A Georgian mantelpiece clock, antique Bermuda silver and a commode are just a few of the treasures up for grabs in the annual Bermuda National Trust Jumble Sale and Auction, which opens today at the Botanical Gardens.

Dörte Horsfield, the trust’s head of development and engagement, expects at least 2,000 people to pass through the Jack King Building and Commercial Slat House over the next three days.

The Jumble Sale and auction preview is today from 8.30am to 6.30pm and tomorrow from 8.30am to 2pm. The auction begins at 10am on Saturday.

Prices for items range from 25 cents for a mug, cup or book, to $50 for electronics, to thousands of dollars for antique furniture, china or silver. Everything has been donated by the community.

“This is the biggest repurposing event on the island,” Dr Horsfield said. “People drop off items they no longer need. Often they come back to the sale the next day and take home just as many items as they dropped off.”

A range of experts — from historian and writer John Cox to auctioneer Dana Casling — carefully examined all donations to sort the fun from the pricey.

Volunteers such as Robert Clubbe and James Decker help out every year. Originally from Canada, they winter in Bermuda.

They were part of a team of more than 50 volunteers cleaning, arranging, researching, pricing and tagging.

The night before the sale, Dr Horsfield anticipated a line of 100 people outside when the doors open this morning at 8am.

They often see repeat customers. “I had one lady come last year who had a big hat on,” Dr Horsfield said. “It was an unusual hat. She said it was her happy hat. She only wore it on the day of the BNT sale because it was her favourite day of the year. So this event is really anticipated by many people in the community.”

One of Dr Horsfield’s favourite items up for auction is a Nymphenburg dinner set.

“It was made in Germany over 100 years ago,” she said. “It was hand-painted. There is a hunting scene on every plate, and each plate is a little different from the last.

“There are 12 plates, and also a soup tureen to go with it. The tureen alone was probably worth about $5,000 when it was purchased.”

The plates and the soup tureen are being auctioned separately.

Nymphenburg china is known for exquisite, detailed designs that encapsulate themes of mythology and nature. As a result, it is highly collectible.

Mr Cox said it was hard to say which piece he liked most.

“There is an old captain’s chest that has a lot of character,” he said. “Actually, I see a lot of things I like.”

Dr Horsfield said the sale and auction is the BNT’s second-biggest fundraiser of the year.

“Our biggest fundraiser is actually our annual gala dinner,” Dr Horsfield said. “All the funds we raise go to support our mission and our programmes. We are all about promoting and protecting our natural heritage.”

Funds also support the BNT’s education department, nature reserves, museums and advocacy work.

• The Bermuda National Trust’s sale and auction preview runs today from 8.30am to 6.30pm, and tomorrow from 8.30am until 2pm in the Jack King Building and Commercial Slat House at the Botanical Gardens in Paget. The auction will be held on Saturday from 10am until everything is gone. Credit cards and cash are accepted.