Signs Of The Times: Single Owner Collections Thrive At Auction

19th June 2026

Competitive bidding both in the saleroom and online at this week’s Single Owner Collectors' sale underlined the continued strength of the enamel & vintage sign market. Enthusiasm among buyers for fresh-to-market private collections like this, with their strong provenance and carefully curated contents, are consistently commanding premium hammer prices.

A number of lots exceeded expectations, with the collection totalling over £14,000 and the star item, a Shell Marine Lubricants enamel sign (lot 58), achieving an excellent £800 after spirited bidding.

Backing up the enamel signs was an equally impressive private collection of over 100 pieces of Poole Pottery including some beautiful Art Deco examples. Drawing particular interest was lot 108, a 1930s Carter, Stabler & Adams vase designed by Truda Carter, finally selling for £230.