Philip Skinner Antiques Blog

Exciting new newsletter

2010-08-17T10:33:00.000+01:00

I've been working on my website and I've now gone interactive. You can now submit your e-mail to me for an exciting new project I'm doing to recieve an occasional newsletter, which from time to time will contain some money off vouchers which could be 10% or 12% or even higher! These vouchers would be valid for a day or two only so you'd have to act fast! Have a look at http://www.philipskinnerantiques.co.uk/ , the prices are very keen anyway! I look forward to communicating with you!

Ford Ferguson and Ferguson tractors

2010-08-15T11:27:00.000+01:00

When I wrote about my Ford Ferguson tractor yesterday, the Ford Ferguson tractor was the tractor that Ferguson made with Ford, the forerunner of the grey Ferguson tractor. The Ford Ferguson tractor had a Ford side valve engine in it and the famous Ferguson 3 point linkage. Ferguson had made one before that with David Brown. The Ferguson most people know is the one made after the Ford Ferguson that I had, that was made in its millions. When you've finished reading this rubbish, look at my website! http://www.philipskinnerantiques.co.uk/ :)

The old Ford Ferguson

2010-08-14T12:37:00.000+01:00

I bought this tractor when I was in my early twenties. As you can see in the first picture it was found beside a hedge with a small tree growing out of it. I spent nearly twelve months working on this one. I totally rebuilt the engine as one of the spark plugs was left out, consequently the piston was rusted. I managed to find a second tractor which I was able to rob parts from. After many months I get it going in and took it to several rallies including Chapleton, Nr Barnstaple, Devon and several local fairs.

Lifestory

2010-08-09T16:25:00.001+01:00

I was born about 1.5 miles away from where I live and went to Winkleigh Primary School. I then went on to Chulmleigh Community College and started work at 16 for a small local builder. I stayed there for approx 8 years and started my own building business which is still going now. In between times I got interested in vintage tractors and engines and had quite a few but that will be for another blog. As I was growing up I spent a lot of time with my grandfather going around antique auctions, seeing him buy and sell allsorts. That started my interest in antiques at about the age of 12-13yrs. I also spent a lot of time with the man who started Ashley Countryside Collection (now sold off). I used to go around with him helping at farm sales, watching him buy up the old stuff for his museum, which further reinforced my interest in antiques and the vintage world. When his museum was running I used to show visitors around in my spare time. My father also had a small holding and I used to help from a young age and when I was older driving tractors around. Over the years I had attended a lot of vintage rallies in and around Devon. I also got married about 16 years ago with 2 children, 1 boy and 1 girl. My son is following in my footsteps by being interested in the vintage scene, coming around the antique fairs and auctions with me during holidays and weekends.

This is a brief history of how antiques have been a big part of my life so far. Will blog again soon.

2010-08-08T11:22:00.000+01:00

Just thought I would try to brighten up my blog a bit with this photo of a small selection of solid silver items I have for sale in my shop. If you want to see more have a look at my website.

Hi, About Me

2010-08-08T09:49:00.000+01:00

I am Philip Skinner and I live in North Devon. I started selling antiques 2 years ago and after selling on ebay I have started my own website http://www.philipskinnerantiques.co.uk/ I sell a variety of antiques including silver, art and collectables. I have a variety of original oil and watercolours as well as prints. I have china ornaments and glass items including decanters etc. My true love is old english hallmarked sterling silver, which I have some on the website as well as silver plate. I intend to buy more silver in the future. I will blog again when I get some more as this is my first attempt at blogging. Speak to you all soon.