Smiths Auction have been asked to sell a huge collection of antique postcards from Ross-on-Wye and the surrounding areas in their sale on April 7th. The sale has a special section for Stamps, Postcards and Ephemera, and so the collection makes an ideal and timely consignment. The owner who lives in Ross has built up the collection gradually over the last 40 years but now feels it is time to move it on.

In fact the collection is so large Smiths postcard specialist has divided the collection in half so that it can be spread over two sales. For local postcard collectors, and even enthusiasts in local history, or the local area, this makes an ideal opportunity to purchase a fascinating selection of historical images. Examples from the collection include a large number of street scenes in Ross including of course many views of the famous market house. More unusual images include a charming scene outside the blacksmiths at Hoarwithy showing a tiny girl in her pinafore and hat seated on a pony whilst the Blacksmith inspects the horse’s shoe. Other interesting scenes include a rick fire at Eccleswall Court in 1911, Ross Boat House in flood in 1910 and a Westons Cider ‘prize winning float’ complete with a list of the names of the participants from the Ross & Gloucester Carnival 1925.

For more information about the sale see this week’s Ross Gazette