The three auctioneers

 Three enterprising men recently started a new adventure  and created a hub of Specialist Auctioneers at 25 Blythe Road,  Olympia, London .SW14. OPD.  One of them, Thomas Del Mar,has set up a unique business model whereby  each auctioneer works under his own company`s name and has freedom in running his specialist business.

Thomas Del Mar originally set up the Auction House at 25 Blythe Road in 2007, and was joined by the other  two auctioneers, Charles Miller and Matthew Barton shortly afterwards. Currently these three enthusiastic specialists are flourishing within the framework of their new organisation.

Each Auctioneer has a deep knowledge of his speciality, and finds the treasures which come to him inspirational. Usually specialists become obsessed with their own field, but these experts take an interest in each other`s objects, discussing them, comparing intricate designs, and following artistic development in varying forms.

Thomas Del Mar , principal Musketeer  was formerly Head Of Sotheby`s Worldwide Department of Arms, Armour and Militaria. He assisted with their Sales in London, New York, Hanover and other countries and continues to work with them on valuation and sales of major collections. He also keeps in touch with former colleagues, Peter Smith and Ian Eaves( former keeper of Armour at the Tower of London ).

Charles Miller is a specialist in Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments and Fine Art. He was Head of Department at Christies. His Company is London`s only specialist Auction House dedicated to the sale of Maritime and Scientific objects, together with works of Art. He recently opened offices and storage in New king`s Road, but, his previews and auctions are held at Blythe Road.

Matthew Barton started as a specialist in Sotheby`s Bond Street Silver Department, and progressed to dealing with the largest and best works by the Royal Goldsmiths, Rundell, Bridge and Rundell. He left London, and ran the antique sales of a Nairobi based auction business, then travelled to America and became a free-lance valuation specialist in silver and works of Art on the west Coast. He later returned to Sotheby`s and headed their Olympia valuation Department. Matthew is fascinated by silver, objects of vertu, and Works of Art. He has now added porcelain and jewellery to his specialist field.

There are six Auctions a year at Blythe Road, two for each specialist. Serious substantial sums are achieved, but objects are sold for as little as £ 20 !

Last year, Thomas Del Mar achieved £210,000 for an Ottoman Turkish gilt copper shield. Matthew Barton`s Auction achieved £26.000 for a George V gold casket. This year he auctioned a very rare Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre ` Torches ` vase designed by Daisy Makeig- Jones  ( circa 1925),

also an Elizabeth I silver Chalice and Paten, maker`s mark, an arrow piercing H was auctioned. A Union Flag flown at the Battle of Trafalgar, auctioned by Charles Miller achieved £320.000.

The previews and sales are an enjoyable experience. Starting new collections or adding to an existing one, is a source of constant pleasure. I seriously recommend a visit. All collectors will find a warm welcome.

The next sale which is for Antique Arms, Armour, and Militaria is on 27th June 2012. It will be organised by Thomas Del Mar Ltd in association with Sotheby's. Highlights will include Fine Tournament Armour, Exquisite Rapiers, a German Renaissance Silver Mounted Hand-and - Half Sword , a Royal Gun dated 1676, property from a European private collection a distinguished collection of  Edged Weapons ,  Militaria of the Royal Scots Regiment and a very rare Cavalry Standard.

25 Blythe Road, London, W140PD

Telephone-02076024805

Marian Maitland