Letters to the Editor

I would like to express my sadness on the closing of Eric A Bird Jewellers of Lincoln (Fairs, Markets, Shops & Centres, ATG No 2574).

Thank you for taking up the irritating issue on behalf of your subscribers of eBay charging 20% VAT instead of the 5% directed by HMRC for antique items.

Re my letter: ‘Why does eBay charge incorrect import VAT?’ Letters, ATG No 2560). Just so you know, I never heard back from eBay, plus it seems they continue to charge the wrong 20% duty on most if not all antique items being sent into the UK.

The collection of the original Troika moulds, referenced in ATG No 2564, failed to find a buyer in our monthly auction in October.

This marvellous little object, 4in (10cm) long with no markings came in a box of goodies from an auction the other day.

I read in ATG Letters Nos 2564 and 2560 about the problem relating to VAT calculation from eBay.

I have just entered an early 19th century portrait miniature painted on ivory into my local auction and have been informed that, in order to enter it, I have to pay a £20 fee for it to be accepted for sale.

I believe the Bugatti sculpture pictured in ATG No 2569 (Sculpture special report) is a dachshund.

Re: use of dehumidifiers in old stonebuilt houses (Letters, ATG No 2567).

Neither a dealer nor a collector, I am nonetheless an avid reader of my weekly ATG for its wonderful variety of content.

I have a mystery drawing from 1934 judging by the date given next to the signature.

On the subject of ‘gavel or hammer’, I say let the young auctioneer choose his or her own style.

One of the masterpieces of printmaking in Prague during the reign of the Emperor Rudolf II (1576- 1612), and a highlight of the important exhibition 'Printmaking in Prague' held in the British Museum this summer, is the famous etching of the interior of the Vladislav Hall of Prague Castle by Aegidius Sadeler II.

Your article on the various early experiences of an auctioneer by Toby Cleave is most intriguing (‘The auctioneer’s tale: moving from cattle to chattel’, ATG No 2566).

Re: Bid Barometer, ATG No 2565. As the successful purchaser of the fishing reel sold by Mitchells of Cockermouth on October 14 which was illustrated within Bid Barometer I feel I must drop you a line regarding this.

Can anybody please give me advice on what must be a fairly common problem for collectors with old houses?

As a collector and frequent buyer at auctions, not local to where I live, it was uplifting to read Clare Durham’s letter ‘Provider of professional opinion should stand by it or admit fault’ (ATG No 2564).

I was pleased to see Zoffany’s portrait of Mr Townsend featuring on the front page of ATG (No 2563).

At ATG we always enjoy hearing about younger members of the trade making progress in their careers.

I feel for the author of the letter who appears to have stumped up part of their sale proceeds to cover a mistake made by the auction house acting on their behalf (‘Auction refunds: I’m confused about who is or isn’t responsible’, ATG No 2563).