A first consignment starts with understanding what the house handles and how its sales work. Based in Ballycurreen, County Cork, the PSRA-licensed auctioneer specialises in antiques, fine art, Irish silver, militaria, furniture, books and collectibles. Sellers can request an item valuation, a painting assessment or a review of an entire collection, then offer suitable pieces for a monthly auction.
Each sale combines an online catalogue, in-person viewing and absentee bidding, giving buyers in Australia several ways to participate. The practical sequence is simple: identify the object, document it, understand the reserve and fees, arrange transport if required, and sign the consignment paperwork. Hallmarks, condition and provenance should be recorded before anything is packed.
| Feature | Sterling silver | Silver plate or base metal |
|---|---|---|
| Hallmarks | Often 925, Britannia or another standard, sometimes with maker and date marks | A maker's mark or plating wording may appear, but not a sterling assay |
| Confirmation | Specialist testing can verify the metal and settle uncertainty | Testing can distinguish plating, pewter or base metal |
| Catalogue wording | Name the standard, maker and date letter where known | State the actual material plainly; do not imply sterling |
| Condition | Look for tarnish, scratches, dents and repairs | Look for wear, peeling plating, dents and repairs |
| Buyer expectation | Often appeals to buyers seeking precious-metal objects | Must match the description, or buyers may feel misled |
A first appraisal should distinguish sterling silver from silver plate, pewter and base metal. Australian sellers often hear “proper silver”, “solid silver”, “plate” and “hallmarked” in everyday conversation, but these terms are not interchangeable. An assay mark such as 925 indicates sterling, while a maker's name alone may describe the maker rather than the metal. Specialist assessment and, where needed, independent testing help prevent a costly catalogue error.
Irish examples may carry Dublin, Cork or Hibernia marks alongside a maker's mark. Australian colonial silver can have its own assay-office marks and local maker's names, so compare both sides of every object and photograph the marks clearly. Period, style and condition shape collector interest; Victorian ebonised furniture shows the same principle across another decorative category. Provenance adds a further layer when it connects a piece to its maker or documented ownership.
Condition is not simply a matter of polish. Note scratches, dents, bends, tarnish, replaced handles, later monograms and repairs under good light. A piece may still be saleable, but honest description helps set expectations and protects the consignor from disappointed buyers. Photograph every mark and flaw, and keep this record with the valuation paperwork.
Collect any receipts, old catalogue entries, family correspondence, exhibition labels and proof of ownership. Describe an uncertain story as uncertain, and let the auctioneer verify it. Provenance is most useful when it connects a maker to a particular period or a family to a documented event. Irish auction records offer a useful reminder that buyers value recognised Irish material and well-supported histories.
After the valuation, ask what the estimated hammer price means and whether a reserve will apply. A reserve is the minimum the auctioneer may accept, not a guaranteed final price. Australian collectors are familiar with “hammer price”, “reserve” and “buyer's premium”, but the total cost of buying in Cork also depends on taxes and expenses. Request current written terms for commission, the buyer's premium, photography, insurance, storage, cancellations and payment dates.
If collection is needed, measure doorways, stairs and lifting paths first; ArborPro site assessments can help identify access and handling risks around a property before valuable objects are moved. Use an experienced art or antiques carrier for fragile silver, and check that the carrier's insurance covers the full consignment value. For larger groups, ask whether one monthly sale is appropriate or a separate specialist sale merits consideration.
Do not aggressively polish antique silver. Lift tarnish with gentle, appropriate care, avoid abrasive wire wool, and never remove original hallmarks or inscriptions. Wrap each object separately in acid-free tissue and a protective outer layer, then use a rigid, padded box with no movement inside. Photograph it from several angles, include close-ups of marks and defects, and keep the consignment paperwork with your records.
For Australian buyers, the purchase price can include the hammer price, buyer's premium, international freight, insurance, customs charges and Australian GST where payable. Obtain a written estimate from an insured shipper, check the declared value and confirm customs requirements before dispatch. Collectors in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Hobart regularly buy from European auctions, so a clear condition report and trackable delivery can make a Cork lot easier to place confidently.
A local dealer may quote an immediate buy-in price, usually below auction expectations. Compare that trade-in figure with the possible auction result after commission and selling costs, keeping both estimates in writing.
Submit your details, clear photographs and any supporting documents to Cork Auction Rooms for a consignment appraisal. Mention whether you are offering one silver object or a wider group of antiques, and ask about collection, insured transport, reserve options and the current fee schedule. The auctioneer's team can identify suitable lots and guide the paperwork before the next monthly sale.
Before signing, check the valuation, reserve, charges, insurance and terms for withdrawal or a failed sale. Keep copies of everything, arrange cover while the item is in the auctioneer's care, and complete the paperwork for the next monthly sale. Careful preparation gives a well-described silver piece a fair chance to reach collectors who appreciate its history, workmanship and condition.