FUN-LOVING celebrity Charles Hanson is launching a new antiques valuation event in Cheshire.

The antiques expert who appears on TV's Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip is urging people to dig out their treasures.

Free valuations will be offered at St John's Knutsford Church Centre, Church Hill, on Fridays from 11am to 1pm.

Charles will be on hand to value general antiques and collectables as well as Asian or Chinese ceramics and works of art on Friday, February 25

Dolls and toys specialist Janet Rawnsley will also be available.

Charles, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “Nearly everyone has a treasure tucked away at home that might be worth something.

"We can assess anything and everything from ceramics, jewellery, watches and paintings to vintage toys and teddies. The list is endless.

 

Palitoy factory girls and boys with Tiny Tears and Action Men toys from the 1960s Picture: Hansons

Palitoy factory girls and boys with Tiny Tears and Action Men toys from the 1960s Picture: Hansons

 

“You just never know, an auction windfall could be yours, so look under the bed, delve into those drawers and check out the attic. I’d love to see what antique treasures the people of Cheshire have tucked away at home.

“The county has been a rich hunting ground for amazing finds. Last year, a rare but quite badly damaged Chinese vase I spotted on top of a glass cabinet during a routine home visit in Cheshire sold for £40,000 at Hansons.

“Its owner, who inherited it, had no idea it was worth tens of thousands of pounds. She had been told it was worthless. A section of the rim had been broken and re-glued and it had a long crack.”

The Chinese blue and white nine-dragon bottle vase bore a Jiaqing mark (1796-1820) making it around 200 years old.

 

Chinese vase sold for £40,000 Picture: Hansons

Chinese vase sold for £40,000 Picture: Hansons

 

It was given a guide price of £10,000-£15,000 but soared to £40,000. The total paid, with buyer’s premium, by a Chinese bidder was £55,595.

“Time and again I come across items like this,” said Charles.

“I hope Hansons can make some exceptional finds in Knutsford and and turn unwanted items into cash. With a cost of living crisis looming, perhaps something sitting right under your nose could bring in a few very welcome extra pounds.

“If you’re happy with Hansons’ valuation, items can be consigned on the day and you can look forward to enjoying all the fun, drama and excitement of an auction.”

Further free valuations will be held on March 11 and 25, April 8 and 22, May 6 and 20 and June 10 and 24.

For more details email service@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk or call 01283 733988.