Tips, Stories and Valuations

The guest speaker at the August edition of ‘In The Ballroom’, our monthly social gathering at the Court House, was antiques expert, Steven Bruce, who staged a mini Road Show valuing items brought in.

He looked at about 25 items, ranging from Victorian era pictures, porcelain and jewellery, to iron crosses taken from German soldiers in WW2. His estimated values ranged from ‘a tenner’ to two hundred pounds.

Steven’s talk was full of amusing anecdotes from his 30 years in the antiques business. He explained that auctions can be unpredictable, and are sometimes disappointing in respect of prices achieved; but on the other hand, on the right day, prices paid can far exceed the reserve price on an item. 

He had devised a quiz about 10 items displayed on a table. What were they? What were they made of? How old were they? How much were they worth? Most of the guests were suitably baffled, with the winner getting 20 points out of a possible 40. 

There was the usual tea, coffee and cake, and Helen’s picture quiz to round off an enjoyable afternoon. Steven can be contacted about valuations via his website:  https://www.auctionswarwickshire.co.uk

The next gathering ‘In The Ballroom’ will be on September 14th, when Anthony Poulton-Smith will be talking about the origins of pub names. Please reserve a place if you want to attend by calling the Visitor Information Centre on 01926 492212