In the auction world, we often talk about “The Big Find.” But true value isn’t always found in a flashy painting or a diamond ring. Sometimes, it’s tucked inside a small plastic bank bag at the bottom of a cardboard box.
In early 2023, a lady we’ll call “M.D.” made the long three-hour trek from Standerton to our Johannesburg office. On her lap, she cradled a family heirloom: a Victorian Bohemian Cranberry Art Glass Vase. It was a survivor, having traveled with her Voortrekker ancestors from the coast to the Highveld. It was stunning, and she hoped it would provide the financial relief she needed.
But as any seasoned auctioneer will tell you: The treasure you brought in isn’t always the treasure you leave with.
The Psychology of the “Gooitjies”
M.D. also brought a box of what she called gooitjies—Afrikaans for “small things.” It was a jumble of daily life: a coffee pot, an old razor, a kettle, and a manicure kit. To the untrained eye, it was just clutter. To a psychologist, these items represent the “mental overhead” of a household—things we keep but undervalue.
At the very bottom of that box, I found a small bank bag. Inside was a piece of jewelry with a handwritten scrap of paper: R100.
That was her hope. That was her “anchor price.” She explained it was just a long bracelet she’d wrap around her wrist twice.
Integrity Over an Easy Profit
As an auctioneer, I knew one thing immediately: This was not a R100 bracelet.
I didn’t have all the answers yet, but my instinct said this was special. This is where trust is built. In a world of “quick buys” and “cash-for-gold” shops that might have handed her R100 and sent her on her way, we took a different path. We began a week of intensive investigation.
The Reveal: The Victorian Albertina
After consulting specialists and scouring historical records, we identified the piece. It wasn’t a bracelet; it was a Victorian Albertina Antique Gold Pocket Watch Fob Chain.
Crafted in 9K Rose and Yellow Gold, it featured elaborate decorative balls, a miniature frame, and a hand-worked tassel. It was a 36.9g masterpiece of 19th-century craftsmanship. Even with a missing amethyst and two damaged links, its historical gravity was undeniable.
The Result: A Phone Call We’ll Never Forget
We listed the Albertina with an accurate, scholarly description. When the hammer fell, the price didn’t stop at R100. It didn’t stop at R1,000.
The auction closed at R18,500.00. (See the bidding results by clicking here)
A few days later, after the funds hit M.D.’s account, the phone rang. She was breathless. She was certain we had made a mistake, that we’d added too many zeros to her payment.
Explaining to her that her “R100 bracelet” was actually a rare piece of Victorian gold was more than just a business transaction; it was the moment M.D. realised she had a partner she could trust for life. Today, she isn’t just a seller; she’s a buyer too, and a part of the Grand Oak Auctions family.
Why Choose Grand Oak Auctions?
Whether you are looking for Auctions in Johannesburg to find your own treasure or you have a box of “small things” in your garage, here is why our community trusts us:
- We Do the Homework: We don’t guess. If we don’t know what it is, we find out.
- The Power of the Global Market: By listing items correctly, we ensure you get the true market value, not just a “quick cash” price.
- Radical Honesty: Our goal isn’t a single sale; it’s a lifelong relationship. We treat your R100 items with R18,000 respect.
Do you have a “box of gooitjies” taking up space? Don’t let your treasures go undiscovered. Visit our website to see our upcoming Johannesburg auctions, or contact us today to book a valuation.
[Click here to view our current auction listings and join the Grand Oak family.]
