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Necklace Nearly Sold for £15 Identified as Rare South Pacific Treasure, Fetches £99,000 at Auction
Sentiment: NeutralHigh Priority
What Happened?
A necklace, initially priced at £15 for a car boot sale, was identified as a rare 18th-century Polynesian treasure and sold for £99,000 at auction. The piece, made from human hair and sperm whale bone, was discovered during a house clearance.
Key points
- The necklace was found during a house clearance and was initially valued at £15.
- It was made from human hair and sperm whale bone, originating from the Austral Islands.
- The auction at Ewbank’s exceeded expectations, selling for £99,000.
- Interest from collectors had previously estimated its value at £20,000 to £30,000.
- The final price marked the highest sale at Ewbank’s in 2016.
Key insights
- The significant price difference illustrates the potential hidden value in overlooked items.
- Collectors may prioritize provenance and materials over immediate appearance.
- The case serves as a reminder for homeowners to seek expert advice on unusual items.
Why it matters
This story highlights the importance of expert evaluation in identifying valuable antiques.
Source
Times of India
