We have just taken delivery of a Persian Serapi for cleaning and repair. We were asked by our client to restore it, as they had a mind to sell it on, once complete.
When asked to value it they were astounded to hear that it was an 18th century piece, very rare and valued at around £50,000.
This happens at least once a year, where clients are given a rug or left a rug in a will and have no idea of its value.
Because of its worn state, they thought it had been badly treated and hence not worth very much.
Needless to say, they are looking forward to the rug’s restoration and return and have decided to hang on to it as a valuable asset.