How to Identify and Sell Valuable Antiques

At Hutchinson Scott, we know that valuable antiques often lie in the most unexpected places. Pieces that have been sitting unused in your loft or in forgotten corners of your home could hold significant value for others, collectors and antique enthusiasts. Perhaps you have a vintage clock, a set of fine china, or an elegant piece of furniture that no longer has a place in your life. Every piece has a story, history and its own uniqueness and your unused piece might just be the ideal find for someone else. 

We have created this blog to explore how you can identify valuable antiques in your home, how we can help you sell them and make sure they find a new home where they will be revered. Whether you are looking to have a clear out, declutter, or you simply want to see your items being appreciated and going to a new home, here at Hutchinson Scott, we can guide you through the process of getting your pieces valued, advertised and ultimately sold at auction.  

Identifying Valuable Antiques in Your Home

Some may be surprised to know that identifying an antique doesn’t necessarily require expert knowledge, just an eye for quality and craftsmanship. At Hutchinson Scott we have extensive experience of sourcing and identifying antiques, helping you uncover hidden treasures you may not have realised you owned. Whether it’s furniture, art, ceramics, clocks, glassware, watches, silver, bronzes, automobilia, walking sticks, or jewellery, our specialists can provide insights into an item’s history, value, and potential market interest and have compiled the below information to help you get started;

• Start by looking for items in your home that are well made. These may be old pieces that have been gathering dust, but if they are still in good condition and have stood the test of time this is a great indicator that they could be valuable or have some value to them.  Items crafted with care and that have been created using quality materials often retain their value over the years. 
• Pay attention to craftsmanship details like solid wood construction, detailed and intricate carvings, or unique finishes, as these elements can significantly improve the desirability amongst collectors and people who visit our auctions. It doesn’t matter if these pieces have been hidden or tucked away for years, their potential could be huge and there may be someone who has been looking for that exact piece for years at one of our auctions. 
• If you have items of furniture in your home that may have been hidden away or realise you just don’t need them anymore, take the time to see if they are of a solid construction and quality craftsmanship. Look for details like strong joints, quality wood, and well made upholstery if there is any as these are signs, your item could be of some value as well as offering its next owner a solid and beautifully crafted piece. Older furniture that has been carefully crafted can be highly sought after by collectors and antique enthusiasts. It may be worth more than you think. 
• Antique clocks, vintage jewellery, porcelain, and fine china all can hold significant value as well as interest, especially if they have distinctive markings or are from well known makers. Historical items, such as scientific instruments or military memorabilia, can also be worth more than we think and the age of an item can play a large role in its value so we recommend that if you find any of these type of items in your home to extensively explore them, looking for distinctive markings and take the time to do some research into the pieces as you may find out something truly valuable and rare. 
• It is important to not worry if the item isn’t in the best condition as restoration can take place if needed. Condition is important and whilst some wear and tear can add to a piece’s character, excessive damage can decrease its value. If you find an item that is damaged and not in the best condition, then we recommend you contact our team and we can provide a professional evaluation and discuss its value. We also recommend you contact a restoration expert who can assess your item and what needs to be done to maintain the balance between restoration and conservation. 

How We Can Help Find your Unused Items a New Home

At Hutchinson Scott, we take pride in our ability in helping you find new homes for your unused items, whether they’re antiques, collectibles, or cherished household pieces. Our experts can provide you with a free valuation which will assess the true worth of your items, providing you with a clear understanding of what their potential is. With years of experience in the auction industry, our team will guide you through the process, making sure that your items receive the attention they truly deserve. Contact us today for us to discuss your forgotten treasures and how they could be someone’s ideal find. Please call our experts on 01756 798333 to find out more.