How Can I Sell Silver at Auction?
To sell silver with Lyon & Turnbull, contact our specialists with photographs and any information you have about your pieces. We can assess their age, maker, hallmarks, condition and potential auction value, then recommend the most suitable sale.
You can begin with an online valuation enquiry below or arrange an appointment with our team.
What Silver Are We Looking For?
Our Silver at Home auctions welcome a broad range of antique and modern silverware, including individual pieces, matched sets and collections.
Antique Silver
We are particularly interested in Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian silver, including pieces by recognised makers and examples with interesting hallmarks, provenance or design.
Silver Tableware
From traditional dining pieces to more unusual forms, we welcome enquiries about:
- Silver cutlery and flatware
- Canteens of silver
- Silver teapots and coffee pots
- Silver trays, salvers and dishes
- Silver candlesticks and candelabra
- Silver bowls, baskets and centrepieces
- Silver cruet sets, salts and condiment pieces
- Silver napkin rings and small table accessories
Decorative & Collectable Silver
Small silver objects can be particularly appealing to collectors, especially where they demonstrate good craftsmanship or unusual design. We welcome enquiries about silver boxes, snuff boxes, vesta cases, cigarette cases, photograph frames, dressing-table accessories and other collectable pieces.
Modern & Contemporary Silver
Our specialists also consider modern and contemporary silver by established and emerging silversmiths, including pieces distinguished by their design, craftsmanship and maker.
Why Sell Silver with Lyon & Turnbull?
Specialist Knowledge
The value of silver is not determined by weight alone. Age, maker, hallmarks, design, rarity, condition and provenance can all influence collector interest and auction value. Our specialists assess these factors to establish appropriate estimates and recommend the most suitable route to sale.
A Dedicated Auction Audience
Silver at Home provides a regular opportunity for buyers to discover antique and modern silverware, from practical table silver to more unusual collectable objects.
Professional Presentation
Each accepted lot benefits from appropriate cataloguing, photography and presentation, helping buyers understand its materials, history and distinguishing features.
The Right Sale for Your Silver
Not every piece belongs in the same auction. Our team will advise whether your silver is best suited to Silver at Home or another sale within our programme including Design Since 1860, MODERN MADE and Five Centuries.
Selling Inherited Silver or a Collection?
If you have inherited silverware or are considering selling a collection built over many years, it can be difficult to know which pieces may be of interest to collectors. A group of apparently similar objects can contain work by different makers, from different periods and with very different values. Hallmarks, inscriptions and construction details can provide important clues.
Our specialists can review individual items, complete services of silver and larger collections, helping you understand what you have and how best to sell it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Silver
The best starting point is a specialist valuation. The value of antique and modern silver depends on factors including maker, age, hallmarks, weight, condition, rarity and current market demand. Lyon & Turnbull can provide auction valuation advice based on the individual pieces.
Yes. You do not need a complete collection to request a valuation. Our specialists can advise whether an individual piece is suitable for auction.
Yes. We regularly advise clients considering selling inherited items, family silver and collections. Photographs and details of any hallmarks are a useful starting point.
Some silver-plated objects may be suitable, particularly where the maker, design or historical interest is significant. Our specialists can advise on individual pieces. Not all silver plate will be appropriate for auction.
British silver hallmarks can provide information about the standard of silver, assay office, maker and date. Clear photographs of these marks can help our specialists assess your pieces.
No. We recommend seeking advice before polishing or attempting restoration, particularly with antique or collectable silver. Original surfaces and patina can be important to collectors.
Lyon & Turnbull offers specialist silver valuation services through its teams in Edinburgh, Glasgow and London, with enquiries also welcome from across the UK. You can begin by submitting photographs through our online valuation service.