Probate Contents Valuation In Hampstead
September 29th 2018 took me to a probate contents valuation in Highgate, a lovely stone cottage tucked away with delightful mature gardens front and back. On this occasion we were instructed for a valuation of house contents for probate only. We commonly value the property for probate also but not this time. I was sent the keys by special delivery from the solicitors acting as joint executors alongside a long distance family relative.
Full Mahogany Serpentine Chest George III
My valuation took into account some lovely antique furniture ranging from Georgean pieces right through to fine examples of Victorian furniture. There was a good collection of ceramics, silver objects, oil paintings, oriental art, 1st edition books and more. Accompanied by the usual amount of modern household effects, electricals, hifi, tv and accessories, kitchen appliances and general kitchenalia. The highlight for me was a wonderful George III Serpentine solid Mahogany Chest of drawers in tip top condition sitting proudly in the lounge. I valued this lovely piece at £600 for the purposes of probate.
George III Chest
George III Serpentine Chest
History of the Chest of Drawers
In late medieval Europe chests became widely used in the households of the time, especially noble houses, a hinged chest with one drawer underneath was known as a coffer, this evolved into a chest with two drawers underneath it known as a mule chest, over time more and more drawers were added and by 1690 coffers and mule chests had faded as household items of furniture and were replaced by chest of drawers. Over the years there has been many variations of antique chest of drawers, including for example tall boys, dressers and commodes. Antique commodes are wider than they are tall, usually veneered with ornate legs and often with marble tops. (Information obtained from https://www.loveantiques.com/antique-chest-of-drawers/knowledge)
Author – Jeffrey Avery
