Where to sell silver items and other antiques?

[RunningwithScissors]

My parents are trying to sell antique silver items and a few larger antiques. They've tried some of their local consignment shops and the shops aren't interested in what they call "high end antiques." I don't think the pieces are all that high-end, and I could easily sell them down here in Houston. But my folks are in the MidAtlantic and I guess things are different there. Plus, my parents get frustrated easily.

The silver pieces run from $100 - $500. The larger antique pieces are things like antique room screens, etc. and my folks really just want them to go to a good home and are flexible on how much they get for them.

Any advice on where they can sell these items?

I've walked them through eBay. I've mentioned Rubylane and 1st Dibs, but I can't walk them through using Rubylane/1st Dibs because I've never sold with them and don't know their particular ins and outs. I've told my parents to search their local Facebook groups, sometimes there are neighborhood/city-wide for sale pages.

What else am I missing?

@PreRaphaelite don't you sell items like these? What do you recommend?

 

[PreRaphaelite]

Oh I wished I lived nearby so I could help!
Covid has affected the market in odd ways so my assumptions based on experience are all ‘Off’ a bit now. So with that in mind, I would say consignment furniture is a good strategy for mid-range items, and Facebook marketplace for lower-end or more common furniture pieces. Etsy for silver pieces (or loupetroop even), and craigslist for very fine pieces of antique furniture (you’ll get a lot of dealers).

I just sold an Eastlake dresser yesterday on Facebook Marketplace. Most of them go for $150, I listed for $75 and sold for $66. Glad it’s gone but then I didn’t pay anything for it, so no loss. Got low-ball offers and Tire-kickers and just stayed the course until it was gone.

Wish I could be more help!
Good luck!

Ps- I’ve been looking for a beautiful screen. Care to share a photo?

 

[rungirl]

I'd suggest they try Facebook Marketplace. I inherited some large power tools and a big tool cabinet on wheels and needed to sell it to someone local. I priced everything very competitively and clearly stated in my ad that it was for pickup, cash only, and the price was firm. I sold everything very quickly and without hassle.

 

[RunningwithScissors]

Oh I wished I lived nearby so I could help!
Covid has affected the market in odd ways so my assumptions based on experience are all ‘Off’ a bit now. So with that in mind, I would say consignment furniture is a good strategy for mid-range items, and Facebook marketplace for lower-end or more common furniture pieces. Etsy for silver pieces (or loupetroop even), and craigslist for very fine pieces of antique furniture (you’ll get a lot of dealers).

I just sold an Eastlake dresser yesterday on Facebook Marketplace. Most of them go for $150, I listed for $75 and sold for $66. Glad it’s gone but then I didn’t pay anything for it, so no loss. Got low-ball offers and Tire-kickers and just stayed the course until it was gone.

Wish I could be more help!
Good luck!

Ps- I’ve been looking for a beautiful screen. Care to share a photo?

Thanks for your thoughts.

The silver is not is the form of jewelry, but high-end antique table setting pieces. For example, fish knives, a butter "globe," etc. Can they sell them through Loopetroop even though its not jewelry?

I'll ask my parents for a photo of the screen. How do I message you privately? (I think its agains the rules for me to sell stuff on here.)

 

[Gussie]

@RunningwithScissors , I have no advice for your parents but it is challenging to sell fine antiques. I was just at Rummel Creek on Memorial and spoke with a lady there about selling a few pieces. I have also spoken with David Lackey (Antiques Roadshow guy at the Pavilion) a few times about selling but didn't end up going through with it. Who do you sell to in Houston?

 

[RunningwithScissors]

@Gussie For fine silver tableware, I know a couple of "old southern families" privately who buy, but they already have the items my parents are selling or don't need them.

Sometimes Tennenbaum jewelers takes antique silver pieces. You could try there.

For antique furniture that is "medium-end" (ie not junk, but also not Keno brothers level stuff either), I've had great luck at The Guild Shop. You can't set your own price, so its always a bit of rolling the dice, but I've never not had an item sell, (both pre and during Covid.)

Pre-Covid there were more options in Houston.

I don't know if its still there, but there used to be a consignment furniture place across from India Restaurant. I'm forgetting the name at the moment. You can sell medium-range furniture there (Stickley, Baker, etc.)

 

[Elizabeth35]

Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for furniture. I've sold tons there. I also list furniture on eBay with local pick up only. I sold a dining room set that way---the buyers drove from SC to Chicago to get it!

The silver I would probably list on eBay. Also if it is flatware, you can see if Replacements will purchase, but their offer prices are rock bottom. Are there any local auction houses?

Some people are overwhelmed with the idea of researching, photographing, listing, shipping and/or meeting with people (which is a safety issue as well).
Good luck!
If it was my parents---I would, if possible, plan a trip to visit and handle this for them. But travel is hard now.

 

[PreRaphaelite]

Thanks for your thoughts.

