Tools auction set to be plane sailing
ASTONISHING COLLECTION AMASSED OVER A LIFETIME
IT’S plain to see that Chinese ceramics, gold, silver and designer watches soar at auction, but did you know a plane can too? I’m not talking about the flying variety but the woodworker’s tool of choice. Right now, Hansons is cataloguing the biggest collection of valuable tools I’ve ever seen – literally thousands. They include 1,000 planes, hundreds of chisels and in excess of 200 saws.
To the knowing eye, many of them are masterpieces of craftsmanship from renowned makers. For example, found wrapped in a Tesco carrier bag was a scarce Norris plane that could fetch £2,000. It’s one of around 30 Norris tools discovered. T Norris & Son was one of the most prestigious makers of hand tools in England in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries – and they were renowned for their planes.
This astonishing collection of tools was amassed over a lifetime by 88-year-old former woodwork teacher Roy Turnage.
Although stored for years at his property in Kent, Roy is currently residing in Derbyshire between house moves. Ill health is forcing him to part with his spectacular collection – which includes far more than tools.
The team clearing his large house have found everything from Victorian street lamps to magnifying glasses. A multitude of eclectic objects have emerged from every room, nook and cranny.
In addition, his garage housed a classic Wolseley car, and parts to build a Morris Minor were discovered in the loft.
Roy acquired the Wolseley 14/60, which is in need of restoration, after completing his National Service in the 1950s. It was a former police vehicle and his sole means of transport for 20 years.
Roy, who was born in Woolwich, London, in 1933 has always had a passion for collecting.
According to Kay Orta, a family friend for 40 years, he didn’t hold back when it came to acquiring all types of objects over the course of 60 years.
Kay, from Burton, Staffs, explained that Roy’s father and brother had a love of collecting antiques. Roy followed suit and particularly liked to amass tools. He was always good at making things and working with his hands. He’s something of an artisan.
He was a woodwork teacher for 37 years before taking retirement at the age of 60 in 1993. Then he could truly indulge his collecting passions! He visited specialist auctions around the country and liked to buy the crème-de-la crème of high-quality tools – makes like Norris, Preston, Howkins, Stanley and Marples.
He admired the craftsmanship and quality of handmade tools and enjoyed using them. Some are antique and rare, dating back to the 1920s and 30s, or even earlier. We have also uncovered a valuable Holtzapffel Rose Engine Lathe.
Kay has been helping clear Roy’s house and, though she knows him well, says she couldn’t believe how much there was. She’s been on her hands and knees finding things tucked under beds and chests of drawers. The house was stuffed to the brim. There were metal filing cabinets full of tools.
I’m told Roy doesn’t believe in buying just one item, he buys in multiples. As well as the tools, there were huge iron chains in the basement, 25 stamp albums, an almost complete set of Encyclopaedia Britannica and collections of coins, paperweights, vintage perfume bottles and watches.
The Norris tools are particularly valuable. It’s difficult for Roy to part with them, but he can no longer use them due to declining health. Also, there was so much in the house it became difficult for his devoted wife of 30 years, Nympha, to care for him. The house move will make life much easier for them both.
It’s been one of the most incredible downsizing projects I have ever been involved with. Roy is quite simply a phenomenal collector with an eye for quality. He amassed an astonishing amount of beautifully-made high quality tools and other collectables. People like Roy are fascinated by all things and we’re grateful to have the opportunity to catalogue the items which have
caught his eye over the years.
His tool collection alone could make £30,000, and some items may be worthy of a museum. The Wolseley will be guided at £4,000£6,000. I hope we can do Roy proud. Organising the sale of single-owner collections, house clearance and downsizing require sensitivity and compassion. Parting with a lifetime of treasures is hard for anyone. Being a collector myself, I truly understand that. The Roy Turnage tools collection and Wolseley car will be offered on July 30 at Hansons London Fine Art and Collectors Auction. Catalogue, due live July 22: www.hansonslive. co.uk. To discuss a consignment, house clearance/ downsizing or to arrange a free valuation, available Monday to Saturday at Etwall Auction Centre, near Derby, email service@ hansonsauctioneers.co.uk, or call 01283 733988.