Franklin Browns has a little bit of everything—ceramics, glass, silver, jewellery, stamps, militaria, coins, rugs, musical instruments, artwork, and furniture from Gregorian to contemporary styles.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just browsing, there’s a good chance you’ll find something that catches your eye.

Selling here feels refreshingly hassle-free. They offer no-pressure valuations—you can swing by their office, email photos, or have them check out your collection in person.

Just a heads-up: items expected to sell under £100 can’t have a reserve price, so keep that in mind if you’re offloading smaller or less valuable stuff. 

On the flipside, buyers seem to appreciate the smooth pickup process and the option to bid in person or remotely. Plus, their auction runs like clockwork, no wrestling with paperwork after purchase, prices feel fair, and the team’s friendly without the stuffy auction-house vibe. 

All in all, if you’re after variety and an easy auction experience, Franklin Browns is a solid choice—especially if you need help with full or partial house clearances.

Professional and easy to work with

“Excellent service. Helped clear out my mother’s house and take furniture and antiques to auction. Frank and James were really professional and easy to work with.Would have no hesitation in recommending them.”

Douglas Millar, Google Review

Great range of items

“I’ve bought a few items online from Franklin Browns and the service is friendly and knowledgeable. There’s always a great range of items in their auctions and picking things up is quick and easy. I recently got a valuation from them for an item I want to sell and again, it was hassle-free.”

Jamie Graham, Google Review

Bonhams is one of the oldest and most well-known auction houses in the world, with a history dating back to 1793. They run a variety of specialised auctions throughout the year, covering Scottish art, antiques, and whisky.

Their sales calendar is packed with diverse categories, from fine art to rare collectables, giving buyers and sellers plenty of opportunities to engage in auctions across different fields.

What sets them apart is their global reach. Selling here connects your items to an international audience of collectors, often driving higher prices for rare or high-value goods.

And kudos to their team for providing free, accurate initial valuations, giving sellers a clear understanding of their item’s worth and offering advice to position them for the best possible sale.

The catch? Bonhams leans towards premium items. If you’re selling everyday antiques or lower-value goods, their focus on high-ticket lots might not suit your needs.

But, for rare, valuable or unique pieces, Bonhams’ expertise and international network make them a top choice.

Prompt and professional

“Took a tea set in for a valuation. Was dealt with very promptly and professionally”

Lynette Blackhall, Google Review

Top quality auction house

“Top quality auction house. Very helpful and friendly people.”

Michael Mitchell, Google Review

Thomson Roddick runs about 30 auctions a year, split into categories like Antique Auctions, Collectors’ Auctions, and Home Furnishings and Interiors Auctions. You’ll find a bit of everything here—rare art, vintage furniture, quirky collectables—so there’s something for most tastes or budgets.

It’s also neat that they have 16 specialised departments, including Coins and Banknotes, so your items get appraisals from folks who truly know their stuff. That means fewer guesswork and headaches for sellers and better odds of your piece landing in front of the right buyers.

If you’re looking to sell, they offer free pre-sale valuations through email, in-person events, or even home visits for larger collections. Their commission rates are also laid out clearly, so you know exactly what to expect.

However, we’re a bit iffy after hearing some complaints about customer service, especially when it comes to communication and assistance for those travelling in for auctions and pickups.

Nonetheless, their specialised approach and broad auction offerings make them a worthwhile option if you’re after something specific or have valuable pieces to sell.

Excellent service with attention to detail

“Excellent service with attention to detail. I appointed TRSA to catalogue, sort, value, box, transport and auction the contents / stock of my deceased brothers Model Railway Shop, which was a very extensive package of work (3 months work in total). They did an excellent job from start to finish, achieving the best possible hammer price at auction which exceeded the assumed value of the stock by a considerable amount.”

Neil Sangster, Google Review

Impressive service 

“I have been very impressed and happy with the service my brother and I had with Thomas Roddick just after our father died. They were very supportive and understanding during the process and helped us to clear a considerable amount of items making it easier for us to deal with the situation. Thank you again”

Shonagh McFadyen, Google Review

Lyon & Turnbull isn’t new to the auction scene—they’ve been around for two centuries, making it one of the more established names in the industry, providing appeal to serious collectors and sellers alike.

They throw roughly around 30 auctions a year, ranging from Scottish art and Asian art to jewellery, books, antiques, and modern design.

And thanks to their partnership with Freeman’s—the oldest auction house in the U.S.—they also provide valuation and auction services worldwide, giving sellers access to major art markets across Europe, America, and Asia.

Another perk? Their certified appraisals for insurance, inheritance tax, and private sales. They even team up with legal and financial pros to back their assessments, which is reassuring if you’re navigating paperwork or estate planning. 

On the downside, sellers cough up 15% per lot (minimum £45), plus extras like a 1.5% damage waiver, approximately £30 for photos, and £10 to list each item online. If you’re selling a £200 vase, fees could eat nearly a third of your profit.

But overall, if you’re after a trusted name with global connection and expertise (especially for rare or high-value pieces), Lyon & Turnbull delivers.

Professional organization 

“I haven’t been to the auction house but purchased an item from them through a live online auction. The invoice, purchase, organised shipping, packaging and delivery were all done professionally and with no hitches or difficulty. The item was as described by the condition report and without blemish. Professional organisation.”

Neil “The Climbing Kiln” Marsh, Google Review

Wonderful auction experience 

“Wonderful auction experience, from preview through pick up. Everyone is very helpful and accommodating. I even had an auctioneer apologize to me after the auction, referring to my being out bid! And the venue is absolutely stunning!”

Donald Menzies, Google Review

Ramsay Cornish keeps things busy with over 100 auctions a year, covering everything from paintings and clocks to silver, jewellery, and a mix of contemporary and antique furnishings.

They hold General Interiors and Collectables Auctions every Saturday, along with monthly vintage “flea market” auctions and bi-monthly Specialist auctions.

One thing we like is how easy they make the selling process. You can bring items to the saleroom anytime for a valuation—no appointment needed.

For larger consignments, they even offer home visits, which is a great option if you have multiple pieces or can’t transport them yourself. 

On top of auctions, they’ll handle the whole house clearance grind or whip up formal valuations for paperwork like inheritance tax or insurance claims. Basically, they’re your one-stop shop if you’re juggling estate logistics.

However, some buyers have mentioned issues with item collection and courier coordination, leading to delays and a bit of frustration.

Regardless, with their packed auction calendar and knowledgeable team, Ramsay Cornish is worth checking out if you’re in the market for something special.

Eclectic selection

“My wife and I love this auction house. Always an eclectic selection of items for sale. The family that runs the place are great: hard-working, sincere and knowledgeable. They have an eye for beautiful things and they’re great fun to have a natter with. We rarely let a week go by without popping in – recommend you do the same!”

Simon Dickson, Google Review

Very helpful and knowledgeable 

“Very helpful and knowledgeable team who helped us to make the right decisions on items to put to sale. Welcoming to my wife and me who have mobility issues.”

Ian Cuthbert, Google Review