Valuations of Antiques & Chattels

The valuers in our Auction Department can provide inspections and written valuation reports of antiques, chattels and household items for the purposes of probate, transfer of ownership and insurance. Our fees are very competitive and are based on an hourly rate of £75 plus VAT per hour with the initial hour or minimum fee charged at £75 plus VAT. Details of the main types of valuation are given below. If you are looking for a valuation of items prior to entering them into auction please see our Selling at Auction pages.

Probate Valuations
When someone dies their estate has to be valued for taxation purposes. Probate valuations are carried out for solicitors or in many cases the executors of deceased estates. House contents are fully itemised and valued. The value used for probate will represent the lower end of an auction estimate. Usually a report giving only the total value of the contents is required but itemised reports can be provided on request. We can also assist in identifying and valuing bequeathed items.

Priority is given to probate valuations since they are usually required as quickly as possible. If there are items of value that are going to be sold in the auction rooms we can organise swift removal and storage if they are no longer covered by insurance with the property no longer being occupied. We also offer full or part house clearance services and property probate valuations.

Transfer of ownership
As for probate valuations a report for transfer of ownership will detail items requested with a value representing the lower end of an auction estimate.

Insurance Valuations
It is important to have an accurate assessment of your home contents since many insurance policies have a single item limit of £1,000 so your antiques and collectables may not be adequately covered. Equally, it is also important not to be over insured and incur unnecessarily high costs. A professional valuation will ensure you can agree the correct level of cover needed with your insurance company and broker and will, in the event of a theft or claim, assist the identification and recovery of items and ensure a swift conclusion.

Prior to the valuation being carried out you should discuss what information is required by your insurance company or broker and we may need to do an assessment visit to give you an idea of the time the inspection will take.

The valuation will provide detailed descriptions with measurements and distinguishing features along with digital images and the values representing our opinion of the retail replacement cost.

Two copies of the valuation are usually provided one for you an one for your insurance company.

To enquire further about our valuation services please complete the request form or call the Auction Rooms on Tel. 01507 611107.