This page is to inform you about exciting changes to the business which have resulted in the formation of a new company - International Autograph Auctions Ltd.
The new company brings together the talents of Trevor Vennett-Smith, Richard Davie and Ian Sayer in what will be a unique combination of auctioneering and autograph expertise in one company. We have known each other in various professional capacities for over 20 years. Richard, well known in the autograph field as one of the country’s leading experts, has worked with Trevor since the 1980s. Ian has known Trevor for most of the 27 years he has been involved in the autograph industry and is an acknowledged autograph expert whose specialities are 20th century military conflicts and aviation. Richard and Ian have worked together in their retail business, Autographs and Manuscripts (International) Ltd, since it began trading in 2000. They have also operated three of Autographica’s hugely successful auctions since 2003. Together we feel that our joint enthusiasm will result in a new dynamic auction company prepared to take on the challenges of 21st century autograph collecting. Our inaugural auction will take place on 29th October as part of the Autographica Show at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel at Heathrow Airport. Existing subscribers to Vennett-Smith auctions and customers of AMI Ltd will automatically receive a catalogue in due course. We will hold our second auction at the same venue on Saturday 10th December 2005 and during 2006 there will be a further six auctions, the dates and venues of which will be announced at the end of the year. It is our intention to tour the country with the auctions, making them accessible to all, but at the same time not forgetting our roots in Nottingham where clients will be able to view auctions irrespective of the venue. Essentially very little will change from the service you are already used to, other than to say we hope you will notice only improvements in the future. There will be no change to auction trading conditions and the commission rate will remain at only 15% (plus VAT) for buyer and seller. Vennett-Smith auctions will continue to offer Cigarette and Trade Cards, Postcards and Ephemera, Theatre and Cinema Memorabilia five times a year in the same way as they have since 1989. They will also continue their Sports Auctions (where specialised Sports autographs will continue to be offered) twice a year at Colwick Racecourse in Nottingham. Neither will there be any change to their Postal Auctions. Richard and Ian will continue to run their business, AMI Ltd, offering fine quality autographs in all fields for sale through their retail catalogues and website. We hope that you will be as excited as us in the new venture and it is our intention that International Autograph Auctions Ltd should cater for a larger world market while still retaining the friendly family type of business the directors have been renowned for running for many years. If you would like to discuss and aspect of these changes or are seeking guidance on buying or selling at one of our auctions please feel free to contact either Trevor Vennett-Smith (0115) 9830541 or Richard Davie (0115) 844 0244. Thank you for your support and we look forward to being of service to you.