22/05/2025 Latest News
If you’re arranging a house clearance in Bristol, Bath, or the surrounding areas of Somerset, you might be surprised at what hidden treasures could be waiting to be discovered. Whether you're clearing a modest terrace, a family home, or a grand country estate, it’s not uncommon for valuable items to be found tucked away in drawers, attics, and cupboards — sometimes completely overlooked for generations.
At Auctioneum, we specialise in a full service house clearances. Not only do we take care of the practical side — removing, sorting, and disposing of items where needed — but we also bring our expertise as qualified antiques and collectables auctioneers to every single job. That means we’re not just clearing your home; we’re actively looking for ways to help you make money from its contents.
There are many types of valuable items commonly uncovered during house clearances, and this is why it’s so important to choose a clearance service that can offer expert valuation and auction. Here are a few examples:
Old jewellery boxes and vanity drawers can hold more than sentimental pieces — they can be home to valuable gold, silver, antique or designer jewellery. Even items that appear dated or broken may still carry considerable value depending on their metal content, design, or provenance.
At Auctioneum, our jewellery auctions include antique brooches, Victorian rings, Art Deco pieces, and contemporary designer jewellery, along with sought-after watch brands like Rolex and Omega. During a house clearance, our valuers will carefully assess any jewellery found and advise on whether it’s worth entering into one of our regular sales.
Military memorabilia is one of the most commonly underestimated categories in house clearances. Items like old medals, uniforms, swords, badges, and wartime documents are often stashed in lofts or back rooms and assumed to be of little value. In truth, many of these items are extremely collectable and often fetch high prices at auction.
Auctioneum’s militaria specialists are trained to identify historically significant items and provide accurate, honest valuations. We hold regular auctions that include everything from British war medals to vintage military equipment and documentation.
If you come across a bookshelf filled with dusty hardbacks, don’t dismiss them too quickly. Antiquarian and rare books can be surprisingly valuable, particularly first editions, early prints, and books signed by well-known authors.
We run dedicated book auctions where collectors look for everything from centuries-old tomes to niche 20th-century classics. During a house clearance, our team can assess your collection and identify any potential gems.
From sports memorabilia to film posters, vintage toys, and even autographs, collectable items are increasingly popular with online and in-person auction audiences alike. What might seem like clutter from a childhood bedroom or forgotten storage box could be exactly what a collector is searching for.
One of our most talked-about sales each year is the British Comedy Auction, where signed scripts, props, and collectables from beloved TV classics such as Only Fools and Horses and Star Wars often fetch remarkable sums. During house clearances in Bristol and Bath, we frequently come across rare and nostalgic items that deserve a second life — and a new home.
From mid-century modern to classic antique, furniture remains one of the core areas of value in house clearances. Whether it’s a Georgian chest of drawers, an Edwardian armchair, or a Victorian dresser, furniture is often overlooked because of its age or wear.
Auctioneum’s furniture auctions are held regularly at our Bath saleroom and attract both collectors and interior designers looking for high-quality pieces with character. As part of your clearance, we’ll identify any items of furniture that are saleable and arrange transportation to our saleroom for valuation and photography.
It’s not unusual for a seemingly ordinary sideboard to contain a valuable set of ceramics or glassware. From Royal Doulton and Wedgwood to Moorcroft, Clarice Cliff, and Lalique, collectable pottery and decorative items can fetch strong prices under the hammer.
Our antiques and fine art auctions frequently feature such pieces, and our team is experienced in recognising both well-known and obscure makers that carry market value.
There are many companies offering house clearance services in Bath and Bristol, but few combine clearance with the ability to professionally appraise and auction your items for the best possible return. We believe that every clearance deserves the same level of attention, whether you're dealing with a few boxes or an entire estate.
If you're looking for house clearance services in Bristol, Bath, or the wider Somerset area, Auctioneum is here to help. We offer a complete, stress-free solution that not only clears your property but also gives you the opportunity to unlock the true value of its contents.
Contact us today to book your free consultation or to find out more about our upcoming auctions.
You can also learn more about our full house clearance service here.