Start Date 4th September 2007. Perhaps i should not call this a diary as a daily record of events would bore me and you to tears. a journal in mainly lower case and i am sure poor grammar is how my diary will unfold. as i add my story to the cyber world please do not hesitate to contact me with any input you may have. communication is the essence of life and the human race has developed the technique to beyond the outer limits of our solar system. Unfortunately because of our social environment which is manipulated by the television/computer/car and all electronic goods; we are quickly forgetting how to communicate with our next door neighbour. strange isn't it, mankind supposedly improves the world we live in by developing/improving and inventing all kinds of interesting gizmo's however are we not causing a serious degenerative factor for our future generations?

My business is my life which i adore, worts and all. i am a dealer following on in my fathers footsteps. as far as i know our family have been traders since the sixteenth century traveling from Spain to the Netherlands as Sephardi Jews. eventually arriving in england and granted citizenship by oliver Cromwell providing we taught our trade and lived ten miles outside a cinque port.

since leaving the air force as RAF bosun in Hamble, Hampshire in 1974, i have tried to earn a living selling all kinds of scientific and philosophical instruments. the trade of antiques and its people is a colourfull, hard and exciting profession to be in. definitely not for the feint hearted unless you are retired and have a good pension and wish to play at it. knowledge and communication are two very important factors if you want to succeed. i doubt if there is a day that goes by that i do not learn something new. the intense excitement of recognizing an antique item yet being unable to unfold all its patinas of mystery instantly gives me a great buzz. for example: a Vesta box (early form of match case).

THE STORY: In Cornwall i normally view three auctions every week. trolling through the catalogue of a particular sale room and scanning the various show cases, i home in on many interesting items which will deserve a "punt". among the worthy "punt" items are three brass Vesta cases. two are the same and are cast in the form of a well dressed mid nineteenth century character and the other is of the same quality but a "Barbary pirate". the sale commences and i am fortunate to buy all three for a "happy price". The win of Vesta cases now requires research. with the help of an eye glass and "google" the folds of history start to unravel. you first have to establish whether they are reproduction (preferably before you start bidding on the item). the Barbary pirate appears to be damaged as there is a hole where the barrel of his gun should be. But after a little research the following information is unearthed or excuse the pun "brought to light". The two similar Vesta cases of a nineteenth century gentleman are almost certainly modeled on a Charles Dickens character from David Copperfield, Mr Dicks. one has already sold on Ebay for a healthy return and the other is currently listed and will hopefully achieve a similar result. the Barbary pirate was even more interesting because in my opinion he was far rarer. the damage of a hole where the barrel of his gun should be is not a break but a place to put the spent match. research revealed this item was in fact a "go to bed match safe". another happy win and the American buyer who found the item listed in my auction was also very pleased with his win.

more to follow

Since January 2009 I have moved my stock to the following pub where my stock can be viewed virtually 24/7. It is the Rising Sun at St Mawes in the Roseland Peninsula, Cornwall. Also at Tregony Antiques, close to St Mawes but please phone first 01872530225 or visit Ebay and Auctiva Commerce My ID is gizmo23230 here you can view and buy on line.