A steady stream of people living in the market town and surrounding Herefordshire, Powys and south Shropshire borderlands turned up to have their treasures valued by experts from Shrewsbury-based Halls Fine Art.
The event, held in a barn at the rear of the Oxford Arms at Kington, raised £192 for social enterprise Open Arms Kington CIC.
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The ‘Flight from Egypt’ oil painting believed to be by Rottenhammer (1564-1625) and the 18 carat gold Goliath Ball Watch, featuring a calendar and world time, from 1892 were both seen by Alexander Clement, watches, clocks and Asian art specialist and general valuer at Halls Fine Art.
His colleague, Maryanne Lineker-Mobberley, silver, jewellery and bijouterie specialist, also had a busy day, viewing an 18 carat gold Boucheron bracelet valued at up to £3,000 and a sapphire and diamond ring at up to £1,500.
She took in for sale at a future auction a silver teapot valued at up to £200 and an open-faced pocket watch at up to £300.
“We never quite know what we will find when we hold these events and the people of Kington and surrounding area certainly didn’t disappoint us,” said Ms Lineker-Mobberley.
Kim Greig, co-director of Open Arms Kington brought a 19th-century musket bayonet, discovered by her husband in a brook outside their home, to be valued.
‘It was a great experience finding out about the history of my husband’s brook find,” she said.
“We had no idea of its age.”
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The social enterprise bought The Oxford Arms, a Grade II Listed former coaching inn, last year and is transforming it into a vibrant community hub and pub, where good things happen every day. www.openarmskington.co.uk .
While the Grade II-listed building is being restored, a rear Courtyard and ancient Barn are being used for pop-up events to unite people of all ages through food, art and music.
The volunteers who run the enterprise need to raise £500,000 and are seeking support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other donors.
