Items Of Value

[Barsel]

I wouldn't say I was a hoarder, but I have kept certain items purely for sentimental reasons.
As far as I was aware, they didn't have any monetary value but, just recently, I've come across a few things I have owned for a very long time, 50+ years,(some of them that belonged to my mother are even older) and found exact items for sale on e-bay for sale and have been surprised at how much people are asking for them. I know this sounds morbid, but when I kick the bucket, I have a feeling that my daughters would probably just chuck out a lot of my things, and I wondered,, are there any places where I could take these items now, to see if they are worth anything? I'm not talking expensive antiques, just everyday items like a biscuit barrel, a vase, cups and saucers etc. Perhaps there may be places online where you could get a valuation by sending a picture.Any other Abers done this?

[barry1010]

You've answered your own question really - find them on eBay and check the 'completed' listings. Then you will see what the end buyer is prepared to pay, not a middle man who will pay you less.
Otherwise auction houses have regular valuation days.

[Barsel]

barry, the items on ebay can vary a lot depending on condition or even what people think they can get for them. The biscuit barrel I saw was described as having some paint marks on it and in need of a new seal for the lid, and they were asking £25 for it. The one I own is as good as new, not a single mark on it and hardly ever used, so how would I know how much I could ask for mine? How do I find out where these auction houses are that have regular valuation days?

[barry1010]

Check the completed listings then you will see what they really sold for, not what the seller hopes for. Hopefully you will find a few in similar condition to yours.
Just google 'auction houses' to find the ones local to you, then go to their websites for the valuation days, they are often once a month or quarterly.

[alavahalf]

It's a true saying ..'Everyone has their price'.. Fancy selling off your family heirlooms!
Only joking.. You already have the answer as in 'Use eBay'. The other alternative is give them to a charity shop. More than likely someone will recognise the items value, buy them and then sell them on eBay.
Or you could keep them for another 50 years?

[barry1010]

If you have the time you could google each item. I bet you find identical items listed for sale off eBay, including auction houses as most hold online auctions these days. Also on Pinterest.
Some auction houses show the sold prices.

[barry1010]

I don't know if you'd find this useful, it is half the price of the latest edition
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Millers-Antiques-Handbook-Price-Guide-2018-2019-Miller-Judith-Very-Good-Book/383793242553?epid=238498326&hash=item595bdc21b9:g:24oAAOSwgEJfoVpA

[Barsel]

alavahalf if I were to keep them for another 50 yrs, I would be 124 yrs old, Lol.
I used to watch Flog It and sometimes people would bring things in that were't worth a fortune but, by the time they've paid commission, they are not left with very much.
I have never sold things on ebay, but I suppose if I find out what they sell for, I could leave a note for my daughters to say some things could be of value. I have noticed though, that somethings can come down in value over time.

[barry1010]

Yes indeed. What is 'hot' today could be 'rot' tomorrow.
Do your children a favour and sell the stuff you don't use. Save them a job.

[Vagus]

What we’ve done is point out to our children which items have come down through the family and are probably worth either hanging on for sentimental reasons (one of our children is a real softy and would probably want to keep all that stuff)or selling when the time comes.
We’ve decided it’s a job for them once we’ve popped our clogs.

[alavahalf]

Whatever you get can go towards your 125th birthday party !!!

[Barsel]

barry ///Do your children a favour and sell the stuff you don't use. Save them a job.///
I wish I could, but it is too sentimental to me, not so much for my daughters who would want the money!
Will probably go with Vagus's suggestion.

[Barsel]

alavahalf Lol.

[tamborine]

Pass to children & gkids as xmas/birthday pressies. Saves the hassle of ebay p&p & whingers seeking discounts. TV auction sales seem only to have a handful of buyers, so limiting sale price.

[Barsel]

tamborine, I suppose there might me a possibility that 2 of my daughters might like some things especially if they think they are worth something. :-)

[AuntPollyGrey]

10. 26: Yes Barsel your relatives would just love a 1950's biscuit barrel or a set of cocktail glasses from the 1960's as a Christmas/birthday gift.
lol!

You don't seem to either want to sell them or give them away but want your family to know what they are worth when you die. Really this is not your problem -even if they throw them away you will be gone, and it's up to them to deal with your belongings. Maybe let them know now that some things might be valuable then leave it up to them what they do with them.

[AuntPollyGrey]

Just as an added not , my mother recently died and had a large collection of Wedgwood. She has spent a small fortune over the years on it, including buying a large clock in the 1970's that cost the equivelent of a mans wage. This clock -in pristine condition - was valued at £25-30 by the local auctioneer. We just gave everything to the Heart Foundation, they came and cleared the house after family had taken anything they wanted for sentimental reasons.

[tamborine]

am clearing lots to choldren & gkids. They can keep or sell but the goodies would have been their inheritance

[Buenchico]

Most local auctioneers will value items free of charge as long as you don't want the valuation in writing for insurance purposes. (Then they charge a fee as, obviously, you're not considering selling through them).

Even some of the 'big boys' offer such a free service. For example, I've taken an item into Bonham's prestigious auction house in London (without an appointment) and only had to wait a few minutes before getting a detailed appraisal and valuation from the same guy that people queue up for hours to see on the Antiques Roadshow. I've also accompanied a friend who was getting a vase valued at Sotheby's for free (again, without an appointment).

The types of items you've mentioned in your post might not merit a trip to a 'top class' auctioneer but it could still be worth enquiring at a local auction house in your area.

[ladybirder]

I emailed my local auction house a picture of a long case clock and got an estimated price back the same day.

[shoota]

If you google 'online valuations' you get a list of auction houses who will do exactly that.
If you have anything of real value then: https://www.valuemystuff.com/uk
but they do make a charge which may be more than your item is worth.