W & H Peacock Auctioneers, Bedford England 7th March

[Steve]

Some interesting lots have just appeared in Bedford. I wonder whose collection this is?

https://www.peacockauction.co.uk/auctio ... es/?au=675

I also wonder if they realise the "Automatique" is a coin-slot machine as they say it does not turn when wound!

[Sidewinder]

Particularly nice with a brass horn. They are very robust machines and a great addition to a collection

[Steve]

Particularly nice with a brass horn. They are very robust machines and a great addition to a collection

Indeed, I have a slightly unusual one with tapering legs and a few nice details not often seen on these and it does have the brass horn too. Mine works with the old English One Penny pieces, which is a bonus as I have about 100 of them!

[jamiegramo]

A picture of this machine:

[Steve]

Well the auctioneers have really helpfully decided to join the ranks of all the other deadbeat auctioneers by choosing not to publish the results of the auction, like somehow the hammer price was part of the Official Secrets Act!

I can only conclude they do this out of shame. If not, they should do.

But did anyone follow it live and make any notes?

[jamiegramo]

Steve, I share your irritation in this respect.

The Automatique sold for £260 hammer price, of course you have to add on the buyer’s premium.

[JerryVan]

Well the auctioneers have really helpfully decided to join the ranks of all the other deadbeat auctioneers by choosing not to publish the results of the auction, like somehow the hammer price was part of the Official Secrets Act!

I can only conclude they do this out of shame. If not, they should do.

But did anyone follow it live and make any notes?

It seems that many auction houses want you to subscribe to some stupid app/service/gizmo where all the details will be revealed to those who are worthy. Let them keep their precious secrets... life goes on.

[jamiegramo]

Well the auctioneers have really helpfully decided to join the ranks of all the other deadbeat auctioneers by choosing not to publish the results of the auction, like somehow the hammer price was part of the Official Secrets Act!

I can only conclude they do this out of shame. If not, they should do.

But did anyone follow it live and make any notes?

It seems that many auction houses want you to subscribe to some stupid app/service/gizmo where all the details will be revealed to those who are worthy. Let them keep their precious secrets... life goes on.

Anyone is worthy if they are prepared to pay! It’s all about money.

Jerry, out of interest, the hammer price is around $335 USD. Do you think it would have done better in the States?

[Steve]

Steve, I share your irritation in this respect.

The Automatique sold for £260 hammer price, of course you have to add on the buyer’s premium.

Thanks for that, Jamie. I hope finding out such secret and revelatory information hasn't cost you too dearly!

Can you shine a light on anything else in this sale?

The Automatique wasn't the best but it was an absolute steal at that price. Where are the real buyers these days?

[Steve]

Well the auctioneers have really helpfully decided to join the ranks of all the other deadbeat auctioneers by choosing not to publish the results of the auction, like somehow the hammer price was part of the Official Secrets Act!

I can only conclude they do this out of shame. If not, they should do.

But did anyone follow it live and make any notes?

It seems that many auction houses want you to subscribe to some stupid app/service/gizmo where all the details will be revealed to those who are worthy. Let them keep their precious secrets... life goes on.

I agree. Stuff their precious prices!