joybelle Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 I inherited a very old sterling silver pocket watch which I think belonged to my grandfather. It is one hundred and sixty years old so it could have been owned by someone before him, and it still keeps good time. As it has been tucked away in a drawer for ages I thought I might as well try and sell it. I went into a well known jewellers in Northampton and asked them how much it might be worth, I left it with them for a fortnight and they got back to me today and offered me a ridiculously small amount for it. Does anyone know where I can get a proper valuation for this type of thing, I dont want to be ripped off!! Joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaireG Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 I know my Mum has used Michael Jones in Banbury for a lot of valuations in the past and been very happy. They have a shop in Northampton as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joybelle Posted September 24, 2011 Author Share Posted September 24, 2011 Thats where I took it Joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 Antique dealer ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Looney Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 In addition to getting a valuation perhaps you could check on Ebay to see if there are any similar watches for sale and what kind of prices they are going for? We've done that for a couple of things, just to see what the market is like, before trying to sell. OHs Mum had to get a lot of clocks valued, she used someone down in the southwest so prob no good for you but I do remember her having to look around for someone she trusted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willow Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 I'd go for a specialist that deals in antique watches, they are the only people really able to know what it could sell for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 Do you have a local rep for Christies or Bonhams? They are usually very good - especially if they think you want to sell it!!!! But bear in mind that an auction valuation is different from (less than) a 'shop' valuation (ie; what you would have to pay for it if you wanted to buy it in a shop rather than what you could expect to sell it for at auction bearing in mind it might be bought by a dealer who would, in turn, want to make a profit selling it on!! ) There is a shop in Thame - a few junctions down the M40 - called Rosemary and Thyme. They valued a clock for us and were helpful! Hope that makes sense! Good idea to get a few valuations if you can and compare them. Try local Yellow Pages etc too! Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 Mum took some of her old gold to Hattons, on Goldstreet in town, and they offered a good amount. Not sure if it would be the same for jewelry valuations but worth a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squiffs Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 Sam, your mum would have got a good amount for gold as the price of it per gram is at a record high. Antique silver watches, however, are in a different ballpark to gold or jewellery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 The offer was still more than other jewelers in town, but as I said not sure if they'd be as generous with watches, but worth a try if you're in town anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 Erm, it's a tough one. A dealer will only be interested in buying it for as little as possible to make as much profit as possible for themselves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 My father in law is a hobby Horologist, I could ask him if he has any general recommendations for you If you pm me some details I can also ask him to look in his extensive collection of catalogues and books to see if there are any guideline values Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowberry Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 I would go to a specialist Horologist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowberry Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 oop! Double post Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted September 25, 2011 Share Posted September 25, 2011 Another thought - what about looking in the Miller's price guide? These are huge books, issued each year, with up to date (ish) prices on a whole range of antiques. Your local library should have a copy - or be able to get one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joybelle Posted September 25, 2011 Author Share Posted September 25, 2011 My father in law is a hobby Horologist, I could ask him if he has any general recommendations for you If you pm me some details I can also ask him to look in his extensive collection of catalogues and books to see if there are any guideline values Thanks for that Tasha, Im going to get the watch back from the jewellers to-morrow. Its got the makers name inside and the date , I`ll pm you then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
