Journal

Notes on what we buy and sell.

Short pieces on condition, provenance and the details that decide what something is actually worth. Written by the people who examine the pieces, for anyone thinking of buying one — or selling theirs.

Watches

What "box and papers" actually means

The phrase appears on almost every pre-owned watch listing, and it is worth knowing exactly what it does — and does not — promise.

27 August 2026 2 min read

Objects

Reading a British hallmark

Four small marks on a piece of silver will tell you what it is made of, who made it, where it was tested and the year it was made.

20 August 2026 2 min read

Coins

Sovereigns: bullion or collectable?

The same coin can be worth its gold content or a good deal more, and the difference comes down to condition, date and mint.

13 August 2026 2 min read