Valuing Antiques
Many people often have old antiques that have been passed down from previous generations, or unusual finds from car boot sales but they have no idea of their value. Below are a few ideas to help you discover if you are sat on a fortune or just bit of old tat.
First, We recommend clicking the link below to value my stuff, as its company led by Patrick Van der Vorst and his team of 68 former Sotheby’s and Christie’s experts who specialize in over 48 collecting categories including all different types of furniture. Once you upload photographs and details of your item, Value My Stuff experts will email you a PDF report and online certificate detailing your item’s history and value within 48 hours or less. With the aim of extending expertise to everyone, Value My Stuff has been called “The Antiques Roadshow online”. Whether you wish to identify the period which your antique was made in or the type of wood or material used in addition to the commission.
secondly, start by looking online, as there are some amazing sites out there selling and displaying antiques and this can be the easiest way to find a value, especially if it is a named object or you have a slight idea of age and what the object is. Have a look around on websites like antiques world where there are vast selections of antique items for sale and so you might see your mystery item on there.
The next step I would suggest would be reference books, like millers guides. They are very informative with a price guide, photos and short descriptions. They do offer a large selection of antique furniture values so this can be useful for the larger items. You can also find more specialist books on certain ceramics, glass ware, pottery and designers, such as Gillows of Lancaster. Be careful not to buy old second hand price guides as they can be a wonderful read but the price structures may have changed and not be up to date with current market values.
A really good place to go to is antique auctions, as they have specialist valuers and if you take the item to them or send photos, they will usually give you a free valuation in the hope that you will sell your goods through them. There are two types of auctions you can try. General salerooms are perfect for most items, but if you think you have a real treasure then go to more specialist auction. Quite often they can have specialist valuation days and you will find out the full details including approximate age and value. If you do decide to sell through them just remember you will be charged a commission to sell, sometimes as much as 30 % and also lotting fees, insurance and photography fees. Also don’t forget to place a reserve or you might end up selling your prised possession for nothing.
Finally you can try expert antique dealers. They can usually give you a more one to one service but will be looking to buy the item off you and sell for a profit, so ensure you seek a reputable dealer.
Dont forget that many different things can affect the value of your antiques, like condition, restoration, age, authenticity, provenance and quality. Sometimes you can see similar looking items for thousands of pounds only to find yours is worth hundreds as it is the wrong model or has lots of alterations. For example you can see good quality antique bureaus for sale for around £2000 on antiques world but others for £500, they may look the same on the photograph but there can be a significant difference in quality and condition.
Why not have a look around antiques world to see many different collectable antiques and see if you can spot a similar piece, it may bring some light to a piece you have been wondering about for many years.
26 thoughts
I have a very large and sturdy Wylie and Lochhead limited in the states, Where might I get an evaluation here please ?
Hi
Thank you for your email, for advice or valuations on antiques please visit the following link
https://antiquesworld.co.uk/valuing-antiques/
Kind regards
James
Hi, I have Waring and Gillows Drawer, it’s got the Waring and Gillows Mark inside the top drawer and Patent No 224089. Is it worth anything. It’s been my house for over 40 yrs still in solid use and great condition but need surface touch up. I can send photos for your review.
Hi
Is this something you are looking to sell? and are you in the UK?
Thanks
James
Hi,
I have a cubboard with the mark sign MAPLE QUALITY in a drawer.
Do you know when it was made?
Hi
Thank you for your email, for advice and valuations of antiques
Please see
https://antiquesworld.co.uk/valuing-antiques/
Kind regards
James
I have a four shelf bookcase. Globe-Wernicke. it is Oak (I think). it has good original glass. has been in the family since it was new. Wondering what it is worth.
Thank you,
E. Bach
Hi
It really depends on the age and condition, these can range from £200 – £2000. If you want to send us some pictures and i can see if it is of interest for us to buy?
Thanks
James
I have a jas. shoolbred dressing table with bevel edged mirror and 3 drawers and 2 little drawers in (I think) mahogany. Could you give me some advice regarding selling it please?
Hi
If you would like to sell your antique furniture, please see our blog https://antiquesworld.co.uk/can-sell-antique-furniture/ as this explains how to do it
Thanks
James
I have a very large and sturdy Wylie and Lochhead limited in the states, Where might I get an evaluation here please ?
Hi
Thank you for your email, for advice or valuations on antiques please visit the following link
https://antiquesworld.co.uk/valuing-antiques/
Kind regards
James
I have a four shelf bookcase. Globe-Wernicke. it is Oak (I think). it has good original glass. has been in the family since it was new. Wondering what it is worth.
Thank you,
E. Bach
Hi
It really depends on the age and condition, these can range from £200 – £2000. If you want to send us some pictures and i can see if it is of interest for us to buy?
Thanks
James
Hi,
I have a cubboard with the mark sign MAPLE QUALITY in a drawer.
Do you know when it was made?
Hi
Thank you for your email, for advice and valuations of antiques
Please see
http://www.valuemystuff.com/us/how-it-works?affiliate=antiquesworld
Kind regards
James
I have a jas. shoolbred dressing table with bevel edged mirror and 3 drawers and 2 little drawers in (I think) mahogany. Could you give me some advice regarding selling it please?
Hi
If you would like to sell your antique furniture, please see our blog https://antiquesworld.co.uk/can-sell-antique-furniture/ as this explains how to do it
Thanks
James
I’m looking to sell my antique ashtray with gold.
Hi
Sorry we only deal in antique furniture
hi!,. sir/madam, i have a metal frame 7 horses that i think is more than 50yrs in my family.and starting to think that it was my life saver because of this pandemic. and i have no idea what it is?. or whats its value? im here in the philippines. if anyone,? kindly help me ? who made it or who is the artist?. and i really much appriciate it. thanks
Hi
We only deal in antique furniture so I would try your local antiques auction to help with this
Thanks
how can i send a picture? or see it if you are interested?. thabks
Hi
Please email info@antiquesworld.co.uk
Thanks
Where would I find out who made a Davenport desk ?
Hi
You would only really be able to tell if it has a makers stamp. The first were made by Gillows of Lancaster and we do have some information on Davenports here.