With the bad weather set in there’s no better time for a new year clear out.
But how can you discover if what is destined for the tip could be worth thousands?
Even better, how can you unearth a welcome auction windfall without setting foot outside your own home?
Etwall-based Hansons Auctioneers, owned by TV auctioneer Charles Hanson, is expanding its programme of house visits in 2026, as well as launching a new WhatsApp valuation service.
The star of Bargain Hunt and Flog It! said: “Many of us are having a new year clear out and it really is worth knowing what you have and exactly what it might be worth before it goes to the charity shop.
“It’s never been easier to find out whether that old watch is a genuine Rolex, or that box of jewellery you inherited from Auntie June is worth a fortune.
The auction house, which employs a staff of 70 including its jewellery specialist Helen Smith, is also launching a new WhatsApp service.
Charles continued: “All you have to do is snap a photo of your potential treasure and send it to one of our experts. They will get back to you identifying what it is, and how much it is worth. With the new WhatsApp service, it’s like having an antiques expert in your pocket.”
With gold and silver bullion prices set to reach an all-time high in 2026, there has never been a better time to discover what your overlooked treasures may be worth.
Charles continued: “Jewellery tucked away in trinket boxes is currently making huge amounts. The value of silver soared more than 78 percent last year even surpassing an all-time high set four decades ago. Equally the price of gold is the highest it has been since the 1970s, which is great news if you have any old bits tucked away.
“When people bring in what they think are worthless bits of costume jewellery their jaws drop when I tell them that it could be worth thousands.”
“Every home has one great valuable squirreled away and nothing gives me more pleasure than unearthing them.”
At one walk-in valuation in Birmingham a blue and white Chinese pot, known to the family simply as “Aunt Beryl’s vase” went on to sell for £80,0000.
To arrange a home visit go to www.hansonsauctioneers.co.uk and click on ‘free home visits’ or email [email protected] or call 01283 733988. The WhatsApp service is available on the same page.
