Treasures Found By A Probate Valuer
As an antique valuer for Avery Associates, I see a great many varied and interesting items as I travel around the country valuing peoples, antiques and works of art for either insurance, probate or simply for market value.
Amongst the many highlights in recent months has been the discovery of a 1906 De Dion Vintage Car, which I was instructed to value for probate at a property in Kent. In generally good condition, it had been on the road up and till 2014, but due to neglect it needed a dedicated hand to bring it back to it’s former glory. The car was eventually sold for £25,000. On another valuation on the South Coast, I was also called to carry out a valuation on a 34 ft Blue Water Cruiser on behalf of a deceased Estate which provided me an interesting insight into the world of naval boats and cruisers. The price tag for this and valuation was £48,000.
Other notable pieces, have included a very interesting collection of Modern British Paintings. This style of painting, which extended from the very late 19th century to the 1950’s included works by Henry Moore, John Piper, Stanley Spencer, Julian Trevelyan and Wyndham Lewis. These works are now highly sought after and regularly command high prices when offered in the open market. I also valued a fine collection of watercolour paintings of birds by leading artists such as Charles Tunnicliffe (1901-1979), Eric Ennion (1900-1981) and George Lodge (1860-1954), which I discovered at a property in Berkshire. Both collections are shortly due to be offered for auction.
In recent visits I have also come across furnishings containing 1970’s Danish rosewood furniture. Hugely popular in its day, it now commands high prices in particular from manufactured and designer pieces from Johannes Andersen, Niels O Moller and Aco Mobler.
The more traditional ‘antique’ items have also revealed some interesting items, notably a fine early 18th century walnut marquetry inlaid longcase clock. In exquisite condition by a London maker this was valued at £3000. As for more recent objects but equally desirable, was a large pair of William De Morgan pottery tiles discovered at a property in North London and valued at £400, a World War I pair of binoculars at £400 and a rare Clarice Cliff Jazz figure group which sold at auction last month at £7800.
Finally (shaken and not stirred), I recently came across a rare signed copy of a 1st Edition of Thunderball, (1961), with original dust wrapper. Ian Fleming did not sign many copies of his James Bond books, so this carried a value of £2000.
David Greatwood MRICS
