Highlights: Recent Fascinating Finds

Each week throughout the year, we journey across Yorkshire and beyond, hosting our antique valuation days. These events provide a wonderful opportunity for visitors to bring along their antiques for expert valuation, and should they choose, we facilitate the sale of their treasures at our auctions.

Back in September, we shared a fascinating glimpse into some of the remarkable discoveries made during our valuation days. If you missed it, you can read the article here.

Since then, we’ve held even more events, met countless wonderful people, and had the privilege of valuing unique items steeped in history and stories. We’ve assisted many in bringing their items to auction and we’re delighted to share some of the standout highlights from our events since September.

In The Press

_{Above: Lot 159.}

One of our recent standout finds was a remarkable clock brought to light during our valuation day at Elsham Golf Club. Its unique story even caught the attention of the press, with features in The Grimsby Telegraph and the Hull Daily Mail.

The clock in question is a Jaeger LeCoultre 8-day circular skeleton clock, crafted in the iconic Art Deco style circa 1960. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship, Jaeger LeCoultre is a celebrated name in the world of horology.

In mint condition, such clocks typically achieve £400–£500 at auction. However, this particular clock had an unexpected journey. It had spent many years stored in the seller’s garage and was taken to a car boot sale, where it astonishingly failed to attract even a single glance. Disheartened, the seller intended to donate it to charity but, by a stroke of luck, decided at the last moment to bring it along to our valuation day, along with a few other items.

This incredible discovery went on to sell for £190 at our recent Antiques & Decorative Objects sale, proving that treasures can sometimes be hiding in the most unlikely places. View the clock here.

Additional Finds

Here are more fascinating items that were brought to our valuation days, along with the impressive prices they achieved at auction:

_{Above, Left to Right: Lot 6147 Lot 8140, Lot 2142 and Lot 6229.}

Lot Number: 6147
Circle of Sir Peter Lely (Dutch 1618-1680): Three-Quarter Length Portrait of King Charles II Wearing Garter Robes. A 17th-century oil on canvas laid onto board, unsigned. The portrait measures 121cm x 98cm, and is housed in an ornate gilt frame, overall dimensions 148cm x 125cm.
Sold For: £4,300.

Lot Number: 8140
Victorian 18ct gold open face lever fusee pocket watch by Thomas Moore, Derby, No. 37345. Featuring a gilt dial with Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial. The case is hallmarked London 1879.
Sold For: £2,500.

Lot Number: 2142
Victorian 9ct rose gold graduating Albert chain, Birmingham 1899. Each link is stamped 9.375, with a 9ct gold bloodstone and agate swivel fob, Birmingham 1896.
Sold For: £850.

Lot Number: 6229
Mouseman - oak three-legged stool with a dished kidney-shaped seat, supported by three octagonal splayed legs. The stool is carved with the distinctive mouse signature, crafted by the workshop of Robert Thompson, Kilburn.
Sold For: £360.

_{Above, Left to Right: Lot 8011 Lot 96, Lot 8711 and Lot 2552.}

Lot Number: 8011
18ct gold single stone round brilliant cut diamond ring, London 1981, featuring a diamond of approximately 1.30 carats.
Sold For: £1,500.

Lot Number: 96
Pair of cranberry glass and brass oil lamps, each with a frilled graduated cranberry glass dimpled shade, cranberry reservoir with brass Gaudard burner, mounted on a fluted column and pierced brass base. Height: 34 cm.
Sold For: £400.

Lot Number: 8711
King George V 1914 gold full sovereign coin.
Sold For: £420.

Lot Number: 2552
Mid 20th century silver four-piece tea service, comprising teapot, hot water pot, milk jug, and sugar bowl. The teapot and hot water pot feature Bakelite-type finials and handles. Hallmarked Cooper Brothers & Sons Ltd, Sheffield 1954 & 1961.
Sold For: £800.

Join Us At Our Next Events

Do you have intriguing or cherished items you’d like to have valued? We have started to book our 2025 valuation days and we’d be thrilled to welcome you at one of our upcoming events.

Running from 10am to 2pm, these days are the perfect opportunity to bring along your treasures for complimentary valuations and expert sales advice from our team of specialist valuers.

Here are our next events...
Wednesday 15th January - Gisborough Hall, Guisborough
Wednesday 22nd January - Sneaton Castle, Whitby
Wednesday 29th January - The Golden Fleece Hotel, Thirsk
Wednesday 5th February - Floral Hall, Hornsea
Wednesday 12th February - Middlethorpe Hall (Barlow Room), York
Wednesday 19th February - Beamish Hall Hotel, Durham
Wednesday 26th February - Cave Castle Hotel, Hull
Wednesday 5th March - Northallerton Town Hall, Northallerton
Wednesday 12th March - Forest & Vale Hotel, Pickering
Wednesday 19th March - Gisborough Hall, Guisborough
Wednesday 26th March - Pavilions of Harrogate (Fewston Room), Harrogate

No appointment is necessary – simply drop in at your convenience, and our knowledgeable professionals will be on hand to assist you with care and expertise.

We look forward to helping you uncover the stories and value behind your special items. Click the link below to find out more information about our upcoming events.