Silver flatware from the 17th to the 20th century and valued at up to £4,000 was discovered and consigned for auction when antiques experts from a leading regional auction house paid their annual visit to Kington earlier this month.
The 50-piece collection was the star find by Maryanne Lineker-Mobberley and Alexander Clement from Shrewsbury-based Halls | The Auction House at the charity antiques valuation event to support Open Arms Kington CIC.
Other discoveries, which were consigned for auction, included a 9ct gold necklace valued at up to £1,200, an amethyst and diamond brooch at up to £600, a hardstone seal at up to £200 and an Arts and Crafts copper cigarette box at up to £150.
Other items valued by the experts but not consigned included a Central European icon of Christ valued at up to £400 and a 1920s French Egyptian revival clock at up to £150.
“It was another very enjoyable and successful event,” declared Maryanne, who discovered a collection of jewellery last year which sold for £9,000 at auction. “We always find interesting and valuable items when we visit Kington and I would like to thank the people who came to see us.”
She stressed that anyone who was unable to attend the event to have collections or individual pieces valued can still contact Halls | The Auction House on Tel: 01743 450700 or visit the company at Bowmen Way, Battlefield, Shrewsbury
The event raised £120 for Open Arms Kington CIC, a social enterprise established to enliven and regenerate the rural border town.
Kim Greig, Open Arms Kington co-director and community engagement officer, said: “Maryanne and Alexander had a busy three hours valuing 60 items which raised £120 for our social enterprise. They saw some really interesting objects, including an old Quran.
“We are very grateful to them for their continued support and to the people who turned up with items to be valued. This antiques valuation event has become a popular annual fixture in Kington and helps introduce our project to a wider audience.”
The social enterprise bought The Oxford Arms, a Grade II listed former coaching inn, in 2023 and is transforming it into a vibrant community hub and pub, where good things happen every day.
While the Grade II-listed building is being restored, a rear Courtyard and ancient barn are being used for pop-up events with a marquee to unite people of all ages through food, art, music and other events.
A detailed application to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for a grant towards the renovation project is expected to be submitted by November.
The aim is to make The Oxford Arms a community-owned hub, pub and venue, supported by a B&B and hospitality business. All profits will be directed back into community projects and development.
To learn more about Open Arms Kington, visit www.openarmskington.co.uk or follow on Facebook or Instagram @openarmskington.
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