When we clear garages we usually find common items such as gardening tools, old sports equipment, clothes and other everyday items that you store in a garage. However, it is not uncommon to find unique pieces that can be extremely valuable and rare. As one of the leading house clearance companies, we delve into some of the strangest pieces found in garage clearances.
CIA Documents
It seems unbelievable that someone would store classified CIA documents in their garage to gather dust, but a collection of documents and ID badges were found in a garage in the US. Whoever discovered them was sure to have an interesting read.
Taxidermy Tigers
Imagine arriving to clear or inspect a garage that needs clearing to be greeted by four taxidermy tigers staring at you. It is illegal to purchase or own a taxidermy tiger that is post-1947, who knows where the homeowner purchased the animals from but it was sure to shock anyone entering.
Charles Dickens First Editions
Many people may forget about old books however, one homeowner had a full collection of first-edition Charles Dickens books. Depending on the quality, some of these books can sell for up to £30,000 each! This is the perfect example of why you should double-check items that you may consider as worthless.
Rare Oil Painting
A rare oil painting by Constable was found during a clearance; the painting illustrates the opening of the Waterloo bridge in London. Needless to say, the owner took the canvas to an auction which sold for £2.3 million in 2017.
Bugatti Type 57S
A garage clearance was organised when Dr Harold Carr passed away in 2009. Upon entering the garage a Type 57S Bugatti from 1937 was discovered under a sheet. Dr Carr purchased the car in 1955 for £895 which then sold at auction for £3 million.
Greenleaf Clearance – One Of The Leading House Clearance Companies In The South Of The UK
If you are currently in need of a garage clearance, our experts may be able to help you! As one of the leading house clearance companies with 10 lorries on standby, we can clear and collect your waste usually on the same day. Make sure to search for anything valuable beforehand though! For more information get in touch with us at 07884 082 197 or fill out a contact form here.