KILSHAW'S  AUCTIONEERS LTD.

In January 2006, Alison Ross bought Kilshaw's Auctioneers. Alison started at Kilshaw's about eight years prior to buying the auction and at that time she had attained a master's degree in History in Art and had many years of teaching and business experience. As an auctioneer, appraiser and owner, Alison continues the tradition of honesty and integrity established by the Kilshaw family while infusing the business with fresh ideas and enthusiasm. Alison was very pleased that long time staff members remained under her ownership including auctioneers Jeffrey Dean and Roshan Vickery as well as office manager Melanie Rozell. Alison insists on continuing education for her staff as well as herself through auction related courses and seminars. Don Kilshaw continues to be involved in the business but is enjoying semi-retirement. Through generations of personal attention, honesty, and knowledge, Kilshaw's Auctioneers has delighted innumerable patrons with their purchases and sales.

 
The origins of Kilshaw's Auctioneers can be traced back 6 generations to Kendal, England where William Kilshaw started it all in 1790. During the reign of George III, a Kilshaw was pairing buyers with sellers of  home furnishings, real estate, farm implements, and cattle. Today, it appears the Kilshaw family holds the North American record for continuous gavel pounding.  

The Kilshaws have been selling in Canada since 1908 (starting in Winnipeg). When Gradwell Kilshaw first came west to Victoria, auctions were held right at the estate with house, property and contents sold to buyers gathered on the front lawn.  In 1949, Gradwell Kilshaw opened the doors at the current location, 1115 Fort Street, Victoria, BC. Gradwell's son Frank and then his grandson Don have continued in the family's long, fine tradition.  

Gradwell Kilshaw with son Frank

This George I teapot (1714) from the Maltwood Museum sold for $5,200 in 1967.
Frank Kilshaw 1979 Auction-wise veterans, who have attended sales across Canada, say the most unusual part of Kilshaw's auction policy, is the wide open display of items at the moment of being sold.  Kilshaw's unique custom of having all goods possible pass directly in front of the auctioneer enable them to do this.  dining tables and bureau drawers are opened wide for the crowd's inspection; chairs and decorative objects are shown every which way, and any known chips or cracks are pointed out as a courtesy to the buyer.  This, together with the popular Kilshaw's guarantee on working appliances gives the buyer great confidence.

 
In 2008 Kilshaw's sold this Tsar Alexander III signed J.(Johann) Koler for $80,000.  Though research we were able to contact interested parties to phone bid from all around the world.

Kilshaw's is currently seeking works of important European Art for the next Antique and Fine Art Auction
In 1997 Kilshaw's sold this Emily Carr oil on paper on board for $55,000.  It was one of two Emily Carr paintings featured in the auction. 
The other brought $40,000.

Kilshaw's is currently seeking works of Canadian Art for the next Antique and Fine Art Auction

In 2003 Kilshaw's sold this unframed Percival Rosseau oil on canvas of two setters dated 1918 for $44,000.

Kilshaw's is currently seeking works of American Art for the next Antique and Fine Art Auction

This fabulous piece was featured at Kilshaw's in a Antique sale in 2002. The Victorian Hallmarked Silver table centre, dated 1869/70, Maker George Angell brought $19,500.

It's weight was: 302.86 troy ounces - 9.42 Kilograms, Height: 131/2", Diameter: 23 1/2"

Kilshaw's is currently seeking antique and sterling silver for the next Antique and Fine Art Auction