Never underestimate the hidden gems that may be lurking in the forgotten corners of your home! A Scottish homeowner recently discovered that an old plate he had stashed away at the bottom of a drawer was actually an extremely rare and valuable piece of Renaissance art. The plate, painted by the renowned Italian artist Nicola da Urbino between 1520-1523, depicts a biblical scene of Samson and Delilah. When auctioned off in 2021, it fetched an astonishing 1.48 million euros, turning its owner into an overnight millionaire.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Discovery
While tidying up his country house in 2021, the Scottish man stumbled upon the unassuming plate that had been languishing forgotten at the bottom of a drawer for years. Sensing it might be valuable, he decided to have it appraised.
To his amazement, experts estimated the plate's worth to be between $109,000 and $163,000.
The plate, made of majolica (a type of Italian earthenware), was then put up for auction by British auctioneers Lyon & Turnbull. As word of its rarity spread, the bids poured in rapidly. The plate was ultimately sold for an incredible 1.48 million euros, a record-breaking price."It's an object that you see once in your life," commented Gavin Strang, director and head of private collections at Lyon & Turnbull. "When such an object comes to market, it falls into the pocket of the one with the most nerve or the one with the deepest [pockets]."
How to Spot Valuable Antique Tableware
This incredible story begs the question - could you be sitting on a goldmine of antique treasures without even knowing it? While recognizing the value of antique tableware requires some expertise, here are a few key things to look out for:
Origin and time period - Ceramics from renowned dynasties or eras like the Ming Dynasty or Italian Renaissance are highly prized.
Condition and preservation - Pieces in perfect condition with no cracks or restorations are most valuable.
Rarity and uniqueness - Rare or one-of-a-kind items with documented history are worth more.
Signatures and brands - Look for marks left by famous artists or renowned manufacturers.
If you suspect you may have a hidden treasure, it's best to consult an antiques expert for an accurate valuation. With a keen eye and a bit of luck, your forgotten items could be worth far more than you ever imagined! This Scottish man's story proves that sometimes the most valuable things are hiding in plain sight.
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