From the Contemporary to the early Antique, with a little something for the Dolls House Enthusiast!
The last few days have been full of contrasts, and a few surprises, always good for a Valuer, as it is what makes the job interesting, and also reinforces the maxim, that “You never know what to expect”
Called in to carry out an Essex probate valuation on a one bedroom flat in North London, where I was expecting to find nothing of great interest, I found on the walls of the tiny living room works by Mark Gertler and Joseph Herman, both well referenced 20th Century artists, together with a lithograph in colours by Pierre Bonnard 1867-1947, and again a well known artist.
It transpired that the deceased had been a friend of a well known art critic, and on his death had been left these works of art which she obviously cherished.
Then , I visited a small cottage in an Essex village, the home of a local retired Midwife.
She was the daughter of an East Coast Antique dealer, who had practised his trade until the early 1960’s. I was therefore disappointed not to find anything of much interest in the contents, until on going upstairs, found a Dolls House modelled as her Father’s Antique Shop, and filled with dolls house furniture set out I believe, to imitate her Father’s shop.
A real treat to see, and not without value, as good dolls house furniture is still very collectable.
A few days later found myself in a large provincial Town House , the home of a retired Solicitor who had spent a very full life as a Senior Partner in a Market Town practice, and had enjoyed a long retirement before passing away peacefully in his 90’s.
The house was furnished as I expected with Country furniture principally of the 18th and 19th Century, and my valuation came in at just £5 short of £40,000. (Interesting to reflect that a few years ago I would have valued the same items for 30-40% more, such has been the reduction in value of many traditional “Antiques” over the last few years)
Anyway I was very pleased to receive a call from his Daughter, a few days later, to be told, that just a few days prior to his death, he had advised his Daughter that a suitable value to be placed on his contents for Probate purposes, would be £40,000.
Great minds think alike!
Article compiled by Clive Welch F.N.A.V.A.
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