UPDATE: Renowned television auctioneer and antiques expert Charles Hanson is set to visit two venues in Torridge this month, inviting locals to uncover potential treasures. The urgent valuation sessions will take place at the Plough Arts Centre in Great Torrington on Wednesday, January 21, from 11am to 1pm, followed by an afternoon session at the Hatherleigh Community Centre from 2:30pm to 4:30pm.
Residents are encouraged to drop in without an appointment to have their antiques, jewellery, and collectibles assessed for value. This is a rare opportunity to discover if hidden gems are tucked away in homes across the region.
Charles, famous for his roles on popular shows like Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, expressed his excitement: “I love Devon and can’t wait to discover all the treasures it has to offer.” He will be on the lookout for unique items, particularly collectable silverware marked with the Exeter assay mark, which is increasingly rare since the office closed in 1883.
Valuations could yield surprising results. Charles noted, “With the price of gold at its highest since the 1970s, even costume jewellery that seems worthless can be worth thousands.” He shared a remarkable story of a blue and white Chinese pot, simply known as ‘Aunt Beryl’s vase,’ that fetched a staggering £800,000 at a previous walk-in valuation.
The event not only offers a chance to appraise antiques but also aims to celebrate items with a unique Devon connection. Charles hopes to find pieces linked to the county’s maritime past or 16th to 18th-century oak furniture.
“Every house has one great valuable squirreled away, and nothing gives me more pleasure than unearthing them,” he added. This is an unmissable opportunity for residents to engage with an expert and potentially walk away with newfound knowledge—or even cash—on items they’ve long overlooked.
Don’t miss this chance to bring your collectibles and see what might be hiding in plain sight. Join Charles Hanson in Torridge—who knows, you could be sitting on a goldmine!