The silver is not is the form of jewelry, but high-end antique table setting pieces. For example, fish knives, a butter "globe," etc. Can they sell them through Loopetroop even though its not jewelry?

I'll ask my parents for a photo of the screen. How do I message you privately? (I think its agains the rules for me to sell stuff on here.)

BelleFerraille - Etsy

Shop items by BelleFerraille located in Tampa, Florida. Top shop for gifts. Buyers bought gifts from this shop and gave them 5-star reviews!.

www.etsy.com

You can send me a message if you like. But if you have pics of pretty things, I bet there’s lots of PSers would love to see

I expect you can sell precious Non-jewellery items through loupetroop, can anyone else please confirm this?

 

[Gussie]

@Gussie For fine silver tableware, I know a couple of "old southern families" privately who buy.

For antiques that are "medium-end" (ie not junk, but also not Keno brothers level stuff either), I've had great luck at The Guild Shop. You can't set your own price, so its always a bit of rolling the dice, but I've never not had an item sell, (both pre and during Covid.)

Pre-Covid there were more options.

I don't know if its still there, but there used to be a consignment furniture place across from India Restaurant. I'm forgetting the name at the moment. You can sell medium-range furniture there (Stickley, Baker, etc.)

Sometimes Tennenbaum jewelers takes antique silver pieces.

Thanks! I used to volunteer at the Guild Shop as a pricer! I haven't been there in a few years though. I think have also been to that place by India. I need to get a big box of stuff together and unload it!

 

[Tarquin]

Thanks for your thoughts.

The silver is not is the form of jewelry, but high-end antique table setting pieces. For example, fish knives, a butter "globe," etc. Can they sell them through Loopetroop even though its not jewelry?

I'll ask my parents for a photo of the screen. How do I message you privately? (I think its agains the rules for me to sell stuff on here.)

I would try ebay for nice silver pieces. Look at what similar sold pieces sold for and how they were described. Example instead of "butter globe" try "small antique silverplated revolving dome".

 

[RunningwithScissors]

@Gussie Small world! I love The Guild Shop! There's always something unique to see or buy there. I'm Marie Konding my house this year and have taken literally car loads of stuff to The Guild Shop. When it sells, the money goes into my Sparkly Fund!

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

My parents are trying to sell antique silver items and a few larger antiques. They've tried some of their local consignment shops and the shops aren't interested in what they call "high end antiques." I don't think the pieces are all that high-end, and I could easily sell them down here in Houston. But my folks are in the MidAtlantic and I guess things are different there. Plus, my parents get frustrated easily.

The silver pieces run from $100 - $500. The larger antique pieces are things like antique room screens, etc. and my folks really just want them to go to a good home and are flexible on how much they get for them.

Any advice on where they can sell these items?

I've walked them through eBay. I've mentioned Rubylane and 1st Dibs, but I can't walk them through using Rubylane/1st Dibs because I've never sold with them and don't know their particular ins and outs. I've told my parents to search their local Facebook groups, sometimes there are neighborhood/city-wide for sale pages.

What else am I missing?

@PreRaphaelite don't you sell items like these? What do you recommend?

I wish #1 i wasn't broke
And #2 i lived near your parents
i would buy their silver flat wear

it is so lovelly to eat off, its like people don't remember or don't know or only want to use things that can go in the dishwasher

I hope they can find it a good home

 

[RunningwithScissors]

Thanks @Daisys and Diamonds! It does feel luxurious to dine using real silver.

 

[stracci2000]

David Lackey (Antiques Roadshow guy at the Pavilion

This is totally off topic, but I met David Lackey, when I volunteered at the AR when they came to my town in 2014.
He was very nice and personable!

 

[Gussie]

This is totally off topic, but I have a photo of me and David Lackey, when I volunteered at the AR when they came to my town in 2014

He's a really nice guy. His prices are in line with fair market value unlike a lot of the dealers in Houston. He's also very forthcoming with his knowledge. I always visit his booth in Round Top!

I would love to go to AR!!

 

[kenny]

Replacments.com may buy it.

Sell Your Dinnerware, Flatware, Glassware, and Collectibles to Us | Replacements, Ltd.

Find out how you can sell your dinnerware & estate jewelry pieces to Replacements, Ltd. by following our simple tips and instructions.

www.replacements.com

 

[MollyMalone]

Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for furniture. I've sold tons there. I also list furniture on eBay with local pick up only. I sold a dining room set that way---the buyers drove from SC to Chicago to get it!

The silver I would probably list on eBay. Also if it is flatware, you can see if Replacements will purchase, but their offer prices are rock bottom. Are there any local auction houses?

Some people are overwhelmed with the idea of researching, photographing, listing, shipping and/or meeting with people (which is a safety issue as well).
Good luck!
If it was my parents---I would, if possible, plan a trip to visit and handle this for them. But travel is hard now.

