An antiques valuation day is set to return to Helston Museum, giving attic rummagers the chance to find out whether items are fake or worth a fortune.

The return visit has been arranged for September 13, with free valuations from 10am-12noon, with home appointments available in the afternoon.

Richard Hamm, the Cornwall representative of Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood fine art auctioneerswill be on hand to offer his over 40 years experience as a valuer, together with a team of ten specialists from Bearnes Exeter salerooms, covering jewellery, silver, paintings & prints, oriental art and ceramics, maritime artefacts, sporting items, furniture, books and works of art.

"Often I have to disappoint people when I identify their family heirloom as a fake. With the world of antiques attracting large amounts of money to invest, it’s no wonder that it also tempts skilled professional fakers as well. So if your painting is signed Rembrandt or Constable, it’s not always a guarantee that it’s original – especially if it’s signed with a felt tip pen."

 Richard will also be available to give advice on restoration from dolls hospitals, cleaning of painting, furniture repairs and gilding of frames.

"I’ve come into contact with many Lovejoys of the art world who have explained their faking techniques using gunpowder, urine, concrete blocks and chicken poo to name just a few interesting ingredients.

"Discovering a hidden treasure still gives me a great pleasure, even more if I’m on the rostrum when it’s sold. My colleague Chris Hampton recently identified a pair of mahogany pedestal urns as probably coming from Chippendale’s workshop and secured a bid of £350,000."

Valuations are free but Helston Museum would welcome any donations to continue its work.

If you would like Richard to visit you at home, please contact him on 01208 813593