Gary Arkell of Loddon Auctions was ready to toast a record-breaking success when lot 718 in the Berkshire saleroom’s August 8 auction sold for what is believed to be a record price for a beer label of £1500.
But just four lots later it was broken again, with lot 722 – a c.1920 label for a bottle of Wheeler’s Oatmeal Stout – serving up a new high of £2000 (plus 17% buyer’s premium).
Not to mention lot 720, which on its own would have set a record in this collecting field, only to be eclipsed by the other two.