Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2013 | Page 56

ANTIQUES

History under the hammer
A locomobile spindleback steam car, dating
back more than 110 years was the star of the
show at Island Auction Rooms’ recent outdoor
sale, held at Arreton Barns.
The steam car, built in 1901, attracted huge
interest from home and abroad before being
sold to a local bidder for £40,000.
The sale, comprising some of the Island’s
rediscovered memorabilia, pulled in more than
300 potential buyers from all over England
and Europe, as well as live internet bidding.
Auction Rooms director Warren Riches and
Tim Smith conducted the sale at a brisk pace,
and other highlights included two Model T
vans, one dated 1922 and the other dated
1923, which fetched £7,100 and £8,600
respectively, the latter going to a German
buyer. A 1931 Model A Ford also sold for just
under £12,000.
Historic farm equipment, enamel signs and
even model sheep went under the hammer,
with Warren pointing out: “As well as those
who attended the sale, we also had more than
200 bidders on the web. It was probably the
best outdoor sale the Isle of Wight has seen.”
Island Auction Rooms’ next outdoor sale
is on September 20. Entries are invited by
calling [phone].

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