I too think eBay would be a terrific venue for the antique silver pieces, unless they fear it will be too much work?

Re the larger antiques: When my dad was downsizing after my mother died, he consigned a goodly number of the antiques (furniture, clocks, etc.) with a local (Midwestern) auction house that's long been a favorite of dealers and collectors around the country,. But unless your parents know of a similar auction house in their area, it would be kinda daunting to suss out one or more likely prospects via, e.g., Antiques and Arts Weekly:

Antiques And The Arts Weekly

Since 1963, Antiques and The Arts Weekly has been the nation’s leading weekly publication on the Antiques and Arts trade, available both in print and online.

www.antiquesandthearts.com

Since I imagine your parents will be leery about using Craigslist and Facebook, let me ask you this: are there any "higher end" downsizing services in their area? The parents of a good friend of mine were very pleased with their experience a couple of years ago with Bethesda Downsizing and Estate Sales:

Bethesda Downsizing and Estate Sales

www.bethesdadownsizing.com

And Bethesda Downsizing has modified their usual MO (in-house sales of most of a home's contents) in light of the pandemic. But even if such a local enterprise isn't a good fit for your parents, perhaps the owners could suggest other possibilities to your parents.

 

[RunningwithScissors]

This is totally off topic, but I met David Lackey, when I volunteered at the AR when they came to my town in 2014.
He was very nice and personable!

I always liked his stall the best at the antiques mall that he's in. His prices are very fair. I'm impressed you've met him!

 

[RunningwithScissors]

I too think eBay would be a terrific venue for the antique silver pieces, unless they fear it will be too much work?

Re the larger antiques: When my dad was downsizing after my mother died, he consigned a goodly number of the antiques (furniture, clocks, etc.) with a local (Midwestern) auction house that's long been a favorite of dealers and collectors around the country,. But unless your parents know of a similar auction house in their area, it would be kinda daunting to suss out one or more likely prospects via, e.g., Antiques and Arts Weekly:

Antiques And The Arts Weekly

Since 1963, Antiques and The Arts Weekly has been the nation’s leading weekly publication on the Antiques and Arts trade, available both in print and online.

www.antiquesandthearts.com

Since I imagine your parents will be leery about using Craigslist and Facebook, let me ask you this: are there any "higher end" downsizing services in their area? The parents of a good friend of mine were very pleased with their experience a couple of years ago with Bethesda Downsizing and Estate Sales:

Bethesda Downsizing and Estate Sales

www.bethesdadownsizing.com

And Bethesda Downsizing has modified their usual MO (in-house sales of most of a home's contents) in light of the pandemic. But even if such a local enterprise isn't a good fit for your parents, perhaps the owners could suggest other possibilities to your parents.

Thank you for the Bethesda idea! They are in MD so that would be a good venue for them. I really appreciate it!

 

[RunningwithScissors]

Replacments.com may buy it.

Sell Your Dinnerware, Flatware, Glassware, and Collectibles to Us | Replacements, Ltd.

Find out how you can sell your dinnerware & estate jewelry pieces to Replacements, Ltd. by following our simple tips and instructions.

www.replacements.com

Thanks! Yes, I'm passing that along to them. I've bought stuff for my own china pattern from Replacements, they're a good site.

 

[RunningwithScissors]

He's a really nice guy. His prices are in line with fair market value unlike a lot of the dealers in Houston. He's also very forthcoming with his knowledge. I always visit his booth in Round Top!

I would love to go to AR!!

Round Top! That's Da Bomb!!! The antiques fair to end all antiques fairs!

 

[RunningwithScissors]

I would try ebay for nice silver pieces. Look at what similar sold pieces sold for and how they were described. Example instead of "butter globe" try "small antique silverplated revolving dome".

Good suggestion, thanks!

 

[RunningwithScissors]

Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for furniture. I've sold tons there. I also list furniture on eBay with local pick up only. I sold a dining room set that way---the buyers drove from SC to Chicago to get it!

The silver I would probably list on eBay. Also if it is flatware, you can see if Replacements will purchase, but their offer prices are rock bottom. Are there any local auction houses?

Some people are overwhelmed with the idea of researching, photographing, listing, shipping and/or meeting with people (which is a safety issue as well).
Good luck!
If it was my parents---I would, if possible, plan a trip to visit and handle this for them. But travel is hard now.

Thanks, yes I do worry about my parents. They are not savvy about such things so I need to keep that in mind when recommending how to sell.

I may use your Facebook Marketplace idea for myself though. Thanks!

I'd suggest they try Facebook Marketplace. I inherited some large power tools and a big tool cabinet on wheels and needed to sell it to someone local. I priced everything very competitively and clearly stated in my ad that it was for pickup, cash only, and the price was firm. I sold everything very quickly and without hassle.

Thanks, yes, I will mention it to them. Also I think I may use this myself to sell a couple of chest of drawers that are sitting, unloved in my garage. Thanks for recommending!