A charity shop manager’s instinct has resulted in an extraordinary windfall after a humble £2 plate was revealed to be a rare Chinese imperial artefact.
The plate, donated to a shop in Blandford Forum, Dorset, was sent for expert appraisal at Woolley and Wallis auctioneers in Salisbury after the manager suspected it might be something special.
John Axford, chairman and Asian art specialist at the auction house, immediately recognised the dish as a 19th-century Chinese “five dragon” plate from the Daoguang era. Its striking design and six-character Daoguang reign mark (1821–50) confirmed its imperial origins.
“We’re thrilled with the outcome,” Mr Axford said. “Discoveries like these prove that remarkable treasures can turn up where you least expect them. The cultural value is immense—and in this case, the proceeds will directly support the charity that received the donation.”
Initially valued at £1,500–£2,000, the dish far exceeded expectations, selling for £7,620 during Woolley and Wallis’ Fine Asian Art auction on Tuesday, November 11.
Adorned with three dragons pursuing a flaming pearl through swirling clouds and fire, the plate closely resembles a piece held in the Chinese Imperial collection, documented in The Imperial Porcelain of Late Qing from the Kwan Collection.
Another notable find surfaced in a Surrey charity shop, where a shopper purchased a blue-and-white “dragon” bottle vase for £100, captivated by its bold decoration. After bringing it to Woolley and Wallis for assessment, Mr Axford identified it as another 19th-century Chinese piece. Estimated at £1,500–£2,500, it later sold for £5,080 at the same auction.
These remarkable discoveries highlight the hidden gems that can sometimes be uncovered in charity shops. The Blandford Forum manager’s decision to seek expert evaluation proved exceptionally rewarding, ensuring the plate reached collectors who recognised its imperial craftsmanship and historical value.
Most importantly, the sale proceeds will directly benefit the Blandford Forum charity shop—turning an everyday donation into a significant boost for its fundraising efforts.
