Why everyday items can do exceptionally well at Stratford Auctions
Across Stratford-upon-Avon and the surrounding areas, many people are sitting on items of real value without even realising it. Tucked away in drawers, stored in lofts or kept in boxes at the back of cupboards, there are often pieces that could achieve strong results at auction when placed in the right hands.
At Stratford Auctions, the team regularly handles a wide range of items that consistently perform well, from luxury watches such as Rolexes to taxidermy, antique jewellery including old wedding bands, and gold sovereigns. These are the kinds of pieces that attract strong interest from both collectors and investors, often achieving competitive bidding and impressive final prices.
Interestingly, some of the most successful lots are items that no longer suit their owner. Gifts that were never quite the right style, inherited pieces that don’t fit with modern tastes, or jewellery that has simply been forgotten over time can all find a new audience at auction. What may feel like an unused or overlooked item at home can, in the right market, become highly desirable.
A hidden gem uncovered
A remarkable pair of William III Britannia Silver multi-knopped candlesticks recently proved just how important specialist knowledge and a careful eye can be in the auction world. The elegant candlesticks, dated 1701 with maker’s mark EC and weighing an impressive 767g, arrived at Stratford Auctions as part of a larger consignment of silver. The collection had previously been looked at elsewhere and the candlesticks reportedly dismissed as being silver plate, but when they came to us, Auction Room Manager James Hudson immediately recognised they were something far more significant. After carefully assessing the pair, James found them to be a pair of rare Britannia silver candlesticks, and his instincts were soon proven right when competitive bidding saw them achieve an impressive £2,860 under the hammer.
A special sovereign
Gold sovereigns are a particularly strong example. Often kept for years without much thought, they continue to perform well thanks to both their gold content and their appeal to collectors.
Similarly, older wedding bands or broken gold jewellery can hold far more value than expected, especially when assessed properly.
The taxidermy resurgence
The same applies to more unusual items. Taxidermy, for example, has seen a resurgence in popularity, with buyers seeking unique, characterful pieces for interiors. Watches, especially recognised names like Rolex, remain consistently in demand, often attracting attention from buyers both in the UK and internationally.
What sets Stratford Auctions apart is its ability to identify and present these items in the right way. Rather than grouping pieces together or overlooking their potential, each item is carefully assessed, researched and marketed to reach the widest possible audience. Through international online platforms, items are exposed to a global pool of buyers, helping to achieve the best possible results.
Free, no-obligation valuations
For those unsure about what they might have, the process is straightforward. Stratford Auctions offers free, no-obligation valuations, whether in person at their premises on the Dodwell Trading Estate or through online enquiries. It is often the first step in uncovering unexpected value.
The message is simple. Before leaving items hidden away or assuming they have little worth, it is always worth asking the question. At Stratford Auctions, there is a genuine enthusiasm for discovering what people have, and a proven track record of turning overlooked possessions into standout auction results.
