A forgotten plaque found amid a box of junk at a property near Lichfield became the unexpected star of the show when it went under the hammer at auction.
The unusual Middle Eastern plaque was discovered among contents consigned from the cellars of a grand country house and was thought to be worthless.
But it turned out to be packed with precious stones and sold for 11 times its top estimate when it went under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers in Derbyshire this spring.
Adrian Rathbone, associate director of Hansons, said: “This was a wonderful find. The vendors had no idea the item was of great value.
“The plaque went into the sale with an estimate of £400-£600. After intense bidding on the phones and internet, the gavel eventually fell to a London buyer at £6,600.”
“Our head of jewellery Helen Smith, with her vast knowledge of precious and semi-precious stones, was quick to note that this plaque was important.
“Made of gilt metal, it was awash with precious native flat cut rubies and emeralds, beautifully used to create a flower head and leaf design.All the rubies and emeralds were intact and it was in good condition. Measuring just 13.5cm x 9.5cm, it was a small but beautiful object.
“Such was its quality, after close study by Helen, it was entered into our Spring Fine Art sale and became the unexpected star of the show and deservedly so. A plaque found in a box of junk turned out to be the jewel in the crown.
“Jewellery, or jewelled objects like this, can turn out to be highly valuable. And in the drama of the saleroom, if a few people start battling to own a piece, prices can soar beyond everyone’s expectations. For some, money is no object and, thanks to worldwide live bidding online, we can reach potential buyers across the globe.
“So, my advice as the sun finally begins to shine is dust off any precious jewels, designer watches and silverware that may be gathering dust at home, or glinting in dark corners, and bring them for free valuation, together with any type of antiques, paintings or collectables. Our experts are at Lichfield’s Hedgehog Inn every Monday.”
Could your junk box find be the next jewel in the crown at auction? Entries are welcome for Hansons’ Summer Fine Art Auction until June 8, 2018. Hansons holds free valuations every Monday at The Hedgehog Inn, Stafford Road, Lichfield, WS13 8JB, from 10.30am-12.30pm. You can also book free home visits for private valuations by emailing [email protected] or calling 01283 733988.
