Christie's - Fortunes for Sale - The auctioneer, Mr. Chance, from his box watches the proceedings. The prospective buyers are seated round a horseshoe shaped counter, and an attendant takes round a precious necklace on a tray, to enable the bidders to have another look at the lot to be sold. The sale is conducted with great dignity, there is no shouting here, no noisy outbidding. Indeed it's enough to raise an eyebrow - and the experienced eye of the Auctioneer will notice it. September 12, 1951. (Photo by A. Tanner).