A BOOK collection owned by an antiques expert is being sold by a local auctioneer.
Michael Baggott, who appeared on BBC series Flog It, died in January 2025 aged 51.
The expert authored a number of books on silver and antiques – and now more than 150 lots will be sold by Richard Winterton Auctioneers.
A timed sale will take place from 22nd December to 2nd January.
Auctioneer Richard Winterton said:
“Michael was a good a friend, a wonderfully warm man and a master of the world of silver and antiques,.
“It was a privilege to have known him and when sought his help was always generously given to all.
“Michael really was a font of knowledge and his library reflects that – it is a treasure trove of information on silver and antiques ranging from Elizabethan times to the 20th century.
“These are the books which buoyed Michael’s incredible encyclopaedic prowess, and I think he would be delighted that his personal copies will go on to inspire and inform other experts and passionate enthusiasts alike.”
Highlights include volumes one, two and three of Silver Spoons And Hallmarks by Commander George Evelyn Paget How in collaboration with Jane Penrice How, privately printed London 1957.
Another lot features all three volumes of British And Continental Gold And Silver In The Ashmolean Museum by Timothy Schroder.
Other specialist works include a book dedicated to nutmeg graters, pomanders and spice boxes, with others focussing on miniatures, English porcelain especially Worcester, the designs of William de Morgan, and Lalique.
There are directories of gold and silversmiths plus yearbooks, journals and catalogues.
Born in Birmingham, Mr Baggott’s interest in antiques began young, making his first purchase of a Chester silver Vesta case costing £22 whilst still at school.
He went on to work at Christie’s and then Sotheby’s before becoming a private consultant in antique silver.
A collection of his antique furniture sold with Richard Winterton Auctioneers earlier in December.
Highlights included a George I style burr veneer chest on chest, selling at £3,200, and a 17th or 18th century Dutch burr walnut cushion mirror which fetched £1,250.
The catalogue for the online sale of Mr Baggott’s books goes live at 10am on 22nd December at bid.richardwinterton.co.uk.
Visit www.richardwinterton.co.uk.
