The Monday After Heritage Open Day and a Day Working on the Database

After an early finish at Learning Works due to there not being anything for me to do (that centre is closing due to not getting a contract they needed to get to stay open, so I have one more week there) I spent much of yesterday completing my series of posts (12 in all) about Heritage Open Day, while listening to county cricket coverage on the radio.

In the early evening I went out for a walk and as usual took lots of interesting photos, which is where pretty much all of todays pictures come from.

I have spent today hard at work on the database at James and Sons, with occasional restorative breaks checking out the twitter feed for the Great Centenary Charity Auction. A reminder here that as well as the twitter feed we have a website and a facebook page. While on twitter, I came across

Enjoy a crop of fine photos…

I am using this for the final time - my copy in its econiche!
I am using this for the final time – my copy in its econiche!
Assembled boxes
Assembled boxes
And not long later, disassembled boxes, as all bar a few had to be flat packed way
And not long later, disassembled boxes, as all bar a few had to be flat packed way

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Even this late in the year private boats are still using the jetty!
Even this late in the year private boats are still using the jetty!

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Probably this years last sightings of the Birdman of King's Lynn
Probably this years last sightings of the Birdman of King’s Lynn

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The light may not be needed at this time of the evening but this lamp post still finds a use!
The light may not be needed at this time of the evening but this lamp post still finds a use!

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Bushy-tailed Rat
This is the wrong kind of squirrel – to help the right kind of squirrel visit: voteforbob.co.uk

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This was to have been just the weathervane on top of the Custom House until I saw that the flag was also in shot and did not spoil the picture
This was to have been just the weathervane on top of the Custom House until I saw that the flag was also in shot and did not spoil the picture

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The Lynn Ferry lying (temporarily) idle.
The Lynn Ferry lying (temporarily) idle.

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More fiery colours of an early evening in Lynn!
More fiery colours of an early evening in Lynn!
The last hints of sunlight in Lynn yetserday
The last hints of sunlight in Lynn yesterday

Auction Imaging and the Birdman of King’s Lynn

I have had a very hectic week imaging for James and Sons, but it is now nearly all done for this auction. On Wednesday evening I got several excellent shots of a hang-glider and I have various other pictures to share with you…

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Penny Black
Penny Black
This was one of ten album pages of penny reds being sold as single lots
This was one of ten album pages of penny reds being sold as single lots

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There were ten of these giant military maps to image.
There were ten of these giant military maps to image.

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In our August auction some of these picture cards sold, so some more are in the September auction.
In our August auction some of these picture cards sold, so some more are in the September auction.
Hollywood Central Cinema aka thye Fakenham Fleapit
Hollywood Central Cinema aka thye Fakenham Fleapit

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Red sky at night - shepherd's delight! I ate supper outside again
Red sky at night – shepherd’s delight! I ate supper outside again

Birds, boats, planes and auction lots

Between a day’s hard work imaging for James and Sons and two sets of photos from King’s Lynn’s current Indian summer I have some splendid pictures for you. I have decided to sandwich the auction lots between two sets of my own personal pictures. 

Without further ado here are my selected pictures…

Before... the larger piece is the framework of the box and the smaller that of the lid...
Before… the larger piece is the framework of the box and the smaller that of the lid…
...and after - one newly assembled box - I assembled 30 of these for Learning Works while there as a volunteer on Monday morning
…and after – one newly assembled box – I assembled 30 of these for Learning Works while there as a volunteer on Monday morning

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Butterfly with its wings closed...
Butterfly with its wings closed…
...and open
…and open

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One of five swans together on the Nar when  I crossed the bridge over it.
One of five swans together on the Nar when I crossed the bridge over it.

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This pair of arctic terns are in perfect synch.
This pair of arctic terns are in perfect synch.

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A first hazy glimpse of the fishing fleet
A first hazy glimpse of the fishing fleet
The lead boat as it turns into the dock.
The lead boat as it turns into the dock.

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The weather continuing to be good enough to eat supper outside has advantages photography-wise as well!
The weather continuing to be good enough to eat supper outside has advantages photography-wise as well!

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I was in the right place at the right time to get some  pictures of a returning fishing fleet!
I was in the right place at the right time to get some pictures of a returning fishing fleet!

A Busy Couple of Days at James and Sons 2: Invoicing and Imaging

As well as the press releases I have been producing invoices for the August Auction and have made a start on the imaging for the September auction (Saturday 27th, Maids Head Hotel, Norwich, starts 10AM sharp). This upcoming auction features industrial quantities of stamps (one of the lots I imaged today required 20 shots to do it something approaching justice – it was that big) among other stuff. 

Here are todays images…

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A Busy Couple of Days at James and Sons 1: Press releases

I have decided to do two blog posts today because I wanted to devote one exclusively to press releases. 

There were som many fantastic results at this auction that I decided to split the press releases into categories: Coins, Medals, Militaria, Stamps and a portmanteau category that I privately dubbed “quirkies”. Thus below thsi you can find links to all five press releases and view any or all as you choose. Also I am including full photo galleries of associated images…

Coins montage Coins MEDAL SUCCESSES AT FAKENHAM AUCTION ?????????? Militaria Makes Massive Money at Fakenham Auction Militaria Montage Quirkies Quirkies Stamp montage STAMPS SELL WELL AT FAKENHAM AUCTION ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? 325 330 ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? 511 ?????????? 542 565 573 592 ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? 640 ?????????? 686 709 745 ?????????? ??????????

Racecourse Auction Success

Yesterday James and Sons of Fakenham had their August auction at Fakenham Racecourse, and the day went very smoothly. The database system that has been 16 months in the development process is now functioning very well for purpose – at no time was I more than about 10 lots behind the action, meaning that I was able to produce invoices without many delays. The internet connection worked perfectly, so we got our full ration of internet bids.

