City invites public to museum Valuation Day

Novocastrians with family heirlooms or trinkets dating back generations can find out if they’re sitting on a million-dollar fortune at Newcastle Museum this Saturday.

The museum is hosting its annual Valuation Day from 10am-4pm, offering members of the community 15-minute, one-on-one consultations with expert auctioneers and valuators, who will also bring along some priceless Kelly Gang memorabilia.

Akin to the popular British TV show Antiques Roadshow, auctioneers Alex Renwick and Tom Thompson will delve into the history and heritage of individual heirlooms and collector items, before estimating their value.

Museum Director Julie Baird said the day offers the community a cheap and accessible opportunity to turn that tangible treasure into cash.
“You never know what that collector’s item or heirloom which has been stored away in safe keeping might be worth to you or a loved one,” Ms Baird said.

“Alex and Tom have more than 50 years auctioneering and valuation experience between them, so they’ll certainly be useful in either making or breaking someone’s day.

“Either way, you’ve really got nothing to lose so book in for a 15-minute discussion about your most cherished treasures and discover the history and potential value of them for just $15.”

The auctioneers will bring an original gun used by the Kelly gang and a photo of the infamous bushranger and his family taken at Euroa in Victoria.

The photo features Ned, his brother and his cousin, all unmasked and wearing the clothes they had just stolen when they took over the town in 1878.

Ms Baird said the photo was extremely rare.

“It’s estimated to be one of only two original images world-wide featuring an image of the Kelly gang unmasked,” she said.

“I’d be very surprised to know what it would be worth, but I really don’t think you could put a price on such an iconic and rare piece of Australian history. It truly is priceless.”

Bookings are essential and can be made at http://newcastlemuseum.com.au/Whats-On/Events/Valuation-Day


^{A rare image of the Kelly Gang will be on display Saturday}