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Could you have some secret treasures? 9 Jan 2018 News
Latest blog from Oliver Miller, Managing Director, Valuer and Auctioneer at Bishop & Miller
I’ve worked in the auction and antiques world for long enough to know that each day can uncover new treasures
and these discoveries, although (very) exciting for me, can be life-changing for our clients. I have been taking a look back at some of the most interesting lots I have come across which have simply been discovered by chance or perhaps
believed to be of little value by the vendor:
1) A 19th Century Chinese Jade group, carved with a monkey seated with a baby monkey was found among a quantity of other items stored in an old shoe box and achieved £2,500 at our specialist Oriental Art & Antiques auction.
2) A fine Priest’s or Chief’s Kinikini Shield Club, from the Fiji Islands (probably 19th Century), came to us after the vendor had purchased the piece at a car boot sale in Norfolk a number of years previously, for far less than the £5,500 it achieved in our Sale.
3) A beautiful 18th Century Dutch gold box, (Amsterdam, maker Jean Saint, 1698-1769) was brought into our Stowmarket auction house with the vendor believing it was just a brass snuff box. This box sold for a grand total of £62,000.
4) One of our clients brought in an Omega automatic Seamaster 300 stainless steel gentleman’s wristwatch, with its original Omega stainless steel strap, to be sold at auction. The vendor thought the piece to be worth nothing as it was just his own worn out watch, however, it achieved £4,800 in our Jewellery & Watches Sale.
5) Amongst a selection of costume jewellery which came into us, we discovered a Victorian 18 carat gold emerald and diamond “clover” ring, which made £2,500 in one of our Jewellery & Watches Sales.
The amount of treasures people have in their homes is staggering, and you never know what an heir loom or old piece you have could be worth, until you get it valued! We offer a free and no-obligation valuation service where we welcome people to bring any items they have for an estimation. We also hold regular ‘Antiques Roadshow’ style events throughout East and Anglia and beyond, and we welcome people to our sale room for advice, plus we also offer home visits for no charge.
Antique Valuations
Bishop & Miller offer a free, no obligation valuation service on a wide range of objects.
Offering full service and guidance whether it’s a single item for valuation and auction or probate and insurance valuations. Our team of dedicated professionals are on hand to help with every aspect of your auction experience.
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