Auctioneers reveal the secrets to sales success

Life as an auctioneer is like being a ringmaster in a circus, according to Colin Sheaf, Bonhams' head of Asia.

"You're in the center of a big public event. I just focus on the nice and friendly atmosphere, and we have a few special objects placed around the auctioneer's rostrum," he said.

"You want to be nervous. If you are too relaxed, you lose your edge, you lose your sharpness. An hour before the auction, I sit somewhere quiet, have a coffee and get myself ready for it and quite often I will walk around the sale room and say hello to friends and get a feeling for the atmosphere."