Jewellery tucked away in cupboard for 18 years exceeds £8,000 at auction in Lichfield

Valuation at The Auction Café uncovers Sutton Coldfield client's hidden treasure

JEWELLERY tucked away in a cupboard for nearly two decades has sold at auction in Lichfield for more than £8,000.

The vendor, a lady from Sutton Coldfield, had initially been offered £1,000 for the collection but sought a second opinion with Richard Winterton Auctioneers at The Auction Café in Lichfield city centre.

There, Midlands jewellery consultant Georgina Southam was delighted to uncover a time capsule of Victorian and Edwardian jewellery and pocket watches.

The items went on to go under the hammer at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, on Monday, June 2, achieving a total of £8,255.

Popular lots included a mid-Victorian 18ct gold pocket watch dating back to 1869, sold at £900; a late Victorian 15ct gold hinged bangle, sold at £660; and a diamond and pearl cat brooch with red gem cabochon eyes, circa 1870, pictured at top of page, sold at £520.

Other highlights included an 18ct gold five stone diamond boat ring, sold at £600, and a late 19^th century longuard chain which sold at £700.

Further lots sold included Victorian mourning jewellery, gem-set rings, brooches, bracelets, pendants, necklaces and two early 20^th century gold wristwatches.

“Since inheriting the collection from my aunt 18 years ago, the jewellery and watches have been in a bag at the back of a cupboard,” said the vendor, who did not wish to be named.

“I have had it in my house for many, many years and decided it was time to do something with it all.

“After initially receiving a £1,000 offer elsewhere, I visited The Auction Café for a free valuation and was advised that the items would likely be worth far more than £1,000.

“I’d never used an auctioneer before and I think it was the fact valuations were being offered in Lichfield city centre at the café which made the whole process so straightforward and easy to access.

“I was very pleased Richard Winterton Auctioneers could help and I am delighted with the sale.”

Auctioneer Richard Winterton said: “What a lovely collection this was, a real time capsule of Victorian treasures which delighted our valuers.

“It’s a perfect example of a client having some real hidden treasure and the potential which can be achieved from auction.

“You never truly know what your items may be worth until they go under the hammer.

“That’s why seeking a free valuation and advice from our professional valuers is always a good idea.

“Even if the item turns out to be of little value, it’s always better to check first.

“In this case, the collection totalled a well-deserved £8,255 – a fantastic result stemming from a free, drop-in valuation.”

The Auction Café by Richard Winterton Auctioneers offers free jewellery valuations every Tuesday between 10am-3pm, with a special focus on timepieces on Tuesday, July 29.

For the rest of June and throughout July, people will also be able to drop in to the Market Street premises for specialist valuations on a range of different items every Wednesday from 9.30am to 12.30pm – click here to check for specific valuers.

Appointments for jewellery valuations on Thursdays at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, can be made by emailing office@richardwinterton.co.uk or telephoning 01543 251081.

Free home visits for large collections or to discuss house clearance quotations are also available.