WHEN some people look at the former belongings of Frank S Whyman their first thought is probably ‘decluttering’.
Luckily for antiques enthusiasts, tidying guru Marie Kondo has not been allowed anywhere near his pile of former belongings.
Now they are being auctioned by Mallams on Wednesday and Thursday in a sale entitled An American in Oxford.
Mr Whyman was born in Burlington, North Carolina in 1927 and was raised in the small tobacco-growing town of South Boston, Virginia.
READ AGAIN: Vigil and flags will show Oxford's support for EU
He was a member of the New York Stock Exchange for over 40 years and a Senior Partner of Einhorn and Company.
Traders loved his southern accent, brightly coloured shirts and jovial manner.
From 1993 until his death in 2015, Mr Whyman and his wife Susan spent part of each year in Oxford.
He appreciated its history, and the ease of hiking in the countryside and took countless courses in Oxford’s Continuing Education Programme at Rewley House.
READ MORE: MEP crowdfunds 'love EU' banner for White Cliffs of Dover
A spokesman for Mallams said: “While in the UK Mr Whyman’s passion was to seek out small antique shops, looking for beautifully crafted objects made of wood and metal, gradually filling his flat in Polstead Road, Oxford with a vast collection of interesting items.
READ AGAIN: Sledgehammer raid on men's boutique
“As he did so, he developed friendships with antique dealers and auctioneers throughout the UK, including Ben Lloyd of Mallams who brings this collection to auction.”
After graduating from Virginia Tech, Mr Whyman was in the military corps.
He served in the navy during the Second World War and was then recalled to the army during the Korean War.
READ MORE: Husband and wife 'starved man to death' to get estate
He also attended the Amos Tuck Business School at Dartmouth University.
One of Mr Whyman’s items featured in the sale is a brass, wall-mounted ram’s mask with curly horns .
Standing at 17cm high it is estimated at £60 to £80.
Lot 84 (estimated at £100-£200) is another interesting collectable - a 19th century brass fishing reel, engraved with Patent Lever No. 985, Chas Farlow & Co. Makers, 191 Strand, London.
A collection of 19th century West Country Friendly Society brass pole heads (lot 213, estimated at £200-£300) is also included in the sale, one modelled as a lion, with engraved detail and pierced crown, one in the form of a deer, another of spear form, pierced with a heart, and another featuring a sunburst design.
READ AGAIN: Latest court results for Oxfordshire
Mallams auctioneeers are based at Bocardo House in St Michael’s Street.
For further information about the auction visit the website mallams.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here