Lichfield residents are invited to bring their forgotten jewellery, vintage watches, gold, and silver to The Auction Café on Market Street this week for free expert appraisals. Renowned Midlands gemmologist Georgina Southam will be on hand Tuesday, July 28, and Wednesday, July 29, from 9:30am to 3pm, to provide complimentary valuations with no obligation to sell.
Notable Sales from Lichfield Auction Centre
The event is organised by Richard Winterton Auctioneers, whose recent sales at the Lichfield Auction Centre in Fradley Park have included impressive items. Among them were an early 20th century spirit kettle on stand that sold for £1,100, a fancy wheat chain fetching £1,300, an 18ct gold open face pocket watch achieving £1,700, and a Victorian silver castle top card case by Nathanial Mills that went for £700. A 1953 RAF Omega 'Fat Arrow' military wristwatch sold for £1,350, and a four-piece Elizabeth II silver tea set realised £1,900.
£56,400 Collection Sold Last Month
Last month, a single-owner Lichfield jewellery collection catalogued across 59 lots achieved more than £56,400 at auction with Richard Winterton Auctioneers. The collection included numerous late 19th-century insect brooches, rings, chains, bracelets, pendants, and watches from the same estate. A bee insect brooch, part of the collection, sold for £1,900.
The Auction Café: More Than Just Valuations
The Auction Café at 34 Market Street is open seven days a week, offering speciality coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soft drinks, ice cream, cakes, cream teas, pastries, soup, toasties, bagels, and savoury snacks in air-conditioned comfort. Hours are 9am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 3pm on Sundays. A new leaflet with all August valuation dates is available at the counter, and details of upcoming events can be found on the Richard Winterton website.
How to Participate or Arrange a Home Visit
No appointment is needed for the free valuations; residents can simply drop in during the event. For those with large collections or who require house clearance quotations, Richard Winterton Auctioneers offers free home visits. To arrange, email office@richardwinterton.co.uk or call 01543 251081. Whether you have a single piece or an entire estate, expert advice is available to uncover the true value of your treasures.
