Discovered during a recent Valuation Day in Milton Keynes, this fob appeared to be fairly straightforward. However, upon further examination a previously unseen compartment revealed a hidden message, much to the customer’s surprise and delight! Inside was a lock of hair...

This stunning 19th century tortoiseshell singing bird box was recently brought into a Valuation Day in London and our valuer on the day was absolutely enthralled, as was everyone else! The hand painted top depicts a Swiss mountain scene, and on sliding the operating lever the full bodied bird pops through the grille and begins singing...

Our valuer Nick Bailey recently valued a very rare reverse intaglio brooch for a customer at a Valuation Day in Reading. Seen previously on television at the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, this 18ct gold brooch is created from a piece of quartz crystal hand painted from the inside against a mother of pearl background...

This unusual turn of the century compass in the style of a fob watch was valued at one of our recent events, and the valuer discovered a collapsible drinking cup inside. She had never seen one like it before, and valued it at £150 (second hand replacement value)...

This rare piece is a silver gilt replica of the famous Alfred Jewel made in 1901 by Payne & Son of Tunbridge Wells. It has a cloisonné image of either Christ or Alfred - no one knows which - and the letters "AELFRED MEC HEHT GEWYCRAN", "Alfred ordered me to be made", around the edge. The original was made probably around 871-899 AD...

This beautiful example of classic art deco was brought in to a Valuation Day in Cheshire. The customer had no idea of its worth and was both surprised and delighted to learn of its significance. The platinum setting and fine diamonds earned a value of £3,500 period replacement.

These 4 cast solid candlesticks of matching date and maker were valued on a visit to a customer's home and had been in his family since 1764. They each bear the family crest and the set was valued at £14,875. It is very unusual in today's world to see candlesticks of this date so to find four in one collection was astonishing.

Having inherited this piece, a customer at one of our Valuation Days was delighted to learn that it was a Victorian seed pearl crescent brooch, 15ct gold and in immaculate condition. It was valued for £550 (antique replacement value) which she was very pleased with.

This very unusual Victorian ring turned up on a valuation day in Armagh. Made in Chester in 1900, the front panel (set with a diamond) opens to reveal the word "Dearest in relief". A rare find and valued for £300 antique replacement value.

One customer at a Valuation Day in Cumbria was astounded to discover that her diamond ring was worth almost £20,000. Containing almost 4 carats in diamonds, this Victorian 3 stone diamond ring was in absolutely superb condition.

Rare depiction of Jesus valued

Mr & Mrs C of Newmarket brought two cameo brooches with rare carvings along to a recent Guild Valuation Day. One of these was a beautiful 19th century ecclesiastical brooch depicting Jesus' head with a crown of thorns which was valued at £800 (antique replacement value)...