Silver Tiffany jug
‘This sweet little jug used to stand on our mantelpiece at home; I was always very fond of it and, when I started drawing as a teenager, it was one of the first things I copied. I especially liked the details in relief, such as the heron perched on the post and the small bird on the handle. It wasn’t until I was given the jug after my father died that I discovered the Tiffany mark on the bottom.
Sarah Kent, Art editor
Value: £2,000-plus. Providing it’s got the correct Tiffany stamp and is real silver, a jug like this – thought to be a milk or cream jug and part of a set – could be worth more than £2,000, according to Christie’s valuers.
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First edition of ‘Bleak House’ by Charles Dickens
‘My partner inherited this from his grandparents, along with a beautifully illustrated copy of “Lear’s Book of Nonsense”. The latter has been liberally “decorated” by various family members over the last 100 years, devaluing it completely, but enhancing its interest to him. Having only read “Great Expectations”, he keeps planning to read “Bleak House” but, each time he starts, gets wary of damaging it in the process.’
Kei Kikuchi, deputy chief sub-editor
Value: £100-£150, according to secondhand book expert Jarndyce, because it’s only in average condition. A fine copy in its original cloth binding could sell for £10,000.
Jarndyce, 46 Great Russell St, WC1 (020 7631 4220/www.jarndyce.co.uk) Tottenham Court Rd tube. Open Mon-Fri 10.30am-5.30pm.
Free valuation service
Open every day of the week, Christie’s South Kensington offers its expertise with a free valuation service for your treasures – just go along to the Valuation Counter. And don’t worry if you don’t have a Renoir gathering dust in the attic – they’re not snobby down at Christie’s and will be happy to have a look at a wide range of objects such as art, furniture, modern design, fashion, ceramics and jewellery. The UK’s busiest auction house, it’s also worth visiting one of its many sales. They’re not as exclusive as you’d think, with prices starting from £200.
Christie’s South Kensington, 85 Old Brompton Rd, SW7 (020 7930 6074/www.christies.com) South Kensington tube. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat, Sun 10am-4pm (no specialists available at the weekend, but general valuers are).
