AN antiques expert is encouraging residents to bring in their treasures when he comes to Wilmslow to give a free valuation.

Adrian Rathbone, associate director of Derbyshire’s Hansons Auctioneers, will be conducting valuations at The Coach and Four on Thursday, April 19.

After seeing items worth thousands almost end up in landfill, Adrian is urging residents to bring in their wares, even if they think they’re worthless.

He said: “The fact is a lot of people have items gathering dust at home that are very valuable and they have no idea. Plus, you can still get amazing finds at car boot sales and charity shops.

“Last year, a glass designed in 1900 by Austrian artist Koloman Moser was bought for 99p at a charity shop and fetched £170 at Hansons.”

Adrian added: “One thing that really sticks in my mind was a pair of Amphora vases which a colleague took in at a free valuation day. They were entwined with dragons that were smashed and broken. Because of the damage, we put an estimate of £20 to £30 on them, and the owner joked that they’d nearly chucked them in the river.

“When they went to auction it went ballistic. They were eventually snapped up by an American buyer for £1,500.

“Finds like this aren’t unusual,” said Adrian. “What I say to people is never be afraid to bring something along for free valuation, even if you think it’s of no value.

“Bring along your antiques, jewellery, watches, gold, silver, ceramics, books and collectables and you just might be celebrating your own windfall in our summer auctions.”

Hansons will be offering free valuations from 11am to 2pm on Thursday, April 19, at the Coach and Four, Alderley Road, Wilmslow, SK9 1PA. For more information call 01283 733988 or visit hansonsauctioneers.co.uk