WALLIS & WALLIS NEWSLETTER
SUMMER 2025.
THE HERE AND NOW AND THE FUTURE OF THE FIRM.
NEARLY 100 AND NOT OUT.
Please do take the time to read this as it is important news.
After much thought Glenn & Shelley Butler as equal partners have decided to retire from our auction house Wallis & Wallis. This long established business which is now 97 years old was set up in 1928 by two brothers both ex-British Army Officers, - Major Wallis and Colonel Wallis. Their first location was in Guildford Surrey and in the early 1950’s a second branch was opened in Lewes East Sussex. My family became involved in 1953 when my father joined as a cataloguer. By 1971 our family had been offered the business and so began 54 years of ownership. After renting various offices in Lewes, 40 years ago the auction house in West Street became our permanent home.
Over nearly 100 years of existence our specialist auctions of arms, armour, militaria and Toys & Models have attracted many rare and historical items and it’s been a pleasure for us and our staff to handle such rare and valuable pieces. The list is impressive items belonging to- Oliver Cromwell, Napoleon, Admiral Nelson, Winston Churchill, Graf Zeppelin, Jesse James, his brother Frank James, Wing Commander ‘Birdy’ Wilson, Wing Commander Tim Nelson the 1st Red Arrows Wing Leader, I could go on. You never know where that next conversation is going to take you. For me personally I don’t know where the time has gone, but after 44 years in the family ‘firm’ its time to call it a day and start afresh on new projects. My dad, well it’s well known that he was one of life’s characters, love him or not, his knowledge of all things Napoleonic and Victorian military was encyclopedic, and I wish he had written it all down. It was an education, visiting all the battle grounds and museums and listening to his stories and recollections of his own experiences in WWII.
On the 31st July 2025 the present partnership will close. All existing customers business will be concluded, either buying or selling your items will be processed as usual. Any purchased Lots will be cleared/shipped and any unsold Lots must be collected or returned*
The Future. The 100th Anniversary.
The good news is the business will be re-established with a new partnership on August 1st 2025 by two long-standing members of staff Gerald Blaber and Brendan Lawrence, so the 100th Year anniversary is now looking positive. As original Subscribers you are given the opportunity to continue your association with them as Wallis & Wallis Auctioneers by emailing them directly on their new email address of enquiries@wallisandwallis.co.uk You Must opt-in if you wish to continue receiving a Newsletter.
All that is left for me to say is thank you for your custom over the years, it’s been a pleasure work for you and to get to know many of you.
Glenn Butler.
Auctioneer and joint partner with Shelley Butler.
Please do take a moment to read Gerald and Brendan’s introduction in our next Newsletter. Thank you.

 
Dear Client
 
We are pleased to share some exciting news regarding a change of ownership at Wallis & Wallis, Glenn Butler and his wife Shelley the current owners are retiring and we wish them both many happy years pursuing their many interests away from the world of work. They have allowed this communication to you, however, please rest assured that your details have not been shared.
 
We would like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves to you, as regular clients of Wallis & Wallis over the years, you will already know us.
 
Gerald Blaber has been employed by Wallis & Wallis for all his working life, a long time! He joined with a keen interest in arms and armour, a passion he still has today. Gerald brings a strong knowledge together with the experience gained from handling countless items over the years. He is always approachable and enthusiastic, loves a chat and will be very happy to discuss your latest find from your local car boot sale all the way up to discussing your lifetimes collection.
 
Brendan Lawrence has been employed by Wallis & Wallis for over 30 years, his interest lies in edged weapons. Brendan joined to help with packing and despatch. He also works in goods inwards, entering lots for sale and ultimately ensuring smooth item handling until the auction takes place. Brendan prefers a role behind the scenes, nevertheless he will be there to help you whenever required.
 
We have a strong, and very knowledgeable, team of cataloguers across all fields supporting the business eagerly waiting to value and receive your items for sale.
 
We will introduce our admin team at a later date giving information on whose who to ensure easy points of contact.
 
Together, as the new owners, we are excited to move Wallis & Wallis forward. Our core values are to provide an efficient, responsive, competitive and timely service which ensures that the needs of vendors and buyers are met to the very best of our ability. We have a deep respect for the legacy Wallis & Wallis but look forward to introducing a fresh energy to the running of the business and have a clear vision for the future.
 
Our first auction will be held in September, entries are being accepted now. We hope that you will support us and look forward to serving you in the future, thank you for taking the time to read this update.
 
The new email address for all departments is – enquiries@wallisandwallis.co.uk The telephone number will remain the same – 01273 480208. The new website will be coming soon on the existing address – www.wallisandwallis.co.uk