Unique antiques up for auction in Whanganui this weekend

From beautifully carved Victorian cabinets to 1970s Zippo cigarette lighters, there is probably something to interest everyone at the annual Haywards Wanganui Antique and Collectables Auction.

Auctioneer Brian Hayward said tastes are always changing and people have become more interested in mid-century modern furnishings in recent years.

Auctioneer Brian Hayward says the ornately carved wooden antique chairs like the one on the right are now less popular than the plainer mid-century designs. Photo/Lewis Gardner

"Victorian-era antiques which used to fetch very big prices are less desirable now," Hayward said.

"People want the plainer, more portable items."

A secretaire writing desk with glass-fronted bookcase is an exquisite piece that would have once graced an elegant dining room.

"Now people want furniture for the man cave or the female equivalent.

"Someone recently told me about those and I think she referred to it as a hen house."

Collections up for auction include antique dolls, a selection of piano accordions, fishing rods, bottles, clocks, telephones and some unusual agricultural tools.

At the more exotic end of the spectrum are a dentist drill, a model of a 1800s clipper ship, a Barbie pool set, old cigarette and pokie machines and a replica sword.

"We always get a lot of people coming from outside the region but it will be great if some of these pieces find new homes in Whanganui," said Hayward.

He is pretty sure which items are likely to get the highest bids although he said you never can tell from one year to the next.

"There are always a few surprises and that is part of the enjoyment."

Hayward's Antique and Collectables Auction begins at 10am this Sunday, April 28 at 129 Guyton St. Viewing is on Saturday from 10am to 5pm or see more on the Facebook page.