Never mind searching through the attic to see if there are any valuables, it may be worth having a dig in the garden too!
While it’s not a life changing amount, one lucky local resident discovered that an 18th century wine bottle discovered in the roots of a fallen tree is worth £300.
But the expert valuating the onion shaped bottle, which was found in the grounds of Powis Castle, told the lucky finder that it could have been worth thousands had it contained the Castle’s stamp of the era.
The item was one of many that passed through the charity antiques valuation evening at the castle which helped to raise money towards conservation work at the famous National Trust property.
“The valuation evenings that we hold at Powis Castle always attract rare and interesting items,” said Jeremy Lamond, fine art director at Halls who carried out the valuations.
A rusty 19th century penny farthing bicycle, belonging to Paul Williams of Welshpool, was valued at £600, while a 19th century cabinetmaker’s tool box, which had been gifted to the owner’s father by a local wheelwright, is worth up to £1,000. A Victorian 18-carat gold pocket watch with a good chronograph movement was valued at around £2,500.