Paging the jewellers and aeroplaneisti

Hog's posting reminded me:

A few years ago, I was bequeathed a lovely little gold brooch/tiepin
of the Spirit of St Louis - Lindbergh's plane. Wingspan maybe an inch
and a half to two inches, 18 carat, superb detail, even the propellor
revolves.

I strongly suspect it dates back to the Lindbergh era, because there
was a truly massive souvenir industry after his 1927 flight. Obvious a
hallmark check would confirm that.

Anyway, I need to get it valued for insurance porpoises and I feel
that because it's rather a specialist item, a simple jeweller's
estimate may not be enough - I think old aeroplane memorabilia has a
market of its own.

Any ideas, anyone?

 

Ask either Duxford or the Shuttleworth collection if they know anybody.

 

Antiques Roadshow.

 

"I'd date this particular one as early 1950s, and at auction would
probably go for about...well, let's fact it, bugger all in that
condition. What? Oh, you mean the tie-pin..."

 

Cheeky sod. Late 1950s, if you please.

 

I had to add on something for effect!

Count yourself lucky I didn't go with my first draft of 1940s.

 

Is there a "jewellery quarter" in the Big Shitty?

Wander in, ask for an inswearants valuation.

Or speak to a resident expert at a big auction house - Sotheby's etc.

 

http://www.hatton-garden.net/


HTH