Over the years he had been a familiar face at Special Auction Services (20% buyer’s premium). The Newbury firm offered more than 30 lots from his collection in the monthly Antiques & Collectables sale on February 1.
It included a set of oak jockey scales by W&T Avery. These are a recognisable type from the late Victorian period that can touch four figures at auction but these had been purchased by Mercer at an auction relating to the flat-racing great Fred Archer (1857-86).
SAS notes it is believed that Archer used these scales on a weekly basis when training.
Estimated at £1000-2000, they took £7500.