Out & About March 2017

It is worth bearing in mind that what you think may be uninteresting, could be something that collectors really would find interesting. For example, a client came in to one of our valuation days and brought along a whole box of what they thought was just costume jewellery and bits and pieces. At the bottom of the box was this interesting miniature painting of an eye, right. It was, in fact, more than 200 years old. There are many collectors of mourning and sentimental items and this piece sold for more than £1,300 on its own.

You could be sitting on a fortune

Thomas Plant discovered his love for auctioneering at a young age, living on the family farm. Watching the man with the gavel at local cattle auctions was a regular event, and Thomas quickly decided on which side of the rostrum he’d rather be.

He went on to take a degree in antiques and served his apprenticeship with leading auction houses, including Christie’s in London.

Today, Thomas is the co-owner of Special Auction Services in Newbury and is also a favourite TV expert on BBC programmes, including Bargain Hunt, Flog it! and Antiques Road Trip . If you’ve any jewellery, antiques and collectables you’d like valued for auction, don’t forget we hold free valuation days every Wednesday at: Saleroom Two, 80 Greenham Business Park, Newbury, RG19 6HW. Telephone (01635) 580 595 for an appointment. www.specialauctionservices.com

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