ASK JASMINE 11: Coronation special and a reader tip!

Welcome to Ask Jasmine, the column where I round up some of the questions I have received from readers. In this Coronation special edition, I answer questions Royal memorabilia, as well as sharing a reader tip!

I hope these answers can help you with any questions you may have. Don’t forget to leave any questions or money saving tips you have in the comments below or email me on [email protected].

• Is the Electricity Saving Box worth it? 
• Reader Tip 
• Where can I buy commemorative Coronation ware?
• Where can I safely sell Royal memorabilia?

Is the Electricity Saving Box worth it?

I read an article somewhere that stated this electrical plugin – the “Electricity Saving Box” – was the bee’s knees for saving money. It works by plugging it into an electrical socket that is as close to the incoming mains as possible. Electricity is conveyed in waves and the gadget straightens the waves, which in turn means less electricity is being consumed. 

It is supposed to reduce your consumption by between 30% and up to 60%. It only costs £14. 99. A price worth paying if it does its job. If it is as good as it says why isn’t everybody buying it? Can you give any light on the subject, please? 

Jasmine says

Please do not use this product. The Government Office for Product Safety and Standards issued a recall notice on their website in April 2022 warning consumers of the risks of this product, as it not UK compliant and presents a serious risk of fire and electric shock. 

I have attached the product report here. The government website link to the product recall can be found below. Online marketplaces should not be selling this item, if you have recently purchased this, please do go back to the seller and ask for a full refund. 

I do hope this has helped. 

Reader Tip

For many years I have two or three 4-pint milk containers close to the kitchen sink. When I wash up, because my hot water cistern is upstairs in the airing cupboard, about 3-4 pints of water runs before it becomes hot. This water is saved in the milk containers for use when rinsing off stuff before putting it in the dishwasher, watering house plants etc. The containers are free, provided one buys milk.

Where can I buy commemorative Coronation ware?

I’m a native of the Potteries/Stoke on Trent. I want to buy some commemorative ware for our grandchildren. I am struggling to find ware that is totally locally produced. I’d really like china not chunky ware. Help! 

Jasmine says

Having had a look online, there is not a huge amount online as there are so many different items available that are mass produced.  I have found a couple from potteries based in both Stoke on Trent and across the UK: 

• Royal Collection Shop 
• Duchess China
• Emma Bridgewater
• Marks and Spencer
• Port Meirion
• Woburn China

Where can I safely sell Royal memorabilia?

I have lots of pieces ranging of crockery going back far, from Edward VIII and George & Mary to Victoria’s jubilee. I have plates, stamps and coin collections. I also have a certified limited edition solid silver Charles and Diana platter.

What is the safest way to get the best deal when selling? 

Jasmine says

Having had a look online there are a huge number of sellers listing commemorative items on sites such as eBay. 

I did find some auction houses based in Leicestershire, please see links below. It would be worth giving them a call to see if they would be able to provide you with a valuation. 

• Churchgate Auctions tel: 0116 287 4856 – https://www.churchgateauctions.co.uk/
  
• Sutton Hill Farm Auctions tel: 0116 243 6922 – https://www.suttonhillfarmcountryauctions.com/
  

I do hope they will be able to help.