ANYONE FOR CROQUET?

With long summer afternoons on the horizon, has the question of where to buy a good croquet set crossed your mind? Alexander Hallett of Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers offers advice

‘This iconic British summer game was popularised in the 1850s and 1860s by John Jaques II, who manufactured and sold croquet sets of his own design, so for originality I’d go for this historic brand. Many sets have seen a lot of use so it’s important to make sure that none of the hoops are badly bent or the mallets damaged, or that any parts are missing. Older, larger sets are popular and so command a higher price, but you can pick up a good mid century example for £100-£200. As well as being a sustainable way of buying, I love playing with a set that has brought joy to others before me.’

A Jaques eight-mallet croquet set, late 19th century, complete with hoops, posts, balls and mallet, all on a fitted stand. Sold for £850 by Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers