Vase destined for charity shop sells for £87,000
A PENSIONER who was taking a broken vase to charity shop has sold it for £87,000 after she happened to call in at an auctioneer’s on the way.
Anne Beck inherited the cracked and chipped vase from her grandfather, an antique restorer who never got around to repairing it.
The 83-year-old kept it in her garage for 11 years until she decided to take it to a charity shop. On the way she stopped by at an auctioneer’s valuation day to get an estimate for some glass finger bowls and mentioned the oriental vase in the back of her car.
Despite its battered appearance, an expert persuaded Mrs Beck to put it in their next sale, which took place this week. The yellow vase was advertised by Eastbourne Auctions with an estimated sale price of £90-120.
The hammer eventually fell at £70,000 and with all fees added, the total price paid by the German-based Chinese buyer was £87,000.
The floral vase dates back to the 18th century and was made for a Chinese emperor. It depicts the scene of a Chinese mythical god who lives in the clouds receiving gifts for his birthday.
Experts say that had the vase not been damaged its worth would be between £250million and £500million.
Mrs Beck, from Eastbourne, said: “I was absolutely amazed when I found out what it sold for. I had a sit down and a cup of coffee afterwards but I am still in a bit of a daze.”
Mrs Beck, a widow, said she would spend some of the money on her two children and four grandchildren. She will also give some to charity.
Jeanette May, of Eastbourne Auctions, said: “Our assistant knew it was good but didn’t realise just how good. But it was made for the Emperor Qinglong and is obviously very rare. We are chuffed to bits for our client.”