‘Displenishing’ sale at Station Hotel after War Office takeover

A sale of furnishing and equipment from Stirling’s Station Hotel took place over three days, the Observer reported.

The“displenishing”sale, held at the hotel, followed its takeover by the War Office.

Demand for furniture was high following a general rundown in stocks during the war years.

And consequently there was a large attendance at the event with buyers and dealers present from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth, Dundee and St Andrews.

They vied with Stirling area purchasers for the sale items and according to the paper, bidding was keen throughout.

A total of £35 was paid for an 140-piece antique Mason’s ironstone China dinner service, of China design while an Eungblut upright grand piano, in a walnut case, went for £51.

Nineteen dining tables, each four feet long, were sold for 27 shillings each and a set of 60 dining room chairs went for £60.

Commodes, basin stands, bed sheets, blankets, pillow slips and cutlery also went under the hammer, as did a“fine” Axminster dining room carpet which was sold“cheap”for just £10.

Deer heads which adorned the walls of the hotel were purchased for 20 shilling each and“sporting prints”cost purchasers £30 shillings each.

According to the paper, the best of the bargains was a Burroughes and Watts billiard table which went for £42 and five shillings.

And one of the more expensive items on sale, the hotel’s Daimler motor landaulette went for £290. Adjusted for Retail Price Index inflation, a total of £1 spent in 1918 is equivalent in purchasing power to £46 today.

Deer heads which adorned the walls were purchased for 20 shilling each