Carriages create buzz with buyers (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Carriages create buzz with buyers

8:00am Saturday 20th March 2010

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FOUR historic horse-drawn carriages that were part of the collection of a well-known Kidderm-inster businessman are creating a “real buzz”, according to an auctioneer.

The carriages belonged to Anthony Stretton, founder of Strettons Nurseries, who has put his estate up for sale.

They were used during a special street parade in Kidderminster in 1971, celebrating the opening of the former Strettons New Supermarket Greenhouse in Bewdley Road.

Richard Hinett, managing director of Kidderminster Market Auctions for the last 10 years, said the late 18th century carriages were the most exciting thing he had ever put on sale.

He added: “If they made £50 or £50,000 it wouldn’t surprise me. The only place you find them now is in museums.

“Obviously, in museums they are restored to their original state but I have never had anything that has drawn so much interest.”

Mr Hinett explained that people had been having their photograph taken with the carriages and he had calls every day since their sale had been announced.

He said: “You just don’t see them any more. They are part of history. They will never be made again.

“They are the sort of thing you see in period dramas and movies. There is a real buzz about them.”

The carriages are being sold along with antique jewellery, watches, silver, bric-a-brac and various artefacts from Mr Stretton’s home in Callow Hill.

Mr Hinett said: “It is sad really that everything is being sold. It is the end of an era but Mr Stretton wanted it sold because he is moving into a home.”

The carriages go on sale at the Wholesale Market in Comberton Hill next Thursday, at noon.

Mr Hinett said: “Part of the excitement is not knowing what they are worth and I am looking forward to selling them.”

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