08/09/2026 Latest News
Antique valuation days offer a straightforward way to find out more about items you own, whether you are considering selling them or are simply curious about their history and potential value.
You might have inherited a piece of jewellery, discovered an old painting in the loft or come across an unusual object while clearing a relative’s home. A valuation day gives you the opportunity to show the item to an experienced valuer and receive an informed opinion about what it is, when it may have been made and what it could achieve at auction.
Here is what you can expect when attending an antique valuation day.
This depends on how the valuation day is organised. Some events operate on a walk-in basis, allowing you to arrive during the advertised hours without booking. Others use appointment slots, particularly when specialist valuers are attending or when the event is expected to be busy. At Auctioneum there is no need to book, please just turn up on the day.
It is always worth checking the arrangements before travelling. You may also be asked to provide a brief description or photographs beforehand, especially if the item is large, unusual or particularly valuable.
Bring the item itself wherever it is practical and safe to do so.
You should also bring any information or paperwork connected with it, including:
This information is known as provenance. Good provenance can help a valuer establish an item’s history and may sometimes increase its appeal to buyers.
Do not worry when you have little or no background information. Many people attend antique valuation days with items they have inherited and know very little about.
Valuation days often cover a broad range of antiques and collectables, including:
The precise categories covered will depend on the valuers attending. Some events are general valuation days, while others concentrate on a particular area, such as jewellery, watches, fine art or collectables.
For very large items, such as furniture, it may be better to take detailed photographs rather than transporting the item. Include images of the front, back and sides, along with close-ups of labels, signatures, maker’s marks and any damage.
The valuer will usually begin by asking what you know about the object and how it came into your possession.
They may then examine:
For jewellery, the valuer may inspect hallmarks, settings, stones and craftsmanship. A painting may be assessed according to the artist, subject, medium, size, condition and ownership history.
The valuation is based on professional knowledge, previous auction results and current market demand. It is an informed estimate, rather than a guaranteed selling price.
A straightforward valuation may take only a few minutes. More unusual or potentially significant items can take longer, particularly when the valuer needs to inspect marks, consult reference material or carry out additional research.
Busy walk-in events may involve some waiting, especially if several visitors arrive at the same time. Bringing only your most promising or relevant items can help keep the process manageable.
Ask in advance when you have a large collection. The auction house may recommend a separate appointment or a home visit instead.
Many valuation days provide a verbal auction estimate rather than a formal written document.
A verbal valuation is often sufficient when you want to understand whether an item may be suitable for auction. Formal written valuations for insurance, probate or legal purposes are usually a separate service and may involve a fee.
It is important to explain why you need the valuation. An auction valuation is not the same as an insurance valuation.
An auction estimate reflects the amount an item may achieve if offered for sale. An insurance valuation usually reflects the cost of replacing the item and may therefore be considerably higher.
Many auction houses offer free valuation days for people who may be considering selling through auction. However, arrangements vary, so check before attending.
A free auction valuation will usually provide an estimated selling range and advice about whether the item is suitable for an upcoming auction.
Formal valuations for insurance, probate, family division or legal purposes are more detailed and will normally be charged separately.
Attending an antique valuation day does not normally commit you to selling.
You can receive the valuer’s opinion, ask questions and take time to consider your options. When the item appears suitable for auction, the valuer may explain:
You can then decide whether you would like the auction house to handle the sale.
When an item appears particularly valuable, rare or unusual, the auction house may recommend further research before confirming an estimate.
This could include consulting a specialist, checking auction records, investigating provenance or arranging closer examination. In some cases, the item may be better suited to a specialist auction rather than a general sale.
The auction house should explain the next steps and provide guidance on storage, insurance and safe transportation where necessary.
Avoid cleaning, polishing or repairing an antique before it has been examined.
Well-intentioned cleaning can remove an original finish, damage delicate materials or reduce an item’s value. This is especially important with old coins, silver, paintings, furniture, ceramics and historic textiles.
Bring the item in its current condition and allow the valuer to advise you. Normal signs of age are not always considered faults, and original condition can be more desirable than an unsympathetic restoration.
After examining the item, the valuer will usually explain what they believe it is and provide an estimated auction value.
You may then choose to:
Even when an item has limited financial value, the valuation may still provide useful information about its age, origin or purpose.
An antique valuation day can be a useful first step when you are unsure what an item is worth or whether it may be suitable for auction.
Auctioneum holds valuation opportunities for antiques, jewellery, watches, artwork, collectables and other specialist items. Bring the item itself where practical, along with any paperwork or information you have about its history.
Find out about forthcoming valuation days here or contact us to arrange an auction valuation.