Valuation Day at Market Deeping Antiques Centre

Market Deeping Antique & Craft Centre was a hive of activity, with ques running out of the door into the street all day long when Jessica Wall, Auctioneer from Stamford Auction Rooms visited to host a valuation day. 

 

An incredible array of items were brought to the centre, from furniture wrapped in blankets, to jewellery in boxes dusted off from their forgotten cupboards, and Jessica was thrilled to see so many new faces and such an eclectic mix of items to get her valuer-goosebumps going!

 

One of those items was a fabulous 19th century table top polyphon, brought in by a local couple who played it for the crowds, causing much merriment and even a little dance from Marylyn, Jessica's valuation assistant! With a pre-auction estimate of £500-800 the delighted sellers decided to proceed in taking it to auction.

 

 

A rare pair of Royal Doulton Burslem vases were brought in by a lady who had purchased them from a Charity shop for a mere £7, and when Jessica informed her that they were likely to make between £150-250 because the body of the vases she believed to be depicting scenes from William Shakespeares "Sir John Falstaff and the Merry Wives of Windsor" play, she decided to consign them to auction.

 

 

Another local couple had three very different items to show Jessica, which lead to many 'oooohs and ahhhs' of appreciation from her and Marylyn. One was an incredible sculpture of a tiger, which after some research it was found to be a Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912) bronze example, with some interesting provenance which lead Jessica to provide a £1500-2500 pre-auction estimate, explaining that 'if it exceeded the estimate it would not be a surprise, because a quality item like this will get bidders going!'. The second item they brought in was an unusually complete 19th century games box, with secret drawer and a beautifully crafted compilation of compartments for games such as chess & backgammon, leading Jessica to provide a pre-auction estimate of £1000-2000, and the last item was a set of medal miniatures including the Victoria Cross which is the highest and most prestigious decoration of the British decorations system, deserving a pre-auction estimate of £150-250 with a view to being entered into one of SAR's specialist military auctions.

 

 

Among the many and varied treasures brought to Market Deeping Antique Centre, were many pieces of silver and jewellery, much of which was consigned to  auction following many customers being very pleased, and sometimes shocked at how much jewellery can sell for, enjoying hearing Jessica's explanations on pieces such as early Georgian examples, the different carat's of gold, and the various gemstones that increase the value of jewellery, and with SAR specialising in this field, it was clear they were going to achieve the most they possibly could for their precious items. 

 

 

If you were unable to make the valuation day, we look forward to seeing you at the next one!

 

All items from the valuation day will be entered into auction on the 31st August, and a specialist jewellery auction in September.

 

Thanks to Sue & Claire at Market Deeping Antiques Centre for allowing us to hold our valuation day there, and for supplying us with a constant flow of tea all day! And also to Judy Stevens of I'd Rather be in Deeping magazine, and photographer.