Bible bids boost for charity's coffers

A DONATION of two Bibles to a Carmarthen charity shop turned out to be more than a few pennies from heaven.

The books, that dated back to the 1600s, have sold at auction for more than £1,000.

They were dropped off at the Oxfam shop in King Street several months ago and it was an eagle-eyed volunteer who spotted them and thought they could be worth some money.

But it was just how much that surprised staff when the Bibles were sold at auction at Bonham's in Oxford last week.

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They were early editions of the King James old and new Testament Bible, printed by Robert Barker of London.

They had ornate covers with historic woodcut borders.

Shop manager Sam Everest said: "We always have Bibles donated and they didn't look particularly old and in good condition.

"They had been with us for about six months.

"It wasn't until one of our volunteers looked at them that she thought they could be worth some money."

For weeks staff tried to find a value for the books but had no luck until they approached renowned auction house Bonham's of London which placed a combined guide price on both bibles of between £400 and £600.

However, Sam and his staff were stunned when both Bibles finally went under the hammer for £1,500 at Bonham's books and printed maps auction in Oxford.

Deputy manager at the King Street shop, Dave Fermor, said: "We couldn't believe it when they went for more than double the guide price.

"They are certainly the most valuable donations the shop has had I think.

"It's amazing to think they were worth so much."

Oxfam is expected to receive around £1,300 after a commission is taken from the sale.