New sale room raises bar for Honiton family-run auctioneers

A move to new premises during the pandemic has proven extremely positive for Chilcotts Auctioneers.

The business relocated to the Dolphin Saleroom during 2021, undertaking significant refurbishment of this historic building to create a vibrant, accessible location for valuations, viewings and monthly sales. 

Originally the manor house of the Courtenay family, during the Civil War it was used as both HQ for military operations and a hospital for wounded soldiers. Later, when the Courtenay family vacated the building it became a coaching inn; William of Orange and a young Princess Victoria both visited the Dolphin Hotel. John Richards Lapenotiere, the messenger who brought news of victory at the Battle of Trafalgar and Nelson’s death, changed horses here during his momentous journey.

With a nod to this legacy the salerooms are named Courtenay Room, Victoria Room and Orange Room. Keeping some of the original history intact, an ancient Courtenay family crest depicting a dolphin (from which the building derives its name) remains over a doorway.

The move to the prominent, smart building in Honiton High Street also enabled Chilcotts to create specialist viewing rooms for small high value items including jewellery, silver, medals and ceramics. 

The company took the opportunity to rebrand and launch a new website providing clear, in depth information for sellers, buyers and users of its executor services, with the extra benefit of a facility for prospective clients to access virtual valuations.

In addition, to cater for the notable recent increase in online buying, extra fast broadband has been installed using a DDL (dedicated direct line) whilst a custom-built wrapping and packing workstation provides a professional P&P service in-house.

While the pandemic curtailed in-person sales for many months, the interest in the new premises created a refreshed local profile. One of the company’s regular buyers described the new saleroom as a ‘boutique auction house’. 2021 was an extremely successful year despite closures and suspended auctions due to the lockdowns. And while four sales were lost, the total turnover was the second highest in the company’s history.

Notable sales included the Charles C Brian Collection of silver spoons with its final hammer total of £43,000; a Naval General Service Medal, 1847 with a Trafalgar clasp which sold for £14,000, and a collection of Sindy dolls and accessories, £3,800.

Other noteworthy developments for the company include commencing valuation days in Sidmouth, stepping in after the longstanding Potbury’s Auction Rooms closed. Most recently, a new transport themed section has been launched for the Collectors Sales.

Auctioneer and founder, Duncan Chilcott said: “This is our eighteenth year as a family-run business, and there is no doubt that our new saleroom has given Chilcotts a real lift throughout.

“Especially in light of the unanticipated challenges of the last two years we are all proud that Chilcotts is today in the best position possible.”