Antique Dealers
Our experts are ready to help you find the perfect solution whether it’s hallmarking, analytical testing or valuations,
Independent valuations to support authenticity, fair trading, and market confidence
Antique dealers operate in a specialist market where authenticity, provenance, condition, and value are critical. Jewellery, silverware, watches, and precious metal objects are often unique, historic, and subject to wide value variation depending on age, craftsmanship, and condition. Independent, authoritative valuations are essential to supporting fair trading, client confidence, and regulatory compliance.
For over 250 years, Birmingham Assay Office (BAO) has been a trusted authority in precious metals, hallmarking, and valuation. We support antique dealers, antique jewellery specialists, silver dealers, and heritage traders with accurate, independent valuations, based on expert physical inspection and deep market knowledge.
Your challenges...
Antique dealers face increasing pressure to:
- Accurately value unique or one-of-a-kind items
- Assess condition, wear, and historical integrity
- Identify original versus later alterations or repairs
- Understand the impact of hallmarks, provenance, and period on value
- Provide confidence to buyers, collectors, and insurers
- Support transactions with independent, defensible valuations
- Manage risk associated with misdescription or valuation disputes
Where items are historic or high value, expert physical assessment and impartial judgement are essential.
How Birmingham Assay Office supports you...
Independent Antique Valuations
- Open market valuations for antiques and collectables
- Valuations for sale, acquisition, insurance, and private treaty
- Consideration of age, craftsmanship, rarity, and market demand
- Clear written reports suitable for trade, clients, and insurers
Our valuations are impartial, evidence-based, and aligned to current market conditions.
Physical Inspection & Specialist Expertise
- In-person examination by experienced valuers
- Assessment of materials, construction, condition, and wear
- Identification and interpretation of hallmarks and maker’s marks
Ensuring valuations reflect both intrinsic and historical value.
Hallmarking & Historical Insight
- Expertise in UK hallmarking law and historic marks
- Dating and contextualising silver and precious metal items
- Identifying anomalies, reproductions, or later additions
Supporting accurate descriptions and informed trading.
Valuations for Clients, Insurance & Probate
- Valuations to support client purchases and sales
- Insurance replacement valuations where required
- Support for probate or estate-related antique items
Providing flexibility across multiple dealer use cases.
Get in Touch
If you are an antique dealer or specialist antique trader, Birmingham Assay Office can support you with independent valuations for jewellery, silver, watches, and precious metal antiques, delivered with authority, accuracy, and market insight.
to discuss valuation services for antique dealers.
Why choose Birmingham Assay Office?
- Heritage Authority – Over 250 years of trusted expertise in precious metals and valuation
- Independent & Impartial – No commercial interest in buying or selling antiques
- Physically Inspected – Valuations based on expert in-person assessment
- Market-Aware – Deep understanding of antique and specialist markets
“Birmingham Assay Office’s valuations gave us confidence in both pricing and description. Their expertise in hallmarks and historic pieces is invaluable to our trade.“
Representative from
Global Jewellery Retailer
Contact us
Birmingham Assay office
0121 820 0773
Address
1 Moreton St, Birmingham, B1 3AX