Two owls plucked from a bric-a-brac box – and destined for a charity shop – have earned their owner an unexpected auction windfall.
They soared above their estimate to make nearly £1,000 at auction and proved that being a wise owl can pay dividends.
The dusty birds were spotted by Charles Hanson, TV antiques expert and owner of Hansons Auctioneers, at a free valuation event at St Francis of Assisi Church Hall in Kenilworth, a regular venue for Hansons’ experts.
Charles said: “The vendor was going to throw them away – or give them away to a charity shop. They didn’t think they could be worth anything. But they turned out to be a pair of late Victorian silver novelty pepper pots.
“They were dated 1897 and hallmarked GF, probably standing for silversmith George Fox of London. The Fox family founded a silversmith company at 139 Old Street, Goswell Street, in 1801 and produced consistently high-quality pieces for several decades.
“Once the grime was removed from those 125-year-old owls, two realistically-cast figures with glass eyes emerged. They went to auction in April with a guide price of £300-£500 but smashed their estimate to reach £850. It was a fantastic result for our client and a reminder that being a wise owl pays off, especially when it comes to having items professionally assessed.
“Our experts, including a silver valuer, will be back in Kenilworth in May to assess and consign items to auction. Why not come along and share your show-and-tell objects. You may be surprised to learn about their historical significance and decide to sell in a vibrant auction market achieving impressive prices for all kinds of collectors’ items.”
Hansons valuers, including jewellery and silver expert Isabel Murtough, books expert Jim Spencer and toys/railwayana valuer Mark Holder will host a free valuation and auction consignment day at St Francis of Assisi Church Hall, 110 Warwick Road, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1HL, on May 12, 10am-4pm. To find out more, email regional manager Carol Jones: [email protected].
