Chipping-Norton based comic genius Ronnie Barker's antique sign sold at auction yesterday - and it sold for more than the estimated value.
The result of the sale of Ronnie Barker’s sign was a total sale price paid by the buyer of £1,430 including buyer fees, over £400 more than it was expected to fetch for.
Ewbank’s auction centre, based near Guildford, offered The Emporium’s 330 x 38cm shop sign in their May 30 Entertainment and Memorabilia Premier Live Auction, estimating it to sell between £500 and £1,000.
When the late comic genius Mr Barker (1929-2005) retired from showbiz in 1987 at the age of 58, he and his wife Joy turned their hand to becoming antiques dealers.
READ MORE: Abingdon Road Oxford family businesses to close on same day
The consignor bought the sign at auction in the 1990s as part of a collection when the antique shop was sold.
Ewbank's said in a statement: "There was strong competitive bidding online and, in the room, in the end the room buyer was the successful purchaser, a private buyer now living in the South who grew up in Chipping Norton.
"His mother, who lives locally still recalls many visits to Ronnie Barker’s Antique Shop The Emporium in the 1990s.
"It is wonderful that this item has been purchased by someone with a strong connection to the local area, and for this special item to have found a new home after all of these years."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here