It’s a treasure trove of local antiques that went of show
Valuable finds for auction house
A backgammon set from the 1700s, which was rescued from a rubbish pile four decades ago, was among the items examined by experts at a valuation day this week.
The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum was the setting as people from across the Stirling area brought their weird and wonderful possessions to be looked at by representatives from auction company Bonhams.
Goods such as pictures, works of art, silver, jewellery, glass and ceramics passed through the doors of the Dumbarton Road venue on Monday – with members of the public paying just £5 to have five valuables examined.
Among those in attendance was Alva man Tom Buchanan, who showed up with an old backgammon set believed to be from the 18th century.
And he was told that the piece, which he found in a bin decades ago, could fetch up to £1000.
The 75-year-old said: “I’ve been told that it’s likely from the 1700 onwards – and continental, possibly German.
“I found it lying next to a dustbin 40-years-ago as a neighbour had thrown it out. I spotted the work on it when passing, and thought it would be really rare, so I brought it in – and I’ve kept it ever since.
“I’ve taken it around all the auction experts in this area and some of them said they’ve never seen anything like it before. I had a gut feeling it would be worth something.”
Causewayhead woman Sarah Bennie (61) was told that her collection of vintage bank notes could be worth hundreds.
She told the Observer that her husband Peter, a former regional bank manager, had collected old Scottish notes over the course of his career working in the industry.
She said: “I’ve got a wallet with the full collection. We’ve got some from the British Linen Bank, Clydesdale and a number of others.
“I knew they’d be worth something and they’re all in really good condition – I feel a holiday coming on.
“My husband worked in banks and just collected them over the years, and we kept them all at home.
“They tell me that the British Linen Bank collection should be worth around £400.”
Bonhams experts Chris Brickley, head of pictures, along with Gordon McFarlan and Grant MacDougall were on-hand to chat to members of the public about their valuables – many of which may have been rescued from the back of drawers and cupboards.
However, one of the most valuable items brought in was a painting by artist E.A. Hornel (18641933), brought up in Kirkcudbright and associated with the `Glasgow Boys’.
Mr Brickley told the Observer that the piece `Picking Blossom’ could fetch up to £5000.
He said: “It’s a really good piece and just the right size. A piece like this is the staple of the auction market.”
Reflecting on the valuation day, he added: “We’ve had a really good turnout. It’s pretty much been nonstop since people started arriving at 10.30am.
“It’s a lovely setting. The Stirling Smith is a great venue and we’re always really happy to come here.
“You can never tell how it’s going to go but we’ve had some good pieces. Some interesting books – a whole range of things really.”
The event took place in the run up to Bonhams’ annual Scottish sale in Edinburgh on April 25 and 26.