The following e-mail was received from Jonathan of Exeter.

Dear Roy,

Please help!! Where can I obtain a West of England Firemark as illustrated on page 56 of your catalogue, reference 48D(i)-TI. We have a late Georgian house here in the centre of Exeter and this firemark was pinched by some builders some time ago. All that remains is the shadow of where it used to be on our front wall. Since we're doing the front of the house up at the moment, I would very much like the firemark replaced. Any ideas? (original one or a copy - I don't mind paying someone well for making a copy as it'll be better than nothing!)

Best wishes,

Jonathan (surname withheld)

I already have a reproduction of 48B*G-C but it's just not the same.

Hello Jonathan,

Thank you for your e-mail dated today.

These marks are not common and only come up for auction on the odd occasions. However, at an auction in October there is the variant that you are looking for. Whilst it is original, I do not handle others, it has been repainted and not all in the correct colours. I would add that the painting has been nicely done and it is presentable.

The explanation as to why I am "on top" of your request is that I had a similar request about three weeks ago for just a West of England but the interested party, in Gibraltar, didn't want a repainted mark.

You will be aware that I cannot put a price on an item that is being sold at auction, only a guess. If you would let me know your ceiling price I will try to obtain it for you. The maximum I would have thought you would have to pay would be £200 but it would depend on who is bidding.

Kind regards,

Roy.

Thanks Roy, I am delighted with your very speedy and positive reply. I would be very pleased to obtain the firemark (repainted or not) so may I leave it to you to obtain it for me at the auction? I would expect to pay around £200 for it but obviously, as it would help finish off the front of our house, I could go to around £325 (although hopefully it will be less). What will your commission be?

Could the new firemark paint be stripped off to reveal the original, or could it be repainted to match? Could someone expertly repaint it correctly for me? Questions .. .. questions. Thanks for your help.

Best Wishes,

Jonathan.

Hello Jonathan,

Thank you for your e-mail.

I don't expect to pay more than £200 but it is an advantage to have a reserve. My commission would be 10% plus postage of £7.

Yes, the paint could be stripped off but I assume that original paint is no longer there, hence the repaint. You may well like it as it is. Only part is not the original colour, I suggest you wait and see. I don't know anybody who could or would repaint it for you, but if they did it would cost a lot of money.

If you wish to proceed further I will require a deposit, say £50, by electronic transfer, details as follows:

(details withheld)

Kind regards,

Roy.

Thanks Roy,

Yes that's all fine .. .. I'll sort out the transfer of the £50 deposit tomorrow. OK?

Best wishes,

Jonathan.

Hello Roy,

I am just confirming that I have now deposited £50 cash into our bank account.

Best wishes,

Jonathan.

Hello Jonathan,

Thank you for your e-mail dated 3rd. September, 2003.

I confirm receipt of your deposit in the amount of £50.

I will contact you after the auction on or about the 13th. October, 2003.

Kind regards,

Roy.

Hello Jonathan,

I am delighted to advise you that I have obtained your mark for a total cost of £205. If you would like to arrange for the balance of £155 to be credited to my account I will forward it to you.

Kind regards,

Roy.

That's GREAT Roy! Thank you so much. I'll deposit the money by Tuesday morning at the latest. How are you planning to send it?

Best wishes,

Jonathan.

Hello Jonathan,

By recorded delivery, okay? It will be well packed.

Regards,

Roy.

Yes, recorded delivery is fine.

Best wishes,

Jonathan.

Dear Roy,

I went and paid the cash into your account this morning.

Best wishes,

Jonathan.

Dear Roy,

What can I say? Except .. .. fantastic fire mark .. .. fantastic packaging .. .. fantastic service. Thanks so much. I'll send you a photo of it in situ as soon as the scaffold is down at the front of the house (ie. as soon as the builders decide to finish off!).

Best wishes,

Jonathan.