Treasure hunters from around the Island headed for St. George's to discover whether their antiques were worth a ‘small fortune'.

The St. George's Historical Society Museum had flown in Sotherby's New York vice president Philip Jelley to appraise various pieces brought to Ordnance Island on Saturday.

Crockery, paintings, lamps, book ends, pipes and chronometers were brought before the panel of experts, consisting of Hugh Davidson, Col. Michael Darling, Tony Pettit and Mr. Jelley.

Mr. Jelley appraised a set of antique pipes brought by Alfred Konrad. He said: “The Austrian pipes are from the First World War, but they are transfer printed, not hand painted, so they are worth $75.

A set of art nouveau style cast bronze book sends from around 1880 were valued at around $7,500.

Sisters Katherine, Jill and Coren were told that their Japanese painting was worth around $1,900. “It looks like a wood block print from the Maji period,” Mr. Jelley added.

Mrs. Shirley White, from Paget, had a beautiful fluid lamp with a silver base and stem worth approximately $600. She also had a Stuben style fluted pitcher and a water glass together worth $185.

Millicent and Gerry Ardis, from St. David's, came along with two ships' chronometers. They were told to take them to a specialist in London to have them properly appraised - but they could be worth as much $5,000. Patricia Waltham had a French platter, dated around 1800 She was told it was worth $150. She said: “It has been in her family forever.”