FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[John S. White]

I think it appropriate to announce an upcoming auction that represents the end of the very long history of a mineral/fossil dealership. James Reynolds Gregory (1858-1898) founded the mineral business in 1858. When he died in 1899 his son Albert took over the business, but in 1932 he sold it to Percy Bottley and it was then known as Gregory, Bottley & Co. After Bottley died, the company was eventually acquired by Brian Lloyd in 1982, along with all of its antique cabinetry and inventory and so became known as Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd. Mr. Lloyd has decided to end his long career in the business, which began with starting the natural history sales at Sothebys in London. Here are some of photos of the material that is to be sold on June 12 at the Canterbury Auction Galleries in Canterbury, UK. Viewing commenced on June 7th. The full catalogue and color images of the items to be sold can be viewed online: www.thecanterburyauctiongalleries.com. Some fascinating material will be offered, including al sorts of antique cabinetry, maps, books, minerals, fossils and rocks. I urge you to take a look at the catalog. Detailed instructions provided for bidding are included.

[vic rzonca]

The case work is very interesting and the cabinet in image 2 is extremely delicate, very nice, thanks John.

[crocoite]

I could certainly find a spot for one or two of the drawers! Unfortunately, it would cost way too much to ship!

Thanks for sharing John.

[Roy Starkey]

Hi Everyone

I was fortunate to be able to attend the auction, and very interesting it was too.

I have posted a short report with pictures here

https://www.mindat.org/article.php/2042/The+%22Sale+of+the+Century%22+-+Gregory+Bottley+and+Lloyd+Auction+-+Canterbury+12th+

which hopefully captures something of the event. Truly the "Sale of the Century" so far as British mineralogy is concerned.

[Mike Wood]

Thanks Roy, I saw your report, nice work.
Did you manage to grab any bargains? I was coveting Heddle's annotated map of the Shetland Isles..
Cheers

Mike

[crocoite]

I stayed up to watch most of it live on the internet. Even bid on a couple of lots. Won one and there will be a few new books to add to my library.

[crocoite]

Actually, the auctioneer did mention an Australian internet bidder a few times but that wasn't me!

[Roy Starkey]

Hi Mike

Sadly not - there were not any "bargains" really - except perhaps a nice copy of Rudler which got snapped up for £20. Competition (particularly from Internet bidders) was fierce for many lots and prices seemed very high to me in the main. Things like agate slices and amethyst geodes went for way more than a sensible commercial price - but I guess that's the auction environment for you - adrenalin takes over and common sense departs!

Cheers

Roy

[Debbie Woolf]

It was fun and thanks to John White for bringing this to my attention.