Furniture Valuation | Furniture Auction

Fine Furniture Overview

The landscape of traditional British and European antique furniture has evolved significantly over the past generation. Changing interior trends, shifting tastes, and the rise of contemporary design have influenced the broader market but the appetite for quality has never disappeared. At our specialist fine furniture auctions, held four times a year, we continue to see robust demand for exceptional 18th- and 19th-century pieces, particularly those with rarity, craftsmanship, and impeccable provenance.

Our dedicated furniture specialists bring decades of combined experience to every auction. Their deep knowledge of Georgian, Victorian, Regency, and Continental styles ensures accurate cataloguing, insightful condition reporting, and the ability to present every item to an engaged and sophisticated audience. This expertise directly translates into market-leading results.

Recent highlights from our fine furniture sales include:

An Edwards & Roberts serpentine-front display cabinet, achieving £3,400
A boulle commode, which attracted international bidding and sold to a French collector for £17,000
A late 19th-century Howard & Sons upholstered sofa, fetching £8,900
Additional notable results can be viewed in our past auction highlights gallery.

Whether you are an established collector, an interior designer sourcing statement pieces, or a first-time bidder drawn to the beauty and history of antique craftsmanship, our auctions provide a trusted gateway to furnishings that embody timeless quality.

What Types of Fine Furniture Do We Sell?

Our quarterly auctions typically include:

18th & Early 19th Century Furniture

Georgian mahogany chests, bureaus, and bookcases
Regency dining tables, sideboards, and card tables
Chippendale, Hepplewhite, and Sheraton-influenced pieces

Continental Furniture

French commodes, vitrines, and marquetry cabinets
Italian walnut furniture and carved giltwood items

Victorian & Edwardian Furniture

Library furniture, partners’ desks, and extending dining tables
Bedroom suites and upholstered seating, particularly from prestigious makers

Luxury & Named Makers

Items by notable cabinetmakers consistently perform well, including:

Gillows of Lancaster
Edwards & Roberts
Howard & Sons
Maple & Co.
Waring & Gillow

Decorative & Statement Pieces

Mirrors, overmantels, trumeaux
Campaign furniture and travel chests
Collectable vernacular and country furniture

Fine Furniture Valuation

Determining the value of antique furniture requires a specialist eye. Our team considers multiple factors to provide accurate, market-aligned valuations:

Condition

Wear consistent with age is expected, but integrity matters. Restoration, alterations, missing veneer, replaced handles, or structural issues can affect price.

Rarity

Unique or unusual forms, limited production pieces, and items from celebrated makers typically attract stronger interest.

Age & Provenance

Earlier examples, documented history, or association with notable estates enhance desirability.

Fashion & Market Trends

Demand fluctuates with interior design trends. Currently:

High-quality early furniture is performing strongly.
Elegant, practical items, especially smaller-scale pieces that suit modern homes, sell particularly well.
Original upholstery, untouched finishes, and patina are increasingly prized.

Craftsmanship

Hand-carving, inlay, marquetry, boulle work, and cabinet-maker signatures influence value significantly.

Our valuations are based on real-time market knowledge, past performance data, and the reach of our global bidder base. Whether you have a single heirloom or an entire house collection, we ensure your furniture is positioned for maximum success.

Selling Your Antique Furniture at Auction

As one of the UK’s leading national auction houses, we offer a comprehensive service designed to make selling your furniture easy, transparent, and rewarding.

What We Provide

Free initial valuation online, in person, or via home visit
Professional photography and cataloguing
Extensive marketing and international outreach
- Email campaigns
- Catalogue distribution
- Social media promotion
- Listings on major global auction platforms
Specialist advice on presentation, restoration, and reserves
Secure national transport, including free collection for significant consignments

Why Sell With Us?

Access to a loyal and active collector base
A strong reputation for achieving top prices for fine furniture
Transparent vendor statements and post-sale support
Multiple ways to sell: live auctions, timed online auctions, and private treaty options

To begin the process, simply contact our team or complete our online valuation form. A specialist will respond promptly with guidance tailored to your items.

Buying at Our Fine Furniture Auctions

Whether you’re adding to a collection or furnishing a home with characterful pieces, buying at auction offers value, authenticity, and the thrill of bidding.

What Buyers Can Expect

Fully illustrated catalogues with detailed descriptions
Condition reports available on request
In-person viewing days at our saleroom
Live online bidding from anywhere in the world
Secure shipping options

Tips for Successful Bidding

Register early and review the catalogue in detail
Request condition reports and additional images if needed
Set a maximum bid to avoid overbidding
Attend viewing days to inspect items first-hand
Speak to our specialists for guidance on value and authenticity

How to Prepare Your Furniture for Consignment

To help ensure the best possible auction result, consider:

Light cleaning (avoid harsh polishes)
Noting repairs, restorations, or marks of provenance
Providing any paperwork, receipts, or maker’s marks
Ensuring access for delivery or collection

Our specialists are happy to advise on whether minor restoration may enhance value—or whether untouched authenticity is preferable.

Ready to Sell or Discover More?

If you’re considering selling antique furniture or simply want expert advice on a piece you own, we’re here to help. Contact our furniture team, visit us during valuation days, or upload images via our online valuation form for a complimentary appraisal.

We welcome consignments nationwide and can provide free transport for substantial collections.

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