I have been attending Hamilton Auction Market for the past 40 years, as a child with father, as young up & coming trader & currently as a well established dealer in antiques & collectibles.
I attended there antique sale today & was told of this site by another bidder & I thought it would only be fair to add my comments regarding this Auction.
I have always managed to buy something on a weekly basis at the Monday market of general goods, some good, some bad, the bad are always my mistake as I control my bidding not the Auctioneer. Generally the stuff going through on the Monday is what they say it is "general Household plenishings", albeit, there are antique & collectibles gems there if you look or better still if you know what your looking for.
Mr. Smellie Snr. I have a bit of time & respect for, knowing him as the past Auctioneer for many years & always found him to be a perfect gentleman, even now when he drops in or does a bit of work at the antique sale he will find the time to say hello & enquire after you.
The current set up suits me fine, lot numbering is more organised & at least you know whats coming up, the viewing is 2 hours Friday & 2 hours Monday, like most auction rooms it is a mixed bag from week to week, one week its like the best chip shop in Hamilton with damages n all, other weeks the stuff is great, but that's auctions for you, if you don't view the gear you wont see the damages, more-so, if buying stuff that is antique has been used & around for years, the Auctioneers can't cover every chip, crack or ding in the place - my advice is get specs if you need em or accept the fact if you miss damage that's your fault....build a bridge & move on with your life.
I read the comment that had previously been left & I have to say I was a bit taken a back, L.S. Smellie may not be Bonhams or Christies & no doesn't have a restaurant on site; but I can say with my hand on my heart & in all honesty this is my favourite buying room in Scotland & I buy in many...the staff are OK, just hard working folk trying to do a job, the regulars are mostly the same - with some colourful characters mixed in - which gives the place its own character.
Cheers
I.S. read more