A Mid-20th Century Painted Metal Auctioneers’ West Country Conditions of Sale Sign

A Mid-20th Century Painted Metal Auctioneers’ Conditions of Sale Sign – Hussey & Son, Exeter

A large (and heavy) painted metal Conditions of Sale sign made for the Exeter auctioneers Hussey & Son, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950.

The sign is dominated by the bold black CONDITIONS OF SALE lettering, beneath which are eight numbered conditions governing the conduct of the firm’s auctions. At the bottom, despite considerable losses from years of use, the name HUSSEY & SON, their Exeter address and AUCTIONEERS remain visible.

Hussey & Son were a long-established firm of Exeter auctioneers and surveyors, operating from Queen Street, Exeter, and conducting sales in the city and surrounding Devon countryside.

Rather than an advertising sign, this was a functional piece of auction-room equipment. Displayed prominently during a sale, it ensured that bidders could see the conditions under which the auction was being conducted.

The wording provides a fascinating glimpse into the workings of the traditional provincial auction room. The highest bidder was to become the purchaser; disputed bidding could result in a lot being offered again; the auctioneers reserved the right to refuse a bidder; and purchasers could be required to pay five shillings in the pound as a deposit at the fall of the hammer.

Further conditions concern payment for and delivery of lots, the responsibilities of vendors and purchasers, errors of description and the auctioneers’ right to resell goods where a purchaser failed to complete the transaction.

Although much of this language had been used by auctioneers for generations, the construction and particularly the strong condensed typography are consistent with a mid-20th-century date, and we believe the sign dates from around 1950.

Its condition is very much part of its appeal. Historic paint loss, oxidation, staining and wear have produced a superbly weathered surface, particularly towards the bottom of the sign. Enough survives, however, to identify both the auctioneers and the original purpose of the piece.  Price of postage to a UK mainland address is included in the price.  For other locations, please contact us.

Measuring: 92 cm x 76 cm

Hussey & Son, Auctioneers, Queen Street, Exeter.

English, West Country, circa 1950.