Why Trustees Should Begin with a Valuation
The first step in any decision to sell church silver is obtaining a professional valuation. A valuation establishes an accurate market estimate based on craftsmanship, hallmarks, provenance, condition and current demand.
Without this step, trustees risk underselling historically significant pieces or overlooking the broader collector market that values ecclesiastical silver highly. By working with a specialist auction house, trustees gain insight not only into the financial value but also into the historical importance of each item.
The Importance of Provenance
Provenance, the documented history of a piece, is often the single most important factor in determining value. Inscriptions, parish records, and earlier ownership details can elevate an item from functional silver to a significant cultural artefact.
When provenance is preserved, church silver appeals strongly to both collectors and museums. At Lyon & Turnbull, we assist trustees in tracing and presenting provenance to ensure pieces are catalogued with the context they deserve.
Understanding the Market for Church Silver
Ecclesiastical silver continues to attract strong demand at auction, particularly Scottish church silver, which reflects centuries of regional craftsmanship. Collectors value both historical parish pieces and the work of renowned silversmiths, including Paul Storr, Paul de Lamerie, Hamilton & Inches, and Garrards.
Recent years have also seen growing interest in contemporary silversmiths such as Malcolm Appleby and Graham Stewart, whose work is increasingly recognised by museums and private collectors alike. Trustees considering sale can be reassured that demand is broad and international.
A Respectful Auction Process
Trustees are rightly concerned that the sale of church silver is handled with care. At Lyon & Turnbull, our approach is never transactional. From secure storage and insurance through to cataloguing and presentation, we ensure each piece is treated respectfully.
Our dedicated Silver auction, held regularly in Edinburgh and online, has established Lyon & Turnbull as a market leader in this field. We regularly advise national museums and heritage organisations, ensuring that important pieces continue to be appreciated within appropriate collections.
Practical Considerations for Trustees
Legal & Ethical Compliance: Ensure decisions are in line with church policy and charitable governance.
Insurance & Security: Silver should be professionally stored and insured prior to auction.
Timing: Auctions are scheduled seasonally — aligning sale with key specialist auctions can maximise value.
Transparency: Auctions provide open, competitive bidding, giving trustees confidence in achieving fair market value.
