We provide independent, professionally prepared valuations of books, manuscripts, and works on paper for probate, insurance, and related purposes.
Our valuations are prepared carefully and objectively, with clear documentation suitable for executors, solicitors, insurers, and estate administration.
We recognise that these matters often arise at important moments and handle instructions with care and discretion.
Quire Auctions Ltd provides professional valuation services for books, manuscripts, and works on paper for probate, insurance, and related purposes. We work with executors, solicitors, insurers, and families to provide careful, transparent, and commercially informed advice.
Specialist Advice for Executors, Solicitors & Insurers
We regularly assist executors and trustees, probate practitioners, insurers, and professional advisers. Our approach is discreet, independent, and informed by specialist market knowledge.
Probate Valuations
A probate valuation provides an assessment of the value of assets at the date of death for inheritance tax and estate administration purposes. We can inspect collections, identify material of specialist value, prepare written valuations suitable for probate schedules, and explain valuation methodology where required.
Probate valuations are provided independently of any decision to sell.
Insurance Valuations
Insurance valuations assess the replacement cost of items for insurance purposes and differ from auction or probate values. We provide written insurance valuations, advice on appropriate levels of cover, and clear identification of items requiring specialist insurance.
Insurance valuations are not estimates of auction realisation.
Why Instruct Quire Auctions Ltd
In addition to specialist expertise, we understand the practical and financial pressures involved in administering estates. Where we are instructed to act on a subsequent sale, we offer competitive commission structures tailored to the size and nature of the estate.
For larger or complex collections, terms may reflect economies of scale and are agreed transparently in advance. Valuations are always undertaken objectively and independently, whether or not a sale follows.
Sale & Disposal Options
Where instructed, we can advise on appropriate routes to market, including auction, private treaty sale, or specialist referral where appropriate. Any discussion of sale or commission is separate from the valuation process and subject to a written agreement.
Handling & Care of Collections
We understand that probate and insurance matters often arise at sensitive times. Collections are handled with care and discretion, and we can advise on safe storage, packing and transport, and prioritising items requiring urgent attention.
Fees & Instructions
Valuations are provided on a fee basis, agreed in advance. Sale commissions are negotiated separately and reflect the scale and complexity of the estate.
Instructions are accepted from executors, solicitors, insurers, and professional advisers.
Contact Us
To discuss a probate or insurance valuation, or to arrange an initial conversation, please contact: