Probate figures are notoriously low, Kathy, so don't be disheartened by any that don't seem to represent an item's worth. Sadly, something is only worth what someone is prepared to pay, and there is a huge downturn in antiques, particularly furniture, at present. But there is a major upturn in small collectables and smaller objects, especially quirky items. Murano glass (from Murano, just outside Venice) is selling well again, if not at huge prices, having gone through a very unfashionable phase.
People are, generally, I'm afraid, swerving things that have to be polished and cleaned to look good. Accordingly, be prepared to be a bit disappointed on prices for silverplate, copper, and brass, although small solid silver items will still go well: little snuff boxes, vinaigrettes, card cases, place name holders, chatelaines, toilet and manicure sets.
Dark woods, heavily carved (i.e. dust trap) furnishings, and rugs are all way down in price nowadays. Due to popular interior design shows on telly, homeowners are furnishing in light colours, using minimal ornamentation, although the 'right' piece is still sought for certain buyers.
If you've been left any pottery, look very carefully for Clarice Cliff, whose name could sell anything, Troika pottery from Cornwall (now wildly back in fashion), Bernard Leach pottery from St Ives, Cornwall (always highly-valued, and holding), and if you find any Lucy Rie you're thousands in. Moorcroft, depending on size, colour and date, is a winner, and there are profits to be made from selected Sylvac, Carlton Ware, Royal Worcester and Royal Doulton pieces. German and French porcelain pieces, provided they're from good houses, sell well.
As for your pictures, may I suggest you don't go to the expense of getting any oils cleaned until you've had a valuer in, unless you plan to keep them yourself? Once again, the market is very selective, so if there is a gem among them, you're better off seeing if it can go through a specialist, such as Sothebys, who'd advise whether to clean or not. Proper cleaning and possible repair can cost hundreds per picture, and if that's all they'll be worth at sale, you're better off not bothering.
Sorry if I sound like Aunt Agatha on this, but sometimes it's best to wait and see what a good, respected valuer can advise if you plan to let some pieces go, rather than thinking they've got to look good before they can be sold!
People are, generally, I'm afraid, swerving things that have to be polished and cleaned to look good. Accordingly, be prepared to be a bit disappointed on prices for silverplate, copper, and brass, although small solid silver items will still go well: little snuff boxes, vinaigrettes, card cases, place name holders, chatelaines, toilet and manicure sets.
Dark woods, heavily carved (i.e. dust trap) furnishings, and rugs are all way down in price nowadays. Due to popular interior design shows on telly, homeowners are furnishing in light colours, using minimal ornamentation, although the 'right' piece is still sought for certain buyers.
If you've been left any pottery, look very carefully for Clarice Cliff, whose name could sell anything, Troika pottery from Cornwall (now wildly back in fashion), Bernard Leach pottery from St Ives, Cornwall (always highly-valued, and holding), and if you find any Lucy Rie you're thousands in. Moorcroft, depending on size, colour and date, is a winner, and there are profits to be made from selected Sylvac, Carlton Ware, Royal Worcester and Royal Doulton pieces. German and French porcelain pieces, provided they're from good houses, sell well.
As for your pictures, may I suggest you don't go to the expense of getting any oils cleaned until you've had a valuer in, unless you plan to keep them yourself? Once again, the market is very selective, so if there is a gem among them, you're better off seeing if it can go through a specialist, such as Sothebys, who'd advise whether to clean or not. Proper cleaning and possible repair can cost hundreds per picture, and if that's all they'll be worth at sale, you're better off not bothering.
Sorry if I sound like Aunt Agatha on this, but sometimes it's best to wait and see what a good, respected valuer can advise if you plan to let some pieces go, rather than thinking they've got to look good before they can be sold!
K
Kathy
Guest
Krizon, you are a star! 
Thanks for the advice. I have some Albemarle Royal Worcester and "Easten Flowers" (with a pattern number) by Wedgewood.
I will take your advice about the paintings. One of them is painted on zinc which is evidently very unusual. Some of the pictures I wouldn't really keep as they are not to my personal taste, but I am going to have an interesting time finding out their values and seeing them go through the auction!
Any more advice gratefully received!
Thanks for the advice. I have some Albemarle Royal Worcester and "Easten Flowers" (with a pattern number) by Wedgewood. I will take your advice about the paintings. One of them is painted on zinc which is evidently very unusual. Some of the pictures I wouldn't really keep as they are not to my personal taste, but I am going to have an interesting time finding out their values and seeing them go through the auction!
Any more advice gratefully received!
Shadow Leader
At the Start
- Joined
- Nov 9, 2003
- Messages
- 9,884
Nah, we did the one with the two pence pieces.
It can't apply to Diet Coke though as I've still got all my teeth (no fillings either
) and I drink a few gallons of the stuff a week!
BrianH
At the Start
Yep, totally false. (The story about Coca-Cola dissoving teeth overnight that is!)
Did you actually dissolve a tooth in it, then? That's amazing, since even Haigh, the Acid Bath Murderer, didn't risk putting his victims' heads in sulphuric acid. The police said that acid would not have dissolved their teeth - as it didn't dissolve Mrs Durand Deacon's gallstones, hence his conviction and execution. And cremation heat has to be as high as it is in order to reduce tooth enamel to crushable levels. If Coke beats both acid and cremation furnaces, I'm really impressed!
A
Ardross
Guest
Law students used to enjoy the Haigh murders as being the only interesting part of property law .
They seemed to understand that the Land Register could be rectified after the registered proprietor had been dissolved !
They seemed to understand that the Land Register could be rectified after the registered proprietor had been dissolved !
BrianH
At the Start
It sure is - but I hope that your teeth are OK
Shadow Leader
At the Start
- Joined
- Nov 9, 2003
- Messages
- 9,884
Apart from anything else, if Paul did see a tooth being dissolved in Coke overnight - who was the poor bastard who had to give up a tooth?! :blink:
BrianH
At the Start
Even worse, as Coke doesn't dissolve teeth what on earth was it they were drinking?
K
Kathy
Guest
Having spent my Saturday night in brass cleaning, I now must have the cleanest brass in Berkshire. B)