Tea box gift to star Gracie up for sale

A wooden tea box, which once belonged to legendary actress, singer and comedienne Gracie Fields, is to go under the hammer at an auction in Shrewsbury this week.

The box was made as a gift for the late star when she paid a visit to Burma to entertain British troops during World War Two.

Experts say the box has had spells in Angelsey and Dolgellau on its way to fine art auction house Halls in Shrewsbury.

Valuers hope it will find a new home during Wednesday's sale.

The intricate tea box was made by the garrison engineer in Mandalay in 1940s from teak and included carved tigers and the name Gracie on the lid.

It was discovered by the team from fine-art auction house Halls at a charity antiques valuation day in Llanelltyd, near Dolgellau, last year.

The owners had found it among the contents of a house clearance in a small shop in Trearddur Bay, Anglesey, about 30 years ago.

Through research, they discovered that Lancashire-born actress, singer and comedienne Gracie Fields, who died 31 years ago at the age of 81, had visited Mandalay in 1940s on a tour to entertain British troops.

The tea box, valued at about £150, will go under the hammer at Halls' furniture, ceramics and works of art sale.

Also consigned to the auction is a William and Mary ebonised bracket clock by Benjamin Merriman, of London, which is valued at up to £6,000.

There is also a Victorian mahogany bracket clock by White, Haymarket, London, which is expected to fetch up to £5,000.

Other entries include a Victorian serpentine mirror back mahogany serving table at up to £4,000, a mahogany pull out dining table with its original leaf rack, which is valued at up to £5,000, and two North Wales oak high dressers at up to £1,500 each.

For more information about the auction contact Halls on (01743) 284777.

By Tom Johannsen