Could your home be hiding valuable antiques?

Have you ever paused in your hallway or kitchen and wondered, “Could that be worth something?” The answer might surprise you. Hidden within everyday homes can be genuine antiques and collectables that hold more than sentimental value, but financial value too. By learning what to look for, you give yourself the chance to rediscover treasures you might otherwise overlook.

PM Antiques and Collectables offers a straightforward way to find out whether your item or collection has real value. If you have owned a piece for years, inherited something or need help during a house clearance, Phil can provide a fair quotation. Simply send photographs and any details you have, such as receipts or packaging, although these are helpful rather than essential. Phil can assess most items from photos and can arrange collection for larger pieces. Once a price is agreed payment is made quickly which removes the hassle of selling privately or through auction.

Common valuable items

Furniture

Look for solid, well-made pieces crafted from quality hardwoods. Details such as dovetail joints, hand-carved decoration, or original fittings often indicate skill and lasting value. Furniture from known makers or distinct design periods tends to attract serious buyers.

Decorative Items

Home decor items like Mirrors, lighting, ceramics, trays, and sculptures can all have value. Pieces that are unusual or connected to well-known design styles, such as Art Deco or Mid-century Modern, are often in high demand. Lucie Rie studio pottery is among the most sought after names in home decor, with signed pieces such reaching around £2,700 and mugs selling at £1,300.

Collectables

Collectables cover a wide range of items, including vintage toys, glassware, porcelain, old packaging, and printed memorabilia. Items with distinctive design, rarity, or historical interest are especially desirable.

Border Fine Arts remains one of the most popular names in collectables, with limited edition pieces reaching around £900 for the most sought after models, while high demand Robert Harrop figures often fall within the £570 to £800 range.

Art

Original paintings, prints, and sculptures by known or regional artists can hold significant value. Always check for artist signatures, condition, and provenance before selling or restoring. Signed limited edition prints by King Charles III are among the most valuable, with works such as Balmoral Castle and his Greek landscape studies often reaching between £3,800 and £4,000.

Jewellery

Vintage jewellery often combines artistry with precious materials. Look for hallmarks, maker’s marks, and signs of handcrafting. Victorian, Art Nouveau, and twentieth-century designer pieces are particularly popular among collectors.

Silverware

Silverware like sterling and hallmarked silver sets, trays, and cutlery can be valuable, especially if they are complete or made by a respected silversmith. At PM Antiques, some of our most valuable silverware pieces are 20th century creations by makers such as David Lawrence, including sterling silver brooches, typically valued around £170.

How to identify valuable items

1. Age, rarity, provenance, and condition
   Items that are older, rare, well-documented, and in good condition tend to be more valuable. Heavy wear or poor restoration can reduce their worth.
2. Marks and signatures
   Look for details such as maker’s stamps, hallmarks, or artist signatures. These marks help distinguish ordinary items from collectable ones.
3. Compare similar items
   Check online auction results, price guides, and resale listings to understand what similar items have sold for.
4. Get in touch
   Contact us to find out if your antique or collection is valuable. 

Where to look for vintage antiques

If you inherit a property filled with years of belongings it can be difficult to know what might have real value. PM Antiques can help by carrying out a walk through, especially when full collections are hard to photograph or when valuable pieces are mixed in with everyday items.

Attics, lofts and basements often hold forgotten artwork. Cupboards and bedroom drawers can hide jewellery or small decorative pieces and living rooms may contain mirrors or framed prints worth checking. Garages and outbuildings can also reveal vintage tools or furniture that collectors look for. A careful review ensures that nothing important is overlooked.

From furniture and artwork to jewellery and silverware, valuable antiques can be hidden in the most unexpected places. If you believe you have discovered something special, get in touch.