Verbal or written: which do you need?
A verbal valuation is free. It is an informal opinion from Mark on what something should make at auction, for anyone considering selling. A written valuation is a formal report for probate, estate administration or insurance, and it is chargeable: see probate and insurance valuations.
Free verbal valuation
Mark tells you what something should make at auction. Larger items for sale can be collected free; smaller ones come to the saleroom by appointment.
Written probate & insurance valuation
A written inventory with realistic market values, for probate, estate administration or insurance.
Who will value my things?
Valuations are carried out by Mark, who has over 45 years’ experience in the antiques trade. Mark has featured on Antiques Roadshow, Bargain Hunt, The One Show and Posh Pawn Brokers.
You can ring him direct on 07764 405701, or the office on 0113 250 2626.
Ways to get a free valuation
Step 1
Ring Mark or the office
Ring Mark on 07764 405701 or the office on 0113 250 2626, or send the request form below with a description and up to five photos. Tell us what you have.
Step 2
Bring it in, or have it collected
Bring smaller items to the saleroom by appointment, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Larger items for sale can be collected free, with some exceptions depending on the item and where it is.
Step 3
Mark tells you what it should make
If you go ahead and sell at auction, any reserve is agreed with you, guided by our valuer or auctioneer.
What do we value?
Anything that might go into one of our sales, and a good deal else. These are the main groups, with a real lot from one of our sales in each.
Furniture and antiques
Furniture and antiques, from a single chair to a houseful.
Ceramics and glass
Pottery and ceramics, glassware and household goods.
Jewellery and silver
Jewellery of all types, and silver.
Pictures and collectables
Pictures and prints, collectors’ items, toys, militaria and collectibles.
And much more. If you’re not sure whether something is worth a look, ring and ask.
Recently sold at Shelbys
The pieces pictured above are real lots from our recent sales. The oak joint stool catalogued as ‘Mousey Thompson’ sold for £500 in September 2026. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date sold for £2,000 and the pair of Imari ginger jars for £30, both in August 2026. Results from every sale are on Past auctions & results.
Ask for a valuation
There is a problem
Or ring Mark on 07764 405701.
Questions about valuations
Do you value single items, or only whole houses?
Both. Verbal valuations are free for all our vendors, whether you have one item or a houseful. We can also value the contents of a home as part of a house clearance.
Where can I get a free valuation for my antiques in Leeds?
At our saleroom at 281 Tong Road, Armley, Leeds LS12 4NQ. Verbal valuations are free for anyone thinking of selling at auction. Bring smaller items in by appointment, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm; ring Mark on 07764 405701 to arrange it. Larger items for sale can be collected free.
How can I get something valued for free?
Ask us for a free verbal valuation. Ring Mark on 07764 405701 or the office on 0113 250 2626, bring it to the saleroom by appointment, or send a description and photos with the request form on this page. Mark will tell you what it should make at auction. A formal written valuation, for probate or insurance, is chargeable.
Can I get my antiques valued from photos?
You can send up to five photos with the valuation request form on this page: the whole item, any marks or labels, and any damage. Mark or one of the team will look at what you’ve sent and get back to you. If you’d rather talk it through, ring Mark on 07764 405701.