Programme of free valuations at The Auction Café in Lichfield this July

Discover your hidden treasures

THE line-up of free valuations throughout July at a popular Lichfield coffee shop has been unveiled.

The Auction Café by Richard Winterton Auctioneers at 34 Market Street is open seven days a week, from 9am-4pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-3pm on Sundays.

Free valuations of jewellery, watches, gold and silver with Midlands gemmologist Georgina Southam FIRV FGA DGA BA (Hons) take place on Tuesdays July 1, 8, 15 and 22 between 9.30am and 3pm.

On Tuesday, July 29, watches specialist Ben Winterton will be there to assess all types of timepieces from 10am-12.30pm.

Each Wednesday throughout the month will see a different specialist offering valuations at The Auction Café from 9.30am-12.30pm.

On Wednesday, July 2, Rob French will be valuing whisky, wine, port, postcards and autographs.

July 9 will see numismatics expert Phil Bridge evaluating coins and banknotes.

On July 16, Richard Winterton will be there offering valuations of general antiques and collectables plus advice on house clearances and the auction process. That date will also be an opportunity to get a valuation of Pokémon, comics and computer gaming items with our specialist in that field.

July 23 will see Jon Price assessing all types of antique, vintage and modern toys, die-cast models, trains, railwayana and retro favourites such as Sindy, Barbie and Action Man.

On July 30, Sarah Williams will be back to evaluate antiques, ceramics, glass and pictures.

A valuation at The Auction Café proved lucrative for a Sutton Coldfield woman whose jewellery sold at auction in Lichfield for more than £8,000.

The vendor had initially been offered £1,000 for the collection, which had been tucked away in a cupboard for 18 years.

But jewellery consultant Georgina Southam uncovered a time capsule of Victorian and Edwardian jewellery and pocket watches which were snapped up by bidders at auction.

A UK 1980 gold proof four coin set consigned at The Auction Café  sold at The Lichfield Auction Centre for £4,000, whilst a 1838 gold half sovereign soared to £1,600.

The tiny coin fetched such a mighty price because it was one of the first half sovereigns issued during the reign of Queen Victoria, with the first and smallest young portrait of the queen on the obverse.

Other auction successes include a collection of Moorcroft pottery exceeding £4,000, rare Pokémon cards totalling £17,220, Swarovski crystal ornaments achieving £3,520 and a single-owner collection of silver fetching £6,050.

As well as a host of valuations, The Auction Café offers speciality coffee, tea, soft drinks, ice cream, cakes, cream teas, pastries, toasties, bagels and savoury snacks seven days a week in comfrtable air-conditioned surroundings.

Seating is also available outside on Lichfield's historic Market Street.

Keep track of all upcoming valuations at The Auction Café here.

To arrange a free home visit to assess large collections or to discuss house clearance quotations, email office@richardwinterton.co.uk or telephone 01543 251081.