Highlighting the Importance of Antique Valuations Before Auction
13/06/2025 General News
Having a true understanding of the value of the antique that you wish to sell is imperative to ensure you set the right reserve price for the piece and avoid underselling or even over valuing the item and therefore deterring potential bidders resulting in you not selling. An independent valuation plays such a key role in the assessment of your piece and its value, before it goes live at the auction house. As mentioned, a valuer's expertise means that you can avoid under or over valuing your items.
Choosing a reputable, knowledgeable valuer, can make a significant impact on your auction experience and the success of your sale. Here at Hutchinson Scott, we offer a free valuation service. This can be done by emailing us with a picture of your antique, bringing it to us or we do also offer the ability to view larger collections in person. This personalised approach not only ensures accuracy when it comes to valuing your items but also instils confidence, assurance and clarity. Within this post we discuss the importance of a professional valuation, how they help to avoid under or over valuing your item and the true benefits a reputable valuer and auction house bring.
The Role of Independent Valuers and Valuations
An independent valuer will provide an unbiased, professional opinion on what your item is worth. Factors that are considered include its condition, age, market demand and historical significance. This expert opinion is invaluable and is the only way to obtain a realistic yet competitive valuation and therefore auction price for your antique. If you choose to not obtain a professional independent valuation, then you are at risk of under and or over pricing the item; and therefore, potentially not selling at all.
An experienced and knowledgeable valuer will also be able to give you a robust and solid understanding of your item, its history, age, historical importance, the demand for prospective buyers and its potential market value, all making sure that you are prepared to set a competitive reserve price at auction, having a sale price in mind.
By choosing to use the services of a professional valuer from an antique house, we will guide you on the cleaning, restoration and preservation requirements and efforts that are required to ensure you obtain maximum value. This will make
sure that your item is the best it possibly can be for auction and means that you do not make unnecessary alterations that could diminish the value. Our independent valuations help sellers maximise the value of their item by offering a clear and accurate valuation that reflects the condition, age, demand, market conditions and true potential of the item being sold.
Professional Valuations Help Avoid Under or Over Restoration and Preserve Value
You may be sitting at home looking at an antique item that you want to sell and thinking it just needs a good clean and polish. You are more than likely not wrong but this is truly where the expertise of an independent valuer is critical as their role is about determining the appropriate level of restoration and cleaning that is needed. Over restoration can damage the authenticity and originality which can potentially reduce its value whilst under restoration which can leave it in a potentially poor condition, making it less appealing to buyers.
A skilled valuer will assess the condition of the item and provide guidance on whether cleaning and or restoration is necessary and to what extent. This approach will make sure that your item maintains its originality and historical integrity but be presented in the best way it can be and be auction ready, maximising its value and potential at auction.
How Hutchinson Scott can be your Valuer of Choice
At Hutchinson Scott we take pride in our ability to offer independent valuations, providing a clear, professional assessment of your item. We are a respected, reputable and trusted antique house in Yorkshire, and we have a team of experts who bring years of experience across a wide range of specialisms, from collectables, fine art appraisals, historical artifacts and rare furniture. Our team can help you accurately determine the market value of your item, taking into consideration its condition, authenticity and the appropriate levels of cleaning and restoration that may be required.
Understanding the true value of your items is crucial before putting them up for sale, and our expert team is here to guide you through this critical step. We're committed to ensuring your antiques are accurately valued, with the goal of maximising their potential sale price. We are also careful not to overvalue items; this can discourage potential buyers and result in unsold lots. We take pride in providing precise and well-considered valuations. We assess every aspect of your items, taking into account factors such as age, condition, rarity, and market demand. This approach allows us to find the right balance, setting prices that attract serious bidders while ensuring you receive fair compensation for your items.
With our expertise, you can confidently rely on us to provide thorough and accurate valuations, setting the stage for a successful sale. We are a professional auction house that offers accuracy, professionalism and experience. To learn more about the item you wish to sell and for us to talk you through our valuation process; please call us on 01756 798333. We look forward to hearing from you.
