Business Details
12 Years
experience
Trusted Antique Auctions in Tavistock
Drake's Auctions, established in 2014, is a professional auction house based in Tavistock, Devon. Our team combines decades of industry experience with a passion for antiques, art, and collectables, offering tailored services including auctions, valuations, and house clearances. We pride ourselves on integrity, transparency, and exceptional customer service, serving clients across Devon and Cornwall. Our expertise extends to probate valuations, estate clearances, and global online sales, ensuring maximum value for clients' items. With a dedicated team of specialists and modern facilities, we provide a seamless experience from collection to auction.Our commitment to ethical practices and environmental responsibility further distinguishes us in the industry. Regular participation in timed and live auctions, alongside competitive commission rates for gold sales, underscores our market leadership. We maintain strong relationships with legal professionals and private clients, delivering reliable, auditable valuations for inheritance tax purposes. Our proven track record in uncovering hidden valuables during clearances reinforces our reputation as trusted experts.
Services
General Auctions
Timed Auctions
Valuations for Probate
House Clearance
Collection Services
Storage Clearance
Jewellery Valuation
Antique Appraisals
Estate Clearance
Online Bidding
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We offer free professional valuations for auction and probate purposes.
- Our team has 20+ years combined experience in auctioneering and valuations.
- We provide global online bidding access through multiple platforms.
- Transparent process with full audit trails for inheritance tax compliance.
- Responsible disposal with 90% waste recycling rate during clearances.
What people say
Easy experience
Impressed with prices
Professional service
Maximised estate value
Responsible disposal
Services
General Auctions
Drake's Auctions hosts live general auctions at our Tavistock venue, with online bidding available through our website and partner platforms. Clients can sell antiques, jewellery, and collectables to a global audience. Our auctioneers ensure competitive pricing and transparent proceedings.
Probate Valuations
We provide HMRC-compliant valuations for probate purposes, covering entire estates or specific items. Our certified valuers create detailed inventories with market values as of the deceased's date of death, ensuring legal compliance and audit trails.
House Clearance
Professional house clearance services across Devon and Cornwall, including probate estates. We assess contents, sell valuable items at auction, and responsibly dispose of unwanted goods. Clients often receive payment after deducting clearance fees.
Jewellery Valuation
Expert jewellery valuation services conducted by certified gemmologists. We assess diamonds, precious metals, and antique pieces using industry-standard methodologies. Valuations include detailed reports for insurance, sale, or probate purposes.
Storage Clearance
Specialist clearance of long-term storage units, with valuation and auction of sellable items. We handle collection, sorting, and marketing, deducting fees from auction proceeds. This service helps clients reclaim space and generate income from stored goods.
People
Peter Williams
Director / Auctioneer
BA (Hons) graduate with auctioneering experience since 2012. Founded Drake's Auctions in 2014 after working at a local auction house. Specialises in jewellery, coins, and mid-century furniture. Manages daily operations and client relations.
Matt Helm
Director / Systems Administrator
Former construction professional turned auction technology specialist. Oversees digital operations and online auction platforms. Expert in mid-century furniture and modern art. Instrumental in expanding global online sales capabilities.
Rachel Kinsella
Consultant Jewellery Valuer
Certified gemmologist with qualifications from Gem-A and National Association of Jewellers. Specialises in period jewellery and diamond assessment. Provides expert valuations for auctions and probate cases across the South West.
Tabitha Jones
Valuer / Shipping Co-ordinator
Former Bonhams and Sotheby's employee with BA Hons in History of Art. Specialises in ceramics, coins, and silverware. Manages shipping logistics and international client communications.
Karen Hutchinson
Receptionist / Cataloguer
Art historian and vintage clothing specialist. Handles client inquiries and catalogues auction items. Brings expertise in 20th-century art and designer fashion to the team.
Questions
What auction types do you offer?
We host live general auctions at our Tavistock venue and timed online auctions through our website and partner platforms like The Saleroom.
How do probate valuations work?
Our certified valuers assess estate contents for inheritance tax purposes, creating detailed inventories with HMRC-compliant market values as of the deceased's date of death.
Can you clear entire houses?
Yes, we provide full house clearances across Devon and Cornwall, selling valuable items at auction and responsibly disposing of unwanted goods with client approval.
What payment methods do you accept?
Payments are made directly to client bank accounts after auction proceeds minus any agreed fees, with no upfront costs required.
How are items valued?
Valuations combine market research, historical sales data, and specialist expertise. We offer free initial assessments via photos or in-person appointments.
Do you handle storage unit clearances?
Yes, we clear and sell items from storage units, deducting fees from auction proceeds. This service helps clients reclaim space and generate income.