‘Stressful but with positives’ as Bristol reopens its saleroom after nearly two years of online sales

STRESSFUL but with positives and good feedback – that was the reaction of Bristol Railwayana's Jon Baulch after his October 3 sale at Stoke Gifford, the first live saleroom auction he had held for nearly two years due to the Covid pandemic.

“It was very stressful, as there were a lot of extra things to consider when setting up the venue and having a lot of people in a confined space, but I am blessed with sensible customers who for the most part were good-natured and appreciative of the efforts that go into putting on a live event,” he said.

Social gathering

“The main positive was the feedback from people who do not like online auctions, and a few individuals who have no web access at all. We also provided a venue for stallholders who are not facilitated by online auctions, and from the social aspect there were many people catching up with friends for the first time in almost two years.”

The leading realisation in the 435-lot sale was £400 for a brass Annett's key from Keynsham ground frame between Bristol and Bath, followed at £380 for a BR(W) ticket enquiries enamel sign and £350 for a cabside numberplate from GWR 0-6-2T

No. 5629, built at Swindon in August 1925 and withdrawn from Abercynon (88E) in May 1964. Bristol Railwayana does not charge a buyer's premium.