Buying antiques at auction is one of the best ways to find genuine pieces at fair prices — better than most antique shops and far better than most online retailers selling reproduction or mass-produced 'vintage style' items. But it can feel daunting if you're new to it.

This guide explains exactly how UK antiques auctions work and what to look out for.

What counts as an antique?

Strictly speaking, an antique is an item over 100 years old. In practice, auction categories often include:

True antiques: Items made before the 1920s, including Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian furniture, ceramics, silver, jewellery, art and collectables.

Vintage: Items from the 1920s to the 1980s. Mid-century furniture, retro homewares, vintage fashion and accessories.

Collectables: Items valued for rarity, nostalgia or collector interest rather than strictly age — ceramics brands, limited editions, militaria, coins.

At William George, our antiques and collectables auctions cover all of these.

What types of antiques are available at UK auction?

Furniture: Mahogany, oak and walnut pieces from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. Chests of drawers, dining tables, chairs, bureaux, and display cabinets.

Ceramics and pottery: Royal Doulton, Wedgwood, Spode, Moorcroft, Denby, and many studio ceramics. Figurines, vases, plates, and teaware.

Silver and silverplate: Georgian and Victorian silver cutlery, candlesticks, tea sets and decorative pieces. Hallmarked silver carries guaranteed silver content.

Art and prints: Original oil paintings, watercolours, engravings and prints. Auction is the most transparent market for buying original art at fair prices.

Clocks and timepieces: Mantel clocks, longcase clocks, bracket clocks and pocket watches. Mechanical pieces that are often still working.

Jewellery: Antique rings, brooches, pendants, and sets from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco periods.

How to read an antiques auction lot description

Take time with descriptions before bidding. Look for:

Period and provenance: When was it made? Is there any known history? Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco are the most common periods for UK antiques.

Condition: Is there wear, chips, cracks, repairs, or restoration? All should be disclosed. For furniture, look for replaced hardware, re-staining, or significant repairs to joints.

Hallmarks and maker's marks: Silver should be hallmarked. Ceramics often have maker's marks on the base. These help confirm authenticity and date.

Dimensions: Especially important for furniture. Check these fit your space before bidding.

Photographs: Look at every image. Reputable auction houses show items from multiple angles including any damage.

How to research value before bidding

You don’t need to be an expert — but a little research before bidding is worth the effort. Search completed eBay listings for the same or similar items to see recent achieved prices. Check completed Invaluable or The Saleroom results for auction comparables. For ceramics and silver, specialist price guides are available online and in libraries.

The key is understanding what the item has recently sold for, not just what it is listed for — listed prices mean nothing without sales data.

Common beginner mistakes to avoid

Bidding without reading the full description: Condition issues and damage are disclosed — always read everything before placing a bid.

Ignoring dimensions: Victorian furniture is often larger than modern equivalents. Measure your space first.

Forgetting the buyer's premium: The buyer's premium is added to the hammer price. Always calculate your true total cost before setting your maximum bid.

Assuming something is rare just because it's old: Age alone doesn’t equal value. Common Victorian items can be worth very little; some 1960s pieces can be worth a great deal. Research the specific item, not just the period.

Can I sell antiques through William George?

Yes. William George accepts antiques, art and collectables for consignment in dedicated auctions. Seller commission is 0% — you keep the full hammer price. No upfront fees. Contact the team to discuss your pieces.

Browse Antiques and Collectables at Auction on William George

William George runs regular UK antiques and collectables auctions — furniture, ceramics, silver, art, jewellery and more. New lots listed every week. Browse antiques auctions or find out how to sell your antiques with William George.