Written by Simon Norfolk, Specialist Valuer – Vintage Vinyl and HiFi
This is how one of my early conversations with Auctioneer Kev Kendal played out:
“Kev, there is a rare Northern Soul single in that box.”
“ How do you know that?”
“I just do.”
I first started coming to 1818 Auctioneers as a browser and very quickly became a purchaser.
I would dash home to catch the live auction stream (this was before the pandemic changed the world as we knew it, and we moved to timed online auctions). I’d log on and take my chances in the arena against people with seemingly rather deep pockets and great taste!
I remember my first successful bids (some rare 1960s psych 45s). I also remember showing up to pay without considering the fees. Still, it was worth it – this was a fun game and another string to my bow after years of trawling record fairs and boot sales, looking to expand my knowledge and record collection.
I should be doing this, I thought to myself. I should be selling records for an auction house, putting auction catalogues together, meeting like-minded souls, getting behind the scenes to see how things work, learning and progressing in the most interesting environments.
A few years later, I am doing it, and it makes me proud and happy to be part of the team here at 1818 Auctioneers. I still pinch myself. And I learn more with each auction we catalogue.
I remember that Northern Soul single I spotted. ‘Keep Going Strong ‘ by Connie Stevens on the US Bell label. At 1818 Auctioneers, our Vintage Vinyl and HiFi auctions seem to do just that!
You can view our latest auction catalogues here. They are published every Thursday.