TV antiques expert Charles Hanson is heading to the historical Nottinghamshire town of Southwell to find hidden treasure.
Charles, a familiar face on Antiques Road Trip and Bargain Hunt, will be at Memory Lane Antiques, 14 Queen Street, on July 14 and October 20, 10am-1pm, to host free antique valuation and consignment events.
People can drop by – no appointment necessary – to have their antiques, heirlooms, collectables and jewellery assessed, and Charles is hoping to make some wonderful discoveries.
He said: “Nottinghamshire has always been a rich hunting ground for amazing finds. For example, a watch bought for £300 in the 1970s from Woodwards Jewellers in Nottingham sold for £51,500 at Hansons. It turned out to be a rare and hugely sought-after 1960s Tudor Rolex steel Oysterdate watch.
“Another Nottinghamshire find to make global waves was a quirky vampire slaying-kit. The Victorian-style kit was housed in a wooden box adorned with crosses and a crucifix. It included a dagger, pistol, stakes, a 19th century Book of Common Prayer, a bottle labelled ‘Holy Water’ and an axe. It sold for £800.
“Music memorabilia found in the city has sparked worldwide media coverage too. A Jimi Hendrix autographed note written to a Nottinghamshire woman who took his eye in the 1960s soared to £5,700 from a £2,000-£3,000 estimate.
“It never ceases to amaze me what people have tucked away in their homes, often for decades. My advice is to search through the attic or under the bed and pop down to see me. I might be able to unleash an auction windfall for you.
“Auctions are booming and we’re seeing particularly strong demand for Asian works of art, Chinese ceramics, jewellery, silver and watches, vintage toys, coins, medals and militaria.”
Memory Lane Antiques has pledged to donate 10% of its takings on the valuation days to the British Heart Foundation. It will also run a raffle to aid the charity. The shop stocks a large range of vintage, rare, one-of-a-kind and quirky items. It also specialises in clocks and clock repairs and vintage upcycled furniture.
Hansons Auctioneers offers a board range of general and specialist sales catering for all types of antiques and collectables.
Charles Hanson will be at Memory Lane Antiques, 14 Queen Street, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0AA, on July 14th and October 20th 10am-1pm. To find out more, visit www.hansonsauctioneers.co.uk or telephone 01283 733988.
