A special antiques and collectables valuation event will be taking place soon in your area. The experts of Lockdales Auctioneers will be providing free valuations to the public on Thursday 5th March, 11am-3pm, at Brackley Town Hall, Market Place, Brackley, Northamptonshire, NN13 7AB.

There will be experts providing valuations on the following types of collectables: Coins (including British and World, sovereigns, Krugerrands, Royal Mint commemoratives and proof sets), stamps, banknotes, medals and militaria, antiques, clocks, watches, jewellery, gold, silver, pre-1900 documents/books and maps, cigarette-cards, postcards, pre-1960 sporting programmes & tickets, scientific instruments, swords, bayonets and de-activated weapons.

No appointment is necessary at this event, simply turn up with your items and the valuers will be happy to see you.

Members of the public will have the option, if they wish, to consign their goods to auction (subject to terms and conditions). Cash purchase offers are also available. Valuations will be provided free of charge, with no obligation. High quality illustrated catalogues from previous auctions will be given away on a complimentary basis in order for the public to get a better idea of the services available.

These valuation days have proven to be very popular in the past, and we have conducted hundreds of them across the UK. Some of the best items we have auctioned were brought to us at these events, such as two pieces of Russian 17th century enamelled silverware, a bowl and a lidded pot, which we later sold on behalf of the owners for over £75,000.

One of the most interesting items we have sold this year was a fragment of pennant flag believed to have been carried by the army of Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth. This was featured on television, and in newspapers nationwide. Sold for £2800 as a speculative item, the feeling was strong overall that the story behind the flag is true. It was nice to handle a topical item such as this. (Coins of Richard III do very well also!)

Top Tips: The hottest markets for collectables at the moment are those of India, China and Asia in general, so if you have some old coins, stamps, postal covers or banknotes from those places you could be in luck!

First World War medals and militaria are very popular this year, being the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of war.

Be on the lookout for football programmes dated before 1960. Those from the 1940s and earlier are the most valuable.

Cigarette Cards from small World War One era manufacturers can be good, particularly those of Taddy. The rarest set of all is Taddy Clowns, which has been known to sell for as much as £15,000.

Iconic English coins such as 1930s Wreath Crowns, the 1905 Halfcrown, the Una and the Lion Five Pounds, 1911 and 1937 proof sets, especially the gold ones, have proven to be great investments.

Condition is everything so try to keep anything you have in a safe, dry environment (not the garden shed or garage!).

The golden rule is: Never try to clean anything that you think might be of value, especially coins and medals. Only trained experts and restorers will know how to preserve something without damaging it. Collectors and dealers prefer everything to be “as found”, even if it may look scruffy to you.

If you have any questions feel free to contact Lockdales’ Martlesham offices: 01473 627110, sales@lockdales.com. For further information see our website www.lockdales.com