Monday Magic with antiques expert on hand

RENOWNED auctioneer and antiques expert Charles Hanson is launching a Monday Magic treasure hunt in Derbyshire.

Charles, who makes global headlines with his antique finds, will be offering free antique valuations every Monday from 4-6pm at his Derbyshire saleroom in Etwall.

The weekly events will launch on May 13.

Home is where the heart is for the charismatic Derbyshire-born star, who has fans all over the world and 54,000 followers on X thanks to a 20-year TV career.

He said: “My work takes me all over the country but I’m keen to make myself available to the people of Derbyshire and surrounding counties every week. I have chosen the 4-6pm time slot to assist people who may wish to drop by after work.

“Many of my most important finds have been made in my home county. I will never forget the South Derbyshire gentleman who tentatively brought in a box of objects inherited from his parents. Hidden among items of relatively little value was a rare Chinese wine ewer which looked like a small teapot. It went on to sell for £390,000.

“Of course, not everyone owns scarce Chinese porcelain but many people have something of value and simply don’t know it.

Everything from militaria, music and sports memorabilia to gold coins, toys, books and jewellery make hundreds or even thousands of pounds at auction.

“Clients bring me items found in their lofts, garages and wardrobes, often inherited, that spark global bidding battles. People are fascinated by antique finds and curious to know if they own something special. I came up with a just-for-fun Track The Treasure quiz on X. I share a photo of charity shop items and ask which one is valuable. People love to guess. It gains huge interaction.

“Whatever you have at home I’d like to see it. Right now gold and jewellery is particularly sought after as gold prices have hit record highs.

Gold charm bracelets can sell for more than £1,000. We’re also seeing strong demand for Royal Crown Derby Imari 1128 ceramics. In Hansons’ April sales an Imari tea set made £700 and a comport dish £600.

Hansons has sold everything from Queen Victoria’s bloomers for £4,500 to a Sooty glove puppet for a record-breaking £14,000. Then there was the Chinese vase used as a doorstop which made £650,000.