Collections and estates

Collections, kept whole

A collection that has stayed together, with its records and old labels, says more than the same pieces apart, and we would rather buy it whole than pick through it. If a few pieces are not for us, we tell you which and why before you decide anything.

If only part of it is yours to sell, or you want to keep some pieces, tell us which. We make an offer for what you send, and you decide whether to accept it.

Executors, heirs and families

If you are an executor, an heir or a family member with pieces you did not choose, you do not need to know what they are. Photograph them, write down what you can remember about who collected them and when, and send it to us. We tell you what you have, and there is no pressure to sell.

Not sure what you hold? What is my piece? is a picture guide to the kinds that turn up most often in collections and estates; find the one that looks like yours.

Attorneys, trustees and appraisers acting for an estate are welcome to write for the family. Say who you act for, and we work at the pace the estate needs.

What to send for a large collection

A photograph of everything together, a list of what you have, and the best photographs of the pieces you think are the finest. Collection records, old invoices and dealer labels help. From that we tell you what else we need and whether a visit is worth your time.