A century-old enamel sign advertising the Press and Journal was unearthed in the basement of a grocery shop during recent renovation work.
The blue plaque, designed to entice advertisers to come forward, was discovered in a building in the George Street area of Aberdeen and its new owners took it to a valuation event to learn more about its history.
Ian Glennie, an auctioneer at Bonhams, cast his eye over the sign, which states “Journal & Express: Circulation Counts”.
Mr Glennie said: “The sign is an enamel-tin plate and these were quite common right up to the 1950s.
“It’s a very robust piece that can withstand all types of weather, but lost its popularity some time after the 50s when plastic became more common.
“This one looks like it used to be screwed outside a shop wall. My guess is that it predates the First World War – approximately pre-1910 I’d say.
“On it, it has a makers’ marker which says it was made by Falkirk Iron Works.”
Mr Glennie, who is head of the department of Asian arts at the London-based auction house, estimated that the piece of local history would be worth “a few hundred pounds” if ever put under the hammer.
The item was one of many heirlooms and collectibles brought along to the event at Cults Kirk Centre in Deeside.
The event, organised in partnership with Cults Parish Church, was part of a wider fundraising event for Parkinson’s UK – where people made a donation to the charity in order to have experts assess the value of their belongings.
Other interesting pieces included an art deco aquamarine ring, a local family portrait painted by the famous Alberto Morrocco and 18th century Chinese dishes.
The cause is one close to the organiser Sheila Moir’s heart, as she was diagnosed with the condition at the age of 50 more than 10 years ago, contradicting the misconception that Parkinson’s affects only the elderly.
She said: “We sold about 500 raffle tickets and saw about 200 to 300 people come through the door.
“It was really nice to see people turn up to have their items valued and it was interesting to see the different things they were bringing in.
“I want to thank the public for coming out even with the terrible weather we had.”
