Antiques experts make interesting discoveries at Macmillan fundraiser

A gold cigarette case valued at up to £4,000, a diamond set bangle worth up to £800 and a pocket watch presented for gallantry by the Canadian Government following a ship rescue were among the discoveries at a Shrewsbury charity antiques valuation event yesterday (Tuesday).

The annual event, which this year combined a coffee morning and flower arranging demonstration, raised £550 for Macmillan Cancer Support in Shropshire.

Hosted by Halls The Auction House in partnership with Shrewsbury Macmillan Cancer Support Fundraising Group, the event attracted more than 20 visitors with treasures to value.

Silver, jewellery and bijouterie specialist Maryanne Lineker-Mobberley, an associate director of Halls and Asian Art, watches and senior general valuer Alexander Clement cast expert eyes over the treasures.

Apart from the gold cigarette case, Alexander valued three Omega watches – two Speedmasters and an Aqua Terra – at up to £6,000, a beautiful Chinese Cloisonné vase at £1,500 and a Fijian fighting gunstock club at up to £500.

Maryanne took in a diamond set bangle and snakeskin handbag valued at up to £800 and £120, respectively.

One of the most interesting discoveries was the pocket watch, valued at £150, presented by the Canadian Government to Francesco Bozzo, captain of the Italian barque Franceschino S for gallantry.

Captain Bozzo navigated rough seas to rescue the surviving passengers and crew from the stranded British ship Donna off the coast of New Brunswick in 1877.

He was a member of a prominent family of shipmasters and shipowners from the Mediterranean maritime community of Camogli.

In addition to the valuations, floral designer, Caroline Hamps of The Potting Shed, Telford, gave floral arrangement demonstrations with flowers donated by wholesaler Jess Howett and her family, who run the Old Mill Flower Farm, near Bridgnorth. Both women are enthusiastic Macmillan supporters.

Coffee and cakes were sold and a raffle included a family ticket to a future match donated by Shrewsbury Town Football Club and a voucher from The Café at Halls.

“We saw some really interesting objects with curious provenance that we don’t normally see at our valuation days,” said Alexander. “This annual event prompts people to ask questions about the history of their family heirlooms and it’s how we come across historically significant objects.

“It’s what makes our job so amazing – just like being curator of an ever-changing collection!”

Maryanne thanked Shrewsbury Macmillan Fundraising Group for their continued partnership with Halls The Auction House and all the people who had attended to support the successful event.

Gill Eleftheriou, from the group, said: “We are delighted with the money raised to meet ever-growing demand for cancer support in Shropshire. People were very generous with their donations.

“I think the combination of antiques valuations, flower arranging, coffee and cakes worked very well and created a lovely, relaxed atmosphere.”

Picture : Thumbs up from Maryanne Lineker-Mobberley (seated left) from Halls The Auction House with Shrewsbury Macmillan Fundraising Group supporters.