902. Slightly less at £25, number 1223 Doncaster 1909. Also,1551 Doncaster 1922 at £15 and 1426 Doncaster 1914 at £18. The final two are listed as 'engraved' but the first three are listed as 'raised letters'. Finally, three singles from three different makers. Great Central railway Gorton Works 1921 at £25, R.Stephenson & Hawthorns number 7943 Newcastle Works dated 1957 at £7 and Bagnall of Stafford number 2396 at £6. Next time, a look at the mass of LNER worksplates on offer including some real tasty morsels in the form of 'namers' The Hurworth, Hartebeeste, Amadis, Kenilworth and The White Knight. A delight for the LNER worksplate collector and certainly interesting to think what some of these plates would make today at GWRA railway auctions. GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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03/12/04 from IIofus |
I see that only one of the collector railway mags has included your results from the recent auction. There are a number of not solds listed but these do not relate to your results on your web pages, does this reflect errors? (from Webmaster - Not at all. As in all auctions, many lots sell after the event. The Editor of the mag you mention has already been in touch with us after himself seeing the results posted on our website. He actually recorded the items live at the auction and because of the strict deadline for publication, used these results. Naturally we are quite happy with this. Many items that go under the hammer as 'not sold', do actually sell whilst the auction is going on. There is always considerable activity around the 'cash desk' at the half time point and also at the conclusion. Thereafter, any unsold items usually bring some response once notified on our website. GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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30/11/04 from Express |
Great idea, hope this is included and good luck for the future. I read with much amusement the comments on other websites and in written auction reports about peoples absolute obsession with 'current prices' achieved at auctions. It is quite obvious that many don't attend auctions and have no idea on the principles involved. Correct me if I am wrong, but when individuals bid for an item at auction, invariably there comes a time when there are three interested parties left. The third person, shall we call him the 2nd underbidder, will drop out of the race at some point, leaving the person who will eventually win, battling with the person who will become the underbidder. Should an identical item then be immediately auctioned, if the top bidder from the previous lot now has his prize, the battle is between the underbidder and the 2nd underbidder. If the 2nd underbidder dropped out of the previous battle at, say half the price the previous item eventually sold for, the new item may only sell for just over half the original. Is this the norm I wonder. I suspect so. Therefore, when people do auction reports and are aghast at an item selling for less than 'last time out at auction', do they really appreciate what goes on, I doubt it. I've been to swapmeets etc and when I enquire as to the cost of an item of which I might have an interest, I'm often given the reply when asking a price " well last time at auction it went for £x so thats at least what I'm looking for". I guess these people expect an ever increasing spiral every time something reappears on the market. The minute something doesn't reach at least the same as last time, sheer panic sets in and immediately "the bottom is falling out of the market". Enjoyed the Pershore auction by the way but please please, not so many lots next time, it's a long enough day with long distances involved to Manchester and back, even with a number of little nice artefacts to upset 'er in doors. GWRA live auctions for the railway & railwayana collecting enthusiast
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27/11/04 from Webmaster |
Pershore High School, in the heart
of Worcestershire, buzzed with activity last Saturday when GWRA held their
bi-annual sale of Railwayana. The hall was packed with over 400 collectors
and enthusiasts alike and auctioneers Tony Hoskins and Simon Turner whizzed
through 620 lots in good time.
Nameplates were buoyant as ever and although the two main line nameplates weren’t from high profile locomotives, Great Central Railway “Purdon Viccars” reached £9700 and GWR “Acton Hall” a very healthy £8,600 with a further £2,800 for its matching Cabside Numberplate. Strong interest in Industrial Steam Locomotive nameplates too with the Hunslet Saddletank nameplate “Cowburn” and matching 1891 brass worksplate reaching a staggering £4,200. The Peckett Saddletank “Kapai”, also with matching brass Worksplate made £1200 In modern traction, the general signs are that prices are on the increase. At one time considered to be in a class of less attractive railway memorabilia, the aluminium nameplate carried by a High Speed Train (HST) “Tyne & Wear Metropolitan County” sold for £2,100. A truly historic and fairly local item turned up in this sale, namely a Midland Railway Timetable, printed on silk, to commemorate the visit of Queen Victoria, in 1849, to Derby and Gloucester. It sold for £500 and will be going to a museum. GWRA still hold the world record for a Station Totem with Evercreech Junction at £8150. In this sale, there were no less than 35 up for sale and even those with not such evocative names, did well. Top spot going to “Sturmer” at £2000 followed by an unusual, 4’ version “Watford High Street” at £1400. “Stratford-on-Avon” and “Cheltenham Spa Malvern Road” made £1,000 each and a tangerine, North Eastern example, “Ardsley”, never seen at auction and in very poor condition, still rocketed to £900. Wooden Signalbox Nameboards are much sought after and “Mow Cop” realised £520 with “Redditch South” a close second at £500. Railway Clocks have become real favourites for many railway collectors. A 12” GWR Trunk reached £2,600. A second realised £1,900, the difference being the former came with its official railway receipt showing that it had resided at Neyland station in South West Wales. To the discerning collector, the one time location of a clock adds considerably to its appeal and value. Other highlights include a small cast iron, oval Locomotive Shedplate number 85F (Bromsgrove) £1,100, an Alloy Roadsign with glass studs “Trains Cross Here” at £580, an LBSCR Handlamp at £570, a North Eastern Railway cast iron sign relating to the emptying of Locks and Sluices at £1,900. The £760 for an LNER cast iron platform seatback “Hatfield” could well be another record for the class. Next major Railwayana auction will be Saturday 14th May 2005 and items are already pouring in. GWRA live auctions for the railwayana collecting enthusiast
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29/11/04 from Webmaster |
Having discovered an old Price List from the Roundhouse, Harrow On The Hill, it certainly contains a number of surprising items of railwayana for sale. Many will remember it for a source of early railwayana and this particular one is dated July 1970, a mere 34½ years ago, give or take a few weeks. Top of the list was SR Nameplate and Crest from Battle Of Britain Class MANSTON at £165 the set, closely followed by King Arthur Class Nameplate SIR NEROVENS at £80. As a very young 'erk' in the RAF at the time, MANSTON would have set me back at least four months pay and that would have severely curtailed my activities in the NAAFI and kept my Reliant Robin motionless for a long time (not a bad thing many would have commented at the time) Despite the price difference today, indicators are that BoBs with crest, are still around twice the price of King Arthurs. Other Nameplates for sale on this list, short Britannia ARIEL at £75: GW |
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