by Metropol | August 5, 2026 8:33 am
At first glance, it was just an old silver fork. But then William Muir of House of Huia noticed the tiny crest stamped into its handle. The ordinary fork had been custom made for the 1901 Antarctic expedition led by Captain Robert Falcon Scott on the RRS Discovery.
The first ship purpose-built for scientific research in Antarctica, it famously carried Captain Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton on their first journey to the Antarctic on the 1901–1904 Discovery Expedition. The humble piece of cutlery from that ship is now expected to fetch four figures at auction after being discovered in a Christchurch estate.
This is exactly the kind of unexpected find that excites William. House of Huia specialises in uncovering the hidden value in everything from jewellery and military medals to historic documents and family heirlooms.
“I was like, ‘Oh, I know what that is,’” William says of the moment he spotted the fork while clearing a deceased estate. “I was very excited when I found it.”
Bearing the crest of Discovery, the fork is expected to feature in House of Huia’s late August auction, with an estimated value of $1000 to $2000 or more.
“Only because it’s got the Discovery crest on it. But if it didn’t have that, it would be worthless.”
While unusual historical artefacts always generate excitement, House of Huia is always seeking quality jewellery, military memorabilia, coins, banknotes, sterling silver, fine art and furniture. Gold jewellery is particularly strong at present. “Gold is definitely the big thing at the moment. Anything gold is really strong.” Many of the items he sells at auction come from deceased estates, downsizing families or collectors refining their collections. Others come from people who have inherited items they know little about.
“There’s such a variety of things that people have that are becoming saleable,” William says. “We do get a lot from the general public. People left with their relative’s deceased estate who’ve inherited stuff they don’t know what to do with, people downsizing.”
For anyone wondering whether that forgotten box in the attic or drawer of clutter holds anything special, William says bring it in for an appraisal. House of Huia takes pride in being a trusted destination for those looking to sell their cherished items.
“We have a wide depth and breadth of market knowledge and can offer a market appraisal of your items,” William says.
“Call us on 022 091 9388 or send an email. By emailing photos to us at info@houseofhuia.co.nz, we can give you an idea of next steps on how to best realise the value in your items.”
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