'King Billy' under the hammer

McAfee Auctions' latest general sale encompasses every possible taste, leaning, delectation and whimsy with a truly eccentric collection of lots which span the decades but also contains some items estimated in their thousands.

Football fans will be hoping for glory as two annuals about the life and exploits of a fictional footballer named Roy Race, who played for Melchester Rovers, go under the hammer.

Gerry McAfee, auctioneer at McAfee Auctions said: "We have two Roy of the Rovers annuals, one from 1962 and the other from 1984.

"Many out there will remember the comic strip character with great fondness as in its day thousands of young football fans waited patiently for the next instalment in the glamorous life of Roy Race. "We hope these annuals will allow someone to take a footy themed trip down memory lane.

"There are also some interesting cigarette cards some of which feature football clubs as well as an early Child's pedal car and a fun Sooty figurine who, accompanied by his friends Sweep and Soo, were the longest-running children's programme in the UK."

The auction house also has a collection of Royal and William of Orange themed pieces.

"One of the more unusual lots is an oil painting of King William III on goat skin which was once used for a Lambeg drum as well as a print entitled 'William Crossing the Boyne' and 'William III, Prince of Orange' and commemorative jugs.

"We also have a lot of Coronation ware in various forms, including plates and jugs, showing monarchs from throughout history."

The stand out lot, according to the auction house, comes in the form of pottery from Royal Worcester and decorated by one of their most respected artists.

Gerry continued: "We have a superb lidded two handled Royal Worcester vase, hand painted with Highland Cattle and signed by arguably Worcester's most talented artist, J Stinton - the estimate on this piece if 3,000 to 3,500.

"There are a number of good Royal Worcester pieces in the sale so no doubt the phone lines will be busy with collectors from overseas who can't make it to our saleroom in Ballymoney."

To catch the eye of the lady auction goer there are some sparkling jewels with stones of every kind to show off at the glitziest summer garden parties and formal dances.

"The jewellery comes in the form of earrings, bracelets, brooches, rings, necklaces, watches, fob watches all in a dizzying array of settings featuring precious stones like Pearls, Rubies and Diamonds.

"Diamonds – a word that most of our lady bidders love to hear as buying them at auction, in whatever setting, is usually better value than buying like for like on the High Street.

"The two standout Diamond lots are a superb 18ct white gold ring with 1.5 ct diamond baguettes – a seductive setting and sure to be popular on the night - and a Victorian 15ct gold and Diamond set brooch.

"The sale also features horse measuring sticks, figurines, weighing scales, furniture of all kinds, cutlery, tea and dinner services, lamps, tankards, Crystoleums and names such as Beatrix Potter, Hummell, Beleek, Aynsley Orchard, Royal Doulton, Coalport, Clarice Cliff, Moorcroft, Enid Blyton, Wade, Beswick and Carlton Ware. Surely something for everyone.", said Gerry.

Viewing of the sale is at McAfee Auction, 51 Main Street on Wednesday 30th June and Thursday 1 July between 3 and 5pm and 7 to 8.30pm. The first sale on Thursday 1 July (for lots 1-299) begins at 8.30pm with Friday's starting at 6.30 for the remaining lots.

To get a copy of the catalogue log onto www.mcafeepropertiesandmortgages.com or call the auction house direct on 028 27 667669.