{"product_id":"a-mid-20th-century-painted-metal-auctioneers-west-country-conditions-of-sale-sign","title":"A Mid-20th Century Painted Metal Auctioneers’ West Country Conditions of Sale Sign","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eA Mid-20th Century Painted Metal Auctioneers’ Conditions of Sale Sign – Hussey \u0026amp; Son, Exeter\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eA large (and heavy) painted metal \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eConditions of Sale\u003c\/span\u003e sign made for the Exeter auctioneers \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eHussey \u0026amp; Son\u003c\/span\u003e, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe sign is dominated by the bold black \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eCONDITIONS OF SALE\u003c\/span\u003e 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 \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eHUSSEY \u0026amp; SON\u003c\/span\u003e, their Exeter address and \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eAUCTIONEERS\u003c\/span\u003e remain visible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eHussey \u0026amp; Son were a long-established firm of Exeter auctioneers and surveyors, operating from \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eQueen Street, Exeter\u003c\/span\u003e, and conducting sales in the city and surrounding Devon countryside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eRather 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe 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 \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003efive shillings in the pound as a deposit at the fall of the hammer\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eFurther 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eAlthough much of this language had been used by auctioneers for generations, the construction and particularly the strong condensed typography are consistent with a \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003emid-20th-century date\u003c\/span\u003e, and we believe the sign dates from around 1950.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eIts 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eMeasuring: 92 cm x 76 cm\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHussey \u0026amp; Son, Auctioneers, Queen Street, Exeter.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eEnglish, West Country, circa 1950.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rob Hall Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48185926647973,"sku":null,"price":395.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1151\/3980\/files\/IMG_9895.jpg?v=1787760448","url":"https:\/\/robhallantiques.com\/products\/a-mid-20th-century-painted-metal-auctioneers-west-country-conditions-of-sale-sign","provider":"Rob Hall Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}