Featured House clearance

"Paradaughter - in my experience it is the child of a partner with no legal bond. May be different elsewhere in the world."


Jeeze - THAT was cut and dried...I did not mean to imply that there was no emotional attachment or assumption of parental relationship involved........sorry!!!

 

I didn't take your comment that way. I just wanted a definition and you gave one. Thank you!

 

Wow, AF, your finds sound wonderful! Thanks for the detailed description of events and finds... it was almost as good as having photos.

THREE Charles Dickens firsts? That's amazing. I hope they're in good condition.

 

I thought I invented the 'paradaughter' nonce word to mean exactly what you defined. but it seems not, just a great mind thinking alike. I have been in locus parenti for almost 30 years, since she was nine.

The Honda had no logbook (registration document) I could find, and I doubt if the old man had made a Statutary Off Road Notification (for those who do not know SORN). Let the DVLA chase him for fines now. :-(

I was pleased with the shelf clocks, mainly because the condition of them all was so original, all but one have perfect original finials, which are often lost or broken, I have not checked for maker's papers inside the cases yet, but these are usually present in un-restored clocks.

I forgot to mention that I found about £200 in cash lying about, £120 in notes in the back of a drawer and about £80 in change in various pots.

The road is in the middle to end stages of 'gentrification' as the last of the older, poorer inhabitants die off and the middle class buy up the houses to restore, and sell for huge prices for what they are. We could probably have sold the house, needing maybe £60,000 in structural and renovation work, just sitting there and taking offers..
We spent some time sitting on the front step resting and chatting to the neighbours, I could have sold the house for about £130,000 on the spot but of course, it belongs to the old man's estate, not us.
People were obviously pleased that something was happening with what was a bit of a boarded up and neglected eyesore, no doubt thinking it will be good for their house values not to be living near a wreck.
Pretty well everybody that passed by stopped for a chat, so we found out a bit about the old man and quite a lot about house prices in the street. It was remarkable how friendly everyone was.

More later..........

 

This is fascinating. Can't wait for more.

 

One of my favourite finds, a pair of percussion pocket pistols, English made, Birmingham proof, turn off barrels (one numbered to match breech number) walnut chequered stocks, good working order.









Ten American sterling 'Lancaster' pattern large tea/small dessert spoons






I'll start new thread for a few other odd items.

 

The shelf clocks, first look. By Brewster, Ansonia Brass co, Ansonia clock Co, New Haven clocks, Jerome and Seth Thomas.

 

This is so fascinating; I can't wait to see what else you have found!

 

Waiting is what we are doing now. The general clearance man is at work, and we are sitting around. I took some pictures of stuff we now have in the car, for research and posting. Basically it is thumb twiddling time. We have to stay handy in case of problems, but have no essential role.

So I'll post some of the books I have found.

 

Well, not so good a day, for antiques in general anyway. It seems that 2 antique air rifles, 4 antique swords, including two 18th. C examples, that were removed by the local police for 'safety' as the house was empty, have been destroyed by the police. At least that is what they say. The same fate probably happened to four hand guns seized earlier and as the old man was keen on antique weapons I would put money on them being legitimate, legally held antiques.

As far as the clearing goes, that is going to schedule, it seems, here are some pictures of empty or near empty spaces that were waist high in junk (and gems)



Believe me, this counts as nearly empty.



Oh, here is the flash button!











The kitchen still needs work, though possibly not as much as it did.

Still waiting removal, a heavy old Victorian chair



And when they come to renovate the house, I am sure these old light switches will be gone

 

Whoever is doing the reno on that place has their work cut out for them. I do love those light switches.

 

Davey, I went to the local nick this morning, gave all the details to the WPC behind the counter, and she referred to their incident log, and came back and said the items were recorded as destroyed, she had no other information and I should take it up with the Civil Litigation Department, which I think was much the same as saying 'So sue us', but a tad more politely.

 

The switches are brass, with a million years of 'patina'.

 

You thinking that the swords and pistols were ...nicked.....by an officer of the law....who recognized their value ???

 

They were not the only things to disappear, but I could not possibly prove any connection. The ones I mention were the only 'official' ones.