Hidden treasure: Hoarder's home yields antiques worth $100,000

Daily Telegraph

17-06-2025

An amazing treasure trove of antiques valued at approximately $100,000 has been unearthed from beneath a mountain of clutter in a hoarder's home.
The remarkable find was made during a clearance of a Victorian townhouse in Wolverhampton, about 20km north of Birmingham, revealing a collection that has captivated the imagination of many.
The terraced property, once owned by a retired antiques dealer, according to The Sun, was filled to the brim with items, obscuring the valuable artefacts within.
Dubbed 'Aladdin's Cave' by the team tasked with clearing the house, the hidden gems emerged unexpectedly as the work progressed.
The homeowner, who spent six decades amassing his collection, sought assistance after downsizing to a smaller residence with his elderly wife.
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His home was transformed into a 'collector's paradise,' featuring an impressive array of antiques, including eight grandfather clocks valued at $2,000 each, an 18th-century coffer, and a classic 1956 Morris Minor split screen, estimated to be worth up to $12,000.
Hansons Auctioneers, responsible for the clearance, quickly recognised the man's discerning eye for quality items.
As they sifted through hundreds of bags and boxes, they uncovered an array of valuable pieces.
Charles Hanson, the owner of Hansons Auctioneers, described the find as 'unbelievable,' noting the house was packed with hundreds of items, many of which were of significant value.
Among the treasures was a magnificent 18th-century coffer, potentially worth between $300 and $500, and a Welsh stick chair valued at $1,200 to $1,600.
Hanson remarked on the tendency for collectors to become hoarders over time, a sentiment echoed by many in the antiques community.
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The garage held another surprise: an original 1956 Morris Minor 'Split Screen,' valued at $10,000 to $12,000, hailed as a 'great classic car discovery.'
The loft space revealed vintage bicycles, while a collection of teddies, some adorned with silver pocket watches, added a whimsical touch to the find.
Among the scores of treasures, a circa 1790 Staffordshire creamware mug, valued at up to $400, was discovered hidden among less valuable pottery.
Hanson reflected on the homeowner's lifelong passion for antiques, noting that such a fascination often leads to an inability to stop collecting.