After I have pulled everything together today I will begin writing up the best success stories (my role at James and Sons could be described as at least a quadruple one – database developer, data input clerk, imager and press release creator). Without as yet revealing any content I can say that Coins, Medals, Militaria and Stamps will all definitely feature. 

I have some pictures from the auction venue for you…

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A Family Weekend and a Day at James and Sons

The reason there has been no post on this blog since Friday afternoon is that I spent the weekend in East Rudham at a very large family gathering (my Australian aunt was over, and a veritable tribe descended on East Rudham to take advantage of this event).

Today I did everything I needed to at work, plus making a start on the imaging for the September auction, and benefitted from a rare piece of good fortune in that I left a little early because my colleague who was locking up had to go promptly, and the 15:38 bus to King’s Lynn was more than a little late, so I got home much earlier than expected, and it being bright and sunny, I have been out for a walk.

I have three sets of photographs to share with you, those from the weekend, highlights from today at work, and some from the walk (with very few exceptions wherever I go my trusty Nikon P520 Coolpix also goes), so here goes…

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£5 worth of hand of pork
£5 worth of hand of pork

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Unfortunately due to a mishap we never got to sample this crackling
Unfortunately due to a mishap we never got to sample this crackling

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But we most certainly did get to sample the kebabs that this little lot became.
But we most certainly did get to sample the kebabs that this little lot became.

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Outdoor reared Norfolk pork means precisely what it says.
Outdoor reared Norfolk pork means precisely what it says.

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It is always a challenge to get good shots of aeroplanes.
It is always a challenge to get good shots of aeroplanes.

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This sunflower was growing in someone's front  garden
This sunflower was growing in someone’s front garden
These were provided by my cousin Olivia
These were provided by my cousin Olivia

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A hectic end to a hectic work week

No further progress on the database front today, but lots of imaging, and resolving queries (for the last hour, after the new images had gone off to ATG Media).

The lots I imaged today covered a very wide range and left me spoilt for choice as to what to include.

I notice that India, needing a win in the final test at The Oval to square the series are currently 125-9 (albeit having been put in, unlike in the previous test, when  they chose to bat first and did not do a whole lot better). I also note, encouragingly for England, that it has been Woakes and Jordan who have done most of the damage (or been the principle beneficiaries of poor Indian batting?) rather than the much more established Broad and Anderson.

Now for those pictures…

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Coins
some very

More coins ?????????? 359 - Stamps Ornate sword Sword inscription ?????????? ?????????? 751 751a 762 - Railwayana/ Toys ?????????? 763 - watch

764 - watch
This watch has its original box as well.

Medals - 521 745 - Ephemera 748 - Ephemera 348 - coins 348a - coins

Auctions and a seismic upset at Wimbledon

After a constructive Great Centenary Auction organising meeting, and a tour of inspection of the area where the Raynham Hall auctions will take place (the rehearsal aka James and Sons July sale, and the big event in September), which latter took in some heavy lifting but also provided some photo opportunities as you will see, it was back to the shop and more imaging. Some of the pictures I am putting up will have been seen by users of Facebook and Twitter.

Although I missed much of the day’s action from Wimbledon I was back in time to listen to the closing stages of 19 year old Nick Kyrgios’ spectacular defeat of world no 1 Rafael Nadal. The last time a world no one was beaten by a teenager was nine years ago when Federer was beaten by Nadal.

Now for those pictures…

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Yes - we have been assigned quarters in the stables.
Yes – we have been assigned quarters in the stables.

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A nuisance of pigeons - or  perhaps the alliteration of a pestilence of pigeons.
A nuisance of pigeons – or perhaps the alliteration of a pestilence of pigeons.

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This interesting window i situated in a position where the only person who regularly has the chance to see it is me.
This interesting window i situated in a position where the only person who regularly has the chance to see it is me.

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Stock for the July auction.
Stock for the July auction.
A stout ring like this on each section of door, a chain to link them and a stout padlock will sort out security.
A stout ring like this on each section of door, a chain to link them and a stout padlock will sort out security.

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On auction day(s) a marquee will be set up on this lawn.
On auction day(s) a marquee will be set up on this lawn.

OPENING PARCELS

A productive day at James and Sons

Very little imaging to do today, but there was all involved quality items. I put out two press releases, one mainly targeting organisations with an interest in aviation history and focussing on the propeller, and a general press release about the auction taking place at Raynham Hall as a trial run for the big event (will soon be communicating these details on the appropriate facebook and twitter pages). Note for my newer followers/ those who have more recently liked my posts: I would be even more grateful if you could like the facebook page I have linked to above and/ or follow the twitter page.

Now for the images and links to the press releases…

This little brass clock with visible mechanism and very battered carrying case appealed strongly.
This little brass clock with visible mechanism and very battered carrying case appealed strongly.

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Watches like this one caused me grief with the old camera - no probs with this one.
Watches like this one caused me grief with the old camera – no probs with this one.

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This Chinese tea set required security measures - each part of individually bubble-wrapped, then a top layer of bubble wrap to house it more safely in the very stout box I selected with care, and then black marker pen to indicate the lot number and most importantl;y the word FRAGILE!!
This Chinese tea set required security measures – each part of individually bubble-wrapped, then a top layer of bubble wrap to house it more safely in the very stout box I selected with care, and then black marker pen to indicate the lot number and most importantl;y the word FRAGILE!!

PROPELLER IN NORFOLK AUCTION RAYNHAM HALL TO HOST JULY AUCTION