b'Recollection by Gordon Patrick missing covers and one base had been repaired. After the sale, I was informed by a dealer that the family had in I had a most interesting and enjoyable twentyfact offered them for sale at a local antique shop but was years as Manager of the Clarke Gammoninformed they were of no commercial value!auction rooms from May 1989 until this department of the firm merged with EwbanksWe auctioned old books and printed matter regularly auctions in April 2009.and I clearly remember a wonderful first edition of Dracula by Bram Stoker that sold for 6,200, sadly Besides cataloguing virtually all the art and antiques,lacking its dust jacket. Not of great consequence I was the auctioneer together with Brian Clarke, ourperhaps, but if the dust jacket had been kept it would senior partner, and after he retired his son Stephenhave been worth three times as much.Clarke. I was fully involved in every aspect of this fascinating business and every day was different. I achieved a remarkableFor illustration purposes onlyFor many years we also held general sales which were27,000, a house recordalternated with Fine Art auctions and this proved a successful all-round service for our clients. Probateat the time.valuations had to be thorough and I clearly rememberOur auctions were always popular with both trade and a valuation in Wonersh where I was assured thereprivate buyers alike as they included a wide range of was nothing of any great value and that my visit was aart and antiques, almost all of which came from private waste of time. However, I persevered and to the familyscollections or deceased estates. I was extremely lucky astonishment I found in the back of a broom cupboardto have worked for such a well-run and distinguished in the kitchen a pair of vases.family firm and I look back on these years with great On close inspection I recognised them as Japanesefondness and affection.Kakiemon porcelain vases and 17th century in date. Shortly thereafter, we were instructed to auction them, and I achieved a remarkable 27,000, a house record at the time. An extraordinary price in reality as both were Dracula by Bram Stoker'