Antiques Anecdotes and Valuable Tips

Guests who came to the monthly social “In The Ballroom” on 14th August were treated to an entertaining presentation about the antiques business by auctioneer and valuer, Steven Bruce.

He told about some of the finds he has made, often from house clearances, such as 18th century silver spoons worth up to £500 each and rare books that had been consigned to a skip. And some items he had sold at auction far exceeded their estimated price, going for tens of thousands of pounds – notably old items from China. But beware of fakes he said!

Auctioneer Steve Bruce with some suprisingly valuable items

What is going up in value these days and what is coming down? He explained that there is very little interest in large furniture items in dark wood, and delicate porcelain is out of fashion, but small items such as coins, medals, quality silver and paper-weights are still sought-after.

Steven told of some gruesome items including wooden cutlery used by cannibals.

Some people brought in small items to be valued

Some guests had brought in small items for Steven to value. A gold chain with a marble-sized ball, picked up by the roadside 30 years ago, was a masonic pendant that opened into a cross. Possibly worth £200-£300 he declared. And a Japanese vase brought in could be worth £500. If there had been a pair, they would have been worth five times as much!

The next “In The Ballroom” gathering at the Jury Street Court House will be at 2pm on Wednesday 11th September, and will be the ever-popular games afternoon with a beetle drive and bingo, as well as the usual tea, coffee and cake. It costs just £2.50 per person.

The talk was followed by tea, coffee and cake.

Organiser Ann Lettis said next month’s social will be a beetle drive and other table games.

The social In the Ballroom happens on the second Wednesday of each month, and is organised by Unlocking Warwick and The Town Council. there’s no need to book. Just come along and enjoy the activities, the tea and the company.