09/08/2025 Latest News
The news has been buzzing about our incredible discovery of a first edition of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit during a routine house clearance in Bristol. It ending up selling for a world record price of £43,000 at our specialist auction in August. The story highlights the importance of using our house clearance service to discover hidden treasures that can lie within your home, and serves as a powerful reminder of why using experts for house clearances is a crucial decision.
Whether you're dealing with a bereavement, downsizing, or simply decluttering, the task of clearing a home can be emotionally and physically taxing. In these stressful situations, it's easy to overlook items of value, which could be sent to a landfill or sold for a fraction of their worth. This is where our auction house provides a service far beyond simple rubbish removal.
When choosing a company for a house clearance, it's vital to be aware of the different types of services available and the potential risks involved with inexperienced operators.
A company that charges a flat fee for a house clearance often operates on a model that prioritizes volume over value. Their focus is on clearing the property as quickly as possible, and they may lack the expertise to identify and properly value items that are rare or have a high market value. They might see a first edition of The Hobbit as just another old book, and you could lose out on thousands of pounds.
Another dangerous scenario is using a company that offers to buy items directly from you. While this may seem like a convenient way to make a quick sale, it creates a serious conflict of interest. Without an independent and expert valuation, you have no way of knowing if the price you're being offered is fair. These companies are motivated to acquire your items for the lowest possible price to maximize their own profit, which is the exact opposite of what you, as the seller, want.
We have a team of specialists who can identify valuable items across a wide range of categories, from rare books and antiques to modern collectables, jewellery and designer goods. Our service is designed to work for your benefit, ensuring you get the maximum value for your items.
Free and Professional Valuation: Experts from our saleroom can conduct a free, no-obligation assessment of the property. Their sole purpose is to find and identify items with auction potential, giving you an honest and informed opinion on their market value.
Access to a Global Market: We have a global network of buyers and collectors, meaning your item will be exposed to a wide audience who are willing to pay a premium for specific items. The competitive bidding process naturally drives the price up, ensuring you achieve the best possible result.
Peace of Mind: Using us ensures that all items are handled with care and respect. You can have confidence that your belongings will be professionally catalogued, marketed, and sold, with all rubbish and unwanted items being disposed of responsibly.
The story of the record-breaking The Hobbit sale is a testament to the value of our professional house clearance service. It's not just about tidying up a property; it's about uncovering a hidden history and ensuring that every item gets the attention it deserves. By choosing our service, you not only make the process stress-free but also give yourself the best chance of turning a forgotten treasure into a significant sum.