Two Garden Ornaments Thought to be ‘Worthless Concrete’ Turn Out to be Italian Marble Busts Worth Thousands
Two decorative sculptures that had been sitting in a garden and believed to be simple concrete ornaments have been identified as rare Italian marble busts, now valued at several thousand pounds.
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Unexpected Discovery in the Garden
The pair of busts, which were initially dismissed as ordinary and of little value, were found at a property in Hampshire. The owners had assumed for years that the statues were made from common concrete and held no significant worth.
It was only after a routine visit from an antiques expert that the true nature of the sculptures was uncovered. Upon closer inspection, the expert realized the busts were crafted from fine Italian marble, dating back to the 19th century.
Significant Valuation
Following the discovery, the busts underwent a thorough evaluation. Experts determined that the statues, which depict classical figures, are likely to have originated from Italy and could fetch up to £10,000 at auction.
The auction house handling the sale described the busts as “exceptional finds,” noting their high quality and craftsmanship. The pieces are expected to attract considerable interest from collectors and art enthusiasts.
Key Features of the Busts
- Carved from high-quality Italian marble
- Believed to date back to the 19th century
- Depict classical figures in traditional attire
- Estimated auction value of up to £10,000
Owners’ Reaction
The owners expressed surprise and delight at the news, admitting they had no idea the statues were anything more than decorative garden pieces. They are now looking forward to seeing how the busts perform at auction.
Upcoming Auction Details
The marble busts are scheduled to be sold at an upcoming auction, where they are expected to draw significant attention. The auction house has already received inquiries from potential buyers interested in the rare pieces.
