When you attended an auction 10 or so years ago there used to always be a small group of buyers there for the sole purpose of buying a matching set of china cup, saucer and side place - a "Trio". Some of the prices a good trio sold for would have other auction-goers scratching their heads but the buyer would be pleased as punch with their treasure.
And then the prices plunged.....the rise of on-line sites such as Ebay made it easier for buyers to find that rare piece which would otherwise have brought a high price when it appears at a local auction. Recently though, prices have started to rise. With the advent of commercial tea enterprises such as T2 and High Teas being more popular Trios are making a comeback.
Quality makers to keep an eye out for include Shelley, Royal Doulton, Royal Albert, Coalport and Clarice Cliff (if you're lucky). Always check for damage - worn gilt trim, staining which permeates inside & out, hairline cracks and chips. Be aware that with they should always be hand washed as most do not do well with being cleaned in a dishwasher.

Ever been to an auction that is alive with energy and buzz? Felt the urge to join in because you got caught up in that electrical energy. Stop and think why that was, why every auction is so very different? Often we find that an auction is one of the best FREE entertainment spectacles in town. Think about this, where can you go and sit for 4 - 5 hours free, get water and tea or coffee free, whilst at the same time seeing rare and unusual items being sold in a climate of tense yet enjoyable spirit. Watch with intrigue as arch rival collectors try to one up each other and get that special item for their collection. Items sometimes sell for huge amounts, WHY? Could be that someone knew something that others missed.
 
What else do you get free? Knowledge, an auction is a place to learn about all manner of things from the trivial to the profitable. Want to know more information about an item? Just ask the auctioneer, he has years of experience and knowledge that he is willing to share.
 
What will you see at an auction?
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• Collectibles that elicit nostalgic memories, things from our childhood that made us smile and laugh and remind us of our youth and friends
• Artworks of rare quality and substance from the currently popular artists or the old masters to aboriginal works with their unique colours and style.
• Things that have that simply undefinable IT, We have all seen something that just speaks to us while others find it just so so.
• Furniture of exquisite quality or rarity, Antique, Retro, Vintage ar just plain stylish. Hall stands to Dinner tables and everything in between.
• Memorabilia of times gone by, steam engine headlights, railway crossing signs, tin cars, old advertising signs , toy scooters and dolls. Close your eyes and remember your past, open them and see the items at our auctions.

 
What else make this day?
 
An auctioneer can be very entertaining whether just calling the auction, passing on knowledge about an item or cracking the occaisional one-liner. Whatever it is, he engages the audience which makes for a very entertaining day.
So don’t be shy come and say Hi at one of our many days of Auction Surprises.
Grab a bargain along the way but please remember BRING YOUR SMILE.
Cliff Stephens
Ardent Auctions

 ​We are very busy bring items into our auction rooms for the December End Of Year Auction. We have been swamped by vendors asking for our services. The page 2 article that the Canberra Times ran about Ardent Auctions with The Snelson Railway Collection has ramped up even more interest in Ardent Auctions than we had before. The December auction is full of Antique Furniture, Glass, Fine China and so much more, We are bursting at the seams with quality items for your viewing and bidding pleasure. Be sure to join the mailing list so you are advised when each catalogue is ready for viewing online. Remember we are open 10.30 am till 3.30 pm Monday to Saturday for you to coming and peruse our items. We will be adding a buy now section next year so keep an eye out for our special bargains. 

We have just started to bring items into our auction rooms from the Snelson Railway Collection. We knew it was big as we have been out to its storage location a number of times - but not this big! What we didn't notice is just how many items were stacked upon each other and as one layer is removed more treasures appear. Rarely does such a fantastic collection of railway items come on the market and we are looking forward to picking up the next load...and the next!

​This amazing set of weights are an Auction highlight. These are the Official Compliance Weights of the Colony of NSW from 1850. They range in size up to the massive 56lb avoir which converts to 25.4kg. They were used by the NSW Government ro check the weights of merchants and traders to ensure they weren't cheating their customers. An important item of Australia's colonial history.