First editions, signed copies and antiquarian collections, assessed and sold by our team. Monthly sales attracting collectors and dealers across London and beyond.
About the Department
First editions, signed copies and private press titles can be hiding on any bookshelf. We regularly catalogue whole libraries from house clearances and pick out the volumes worth selling individually.
Our book sales feature first editions, signed copies, antiquarian volumes and complete libraries spanning literature, history and academia. Every lot is assessed by our in-house team, who understand the difference a dust jacket, an inscription or a printing variant can make to value.
If you want to sell rare books, whether a single first edition or an inherited library, London Auctions can help you unlock its full value. We offer free initial valuations with no obligation, and whether you choose to proceed with us or not, our team will give you honest, practical advice on the best route to market.
Recent Sales
Sold October 2023
Sold for (inc. fees): £1,377
Sold June 2025
Sold for (inc. fees): £1,052
Sold September 2026
Sold for (inc. fees): £451
Sold November 2024
Sold for (inc. fees): £438
Sold November 2025
Sold for (inc. fees): £326
Sold May 2026
Sold for (inc. fees): £238
Sold April 2026
Sold for (inc. fees): £200
Sold March 2025
Sold for (inc. fees): £188
Sold September 2026
Sold for (inc. fees): £250
Sell With Us
Visit us Monday to Friday, send photos via WhatsApp, or submit an online request. Fast, no-obligation and completely free of charge.
Once you are happy with our valuation, items are entered into an upcoming auction. We arrange collection or drop-off, then catalogue, photograph and list your lots.
Once your items sell, we process payment within 21 days via bank transfer. Clear fees, no surprises, no chasing.
Books we sell
We welcome single rare volumes through to full libraries, estates and probate instructions.
Sell With Us
We regularly achieve great prices for books, from modern first editions to antiquarian books, maps and manuscripts. Whether you have a library to part with or a small collection, our team offers fast, free estimates by email or at our valuation days.
Rare first editions, signed and limited editions, fine bindings, travel and exploration, specialist subjects, antique maps, and good-quality books from publishers such as the Folio Society all perform well.
Four ways to get a valuation
In person
Drop in Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, with valuation mornings every other Saturday. One of the team will assess your items on the spot.
Get DirectionsOnline request
Complete our valuation form, upload photos and a description. We review and respond within one working day.
Request OnlineSell by post
Pack up your smaller items and post them to us for free. We assess, list and sell them at auction on your behalf.
How Does It Work?The fastest route to a free valuation. One of the team will get back to you promptly.
WhatsApp ValuationScan the QR code on desktop to open WhatsApp on your phone.
GET IN TOUCH
Fill in the form and one of the team will get back to you within one working day.
Frequently Asked
You can get a free valuation four ways: visit our saleroom Monday to Friday (8:30am-4:30pm) or at our valuation mornings every other Saturday, send photos via WhatsApp for the fastest response, submit an online request with photos and a description, or post smaller items to us free of charge. One of the team reviews your books in person or from photos and responds within one working day, with no obligation to consign.
We sell rare books including first editions, signed and inscribed copies, antiquarian volumes, illustrated books and maps. We also handle full estate and probate collections, from a single rare volume to an inherited library.
Our fee structure is simple: a £1.50 + VAT lotting fee per item, plus 18% + VAT commission on the hammer price. For example, £1,000 worth of books sold would net you £784 after commission, excluding the lotting fee. There’s never a charge for the initial valuation, whether or not you go ahead.
Once your books sell and all buyers have settled their invoices, we process payment by bank transfer within 21 days of the sale ending.
Rarity, edition, condition, provenance and current demand. Signatures, original dust jackets and fine bindings can all add significantly to value.
What Our Clients Say
"Unlike the haughty and impatient attitude of many auction houses, particularly those in the London area, the staff and owners of London Auctions are approachable, helpful and seem genuinely pleased to be working with their bidders and sellers."
"Liam and team did a great job for me in clearing out and repairing and cleaning a flat in Westminster comprised in a deceased estate in order to prepare it for putting on the market. They were excellent to deal with and I highly recommend them."
"Cannot recommend highly enough. Cleared house at very short notice. Took care of everything including auction items. Very smooth, hassle free process from start to finish with great communication and quick payment after auction."
"Sold many lots with London Auctions and have always achieved a good hammer price. Prompt payment with reasonable commission and charges. Just leave the efficient and friendly staff to do their job and you will have nothing to worry about."
"I would recommend and use London Auctions again. Professional, personable and trustworthy. Everything went smoothly. Estimates are uncannily accurate. They know their stuff."
"From start to finish we were very impressed with communication and service of Liam and the team. Nothing was too much trouble and any questions or queries regarding items or the auction etc were dealt with very quickly. Would highly recommend as this company really know their stuff."
Browse by Department
Furniture, ceramics, silver, artwork and curios spanning centuries of collecting.
Toys, coins, militaria, vinyl, books and ephemera for every kind of collector.
Designer handbags, apparel and trainers, authenticated and ready to wear.
Classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia for collectors who love things with an engine.
Trading cards, comics, video games and retro homewares from decades past.
Gold, silver, gemstones and timepieces — with XRF precious metal testing available.
Free no-obligation valuations available — by WhatsApp, online, in person or by post.
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