Ipswich: Auctioneer Lockdales bids for expansion

An auctioneers is bidding to get bigger by opening up a new fine art and antiques arm.

Lockdales, based in Upper Orwell Street, Ipswich, which specialises in antique coins, medals and stamps, has created sister company Lockdales Fine Arts & Antiques, which will concentrate on all other forms of antiques from silver and jewellery to works of art, fine watches and antiques.

It hopes to expand its team of experts who travel the country sourcing the antiques and fine arts to six across the year.

Its first auction, which took place in June, included more than 500 lots, including a Lalique frog which sold for �9500. In all, it took in over �75,000 in sales.

Its second auction, due to take place at the Ipswich Orwell Holiday Inn at Ransomes Europark today and Thursday (October 12 and 13), will feature double the number of lots.

More than 1,000 lots, valued at more than �116,000, include a rare tobacconists advertising figure of the Zulu King, a rare world war II German aviator’s watch and a collection of treen and silverware. The sale also includes a 1635 firework book.

Lockdales managing director Dan Daley said: “To be able to expand our business like this is a fantastic opportunity for the Lockdales brand. Exciting times are ahead for us here in the Ipswich area.”

Oliver Miller, managing director of Lockdales Fine Arts & Antiques said the creation of the new business offered an opportunity to expand the region’s fine arts market.

“The creation of Lockdales Fine Arts & Antiques is a fabulous opportunity to expand the fine arts market in East Anglia. There are so many interesting items out there in the market,” he said.