£9500 for Radstock valuation day find!

5th January 2019

Back in October, the team from Killens held an antiques valuation day in aid of the Radstock Museum and Nicky Houston, senior valuer, got very excited when a Chinese medal was brought in by a local resident. Dismissed by the Antiques Roadshow a few years ago as being of little interest, Nicky immediately recognised that this was an item of value.

The impressive medal was a Chinese silver gilt and enamel Order of the ‘Double Dragon’, fourth class, third degree, that was awarded to Mr Bennet Palamountain in the late 19th century. Mr Palamountain was Inspector General of Statistics and the Order was accompanied by a photograph of Mr Palamountain and other supporting documents.

Killens are keen to support local charities and Killens donate the commission they receive for items entered for sale at valuation days to the organising charity. The owner of the Chinese Order agreed to put the medal to auction and it was offered at the sale of Antiques and Collectables held by Killens at the Mendip Auction Rooms on 8th December with a guide of between £7000 and £9000. As the item got nearer to being offered, the excitement of the owners and the representatives of the museum got greater. It was greeted with strong interest from bidders on the internet and telephone and after a frantic battle was knocked down for a £9500, an overwhelming price, giving both the owner and the museum a windfall. A great result.

There was a very large entry of items on offer at the December sale of Antiques and Collectables with silver and jewellery once again selling for advantage. Quality pictures were also wanted as well as fashionable collectables possibly to be given as Christmas presents.

Our next sales will be of Victorian and Later Effects on Tuesday 8th January and of Antiques and Collectables on Saturday 12th January, both starting at 10am. There will also be a valuation morning of silver and jewellery at the Wells office of Killens on 2nd January.

The team at the Mendip Auction Rooms aim to make selling and buying at auction straightforward and great fun. The auction rooms are open from 10am until 5pm Monday to Friday and the valuers are happy to visit you at home free of charge to provide valuation and selling advice. The auction rooms can be contacted on 01749 840770.