Bowlers' valuation session reveals some real gems

But it was a 17th century carved chair which caused the greatest stir, Mr Bateman describing it as a 'fabulous example of a piece furniture from the time of Oliver Cromwell. It is quite rare.' Ornately carved, the Pennsylvania Dutch-style solid oak chair, from a time when wooden pegs held its joints together before screws were invented, dates from 1620-1640. Sadly with the depreciation currently in 'brown furniture' Mr Bateman revealed it would attract only £200-£300 at auction. However, It's owner said she would never part with it, as it is a family heirloom passed down through her Welsh ancestors. Among the most valuable items was a 1950s Rolex wristwatch, one of several of the brand brought in by members - which was still keeping perfect time - and was worth upto £3,000. Similarly valued was a Whitworth percussion cap pistol ' in superb condition' - one of only 100 originally made for the Portuguese military. Among the more unusual was a mammoth tooth which one bowler submitted which had been dug up in a Whittlesey gravel pit and was reputed to be 30,000 years of age. However, less than two centuries old were three, rare copper-coloured coins from the early 1800s worth up to £200 each. Said Mr Bateman: "Very often the story behind an object, its history, its provenance, is more important and valuable than the object itself." He added that people get the impression that an object is worth more than its actual value by looking on websites where it is (visible) for hours and days. "At auction we usually have only a minute to sell it and it is only worth what at least two people are prepared to pay," he added. So what are the trends that investors, bargain-hunters and collectors should be looking for? "Jewellery will come back into fashion before furniture and black jewellery in particular. Brooches are currently out of fashion but those with animal shapes still hold their value, " he said. "My advice to the next generation looking to invest in antiques is to buy original paintings - but only if you like them. Currently they are buying prints, which in my opinion is a waste of money. "I would also suggest they buy Edwardian or Georgian furniture. A folding table for example is far better designed than anything in IKEA and will last far longer." For the latest sale dates visit www.batemans.com