Business Details
19 Years
experience
Rare Book Dealers in Wareham, Dorset
Established in 2007, Antiquates Ltd is a specialist antiquarian bookseller based in the heart of the Dorset countryside. Our Wareham shop, located at St. Johns Hill, offers a curated selection of rare and early printed books spanning from 1500 to the present day. We focus on unusual, historically significant works, including local authors such as T.E. Lawrence, Thomas Hardy, and William Barnes, alongside fine bindings, bibles, and modern first editions. Our expertise extends beyond sales to include valuation services for insurance and probate, auction commissions, and library development consultancy.We pride ourselves on providing expert advice and tailored services for collectors, institutions, and bibliophiles seeking unique additions to their collections. All items are meticulously packaged and insured for global delivery, with payment options including cheque, bank transfer, and PayPal. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has solidified our reputation as trusted custodians of literary heritage.
Services
Rare Book Sales
Valuation Services
Library Development
Auction Commissions
Global Shipping
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer over 15 years of expertise in rare book curation and sales.
- Our valuation services are trusted for insurance and probate requirements.
- We specialise in hard-to-find editions with historical and literary significance.
- Global shipping with full insurance and expert packaging for all items.
- Personalised library development advice tailored to collectors' needs.
Associations and certifications
- Antiquarian Booksellers' Association (ABA)
Services
Rare Book Sales
We offer a diverse collection of rare and early printed books, including English and Continental works from 1500 to the present. Our inventory features first editions, fine bindings, and historically significant titles. Each item is accompanied by detailed provenance and condition reports to ensure transparency for collectors and institutions.
Valuation Services
Our valuation services cater to insurance, probate, and collection development needs. Utilising extensive market knowledge and cataloguing expertise, we provide accurate assessments for individual items or entire libraries. Clients receive comprehensive documentation to support estate planning or insurance coverage requirements.
Library Development
We assist collectors and institutions in curating specialised libraries through targeted acquisitions. Our services include sourcing specific editions, thematic collection development, and expert advice on preservation practices. This tailored approach ensures collections align with academic, historical, or personal interests.
Auction Commissions
We execute auction commissions for clients seeking rare books at major auction houses. Our team provides pre-sale analysis, bidding strategy, and post-purchase advisory services. This service ensures clients can acquire desired items while navigating auction dynamics effectively.
Global Shipping
All purchases are securely packaged and insured for worldwide delivery. We utilise trusted courier and postal services to ensure safe transit, with tracking provided for every shipment. Our packaging methods meet international standards for handling fragile and valuable items.
Questions
What specialisms do Antiquates Ltd focus on?
We specialise in rare and early printed books from 1500 to the present, with particular emphasis on English and Continental works, local authors, and historically significant editions.
Do you provide valuation services for private collections?
Yes, we offer professional valuation services for insurance, probate, and collection development purposes, supported by detailed documentation and market expertise.
Can you assist with international shipping?
All items are insured and securely packaged for global delivery through trusted courier and postal services, with tracking provided for every shipment.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept payments via cheque, bank transfer, and PayPal for all purchases and services.
Do you buy books from private owners?
Yes, we purchase rare books and collections directly from owners, offering fair valuations and straightforward transactions.
Are your books guaranteed authentic?
All items undergo rigorous authentication checks, with detailed provenance information provided to ensure confidence in every purchase.
