Antiques experts are hoping the people of Oxfordshire will dig out some treasures to unleash a spring windfall.
Steven Bruce, from Hansons Auctioneers, is launching a new, free valuation event at Banbury Antiques Centre, Upper Wardington, Banbury, this month.
The events will be monthly with the first one taking place on Thursday, February 21, 10.30am to 2.30pm.
And if you are pleased with the estimate, items can be immediately entered for a future Hansons auction.
Mr Bruce, an expert in wines, whisky and stamps as well as general antiques, said: “We hold regular wine and whisky sales at Hansons. Whisky is particularly in demand. In a recent sale, a bottle of Macallan 1961 malt sold for £3,100.
“We’re also on the lookout for items for our Spring Fine Art Auction – jewellery, silver, watches, paintings, ceramics, glass, anything at all.
“We’d love to see items with royal or political pedigree as we are selling The Harold Wilson Collection in April, the personal mementos of a former British Prime Minister.”
Another item recently consigned to auction is an 8.5 carat diamond and platinum ring. “It’s rare to see such a large diamond and unusual to have the opportunity to buy one,” said Mr Bruce. “It has an estimate of £30,000-£50,000.”
Steven Bruce will be at Banbury Antiques Centre, Upper Wardington, Banbury, Oxon, OX17 1SN, on February 21 and March 14, 10.30am-2.30pm. For more dates, visit www.hansonsauctioneers.co.uk
