Often some of the most valuable personal possessions within an estate are not immediately obvious. They are not locked in a safe or listed in a will but are instead hidden in attics, warehouses or online accounts and can be easily missed.
A single whisky cask could be worth six figures. A forgotten trading card or vintage watch might be more valuable than a car. In this article we briefly consider the some of the most overlooked items in our experience.
1. Whisky Casks
Maturing whisky is stored in bonded warehouses and ownership is documented through paperwork, which can be easily missed.
Look for storage invoices, certificates, or emails with brokers. Age, distillery name and cask type all affect value. A 35-year-old Macallan recently sold for over £1 million.
Executor tip: Don’t bottle or sell a cask without advice. An intact cask can be far more valuable than its bottled equivalent.
2. Musical Instruments
A dusty violin or an old guitar in the attic might not look special, but some instruments are highly collectible. Values vary widely depending on the maker, condition and provenance.
Look for labels inside string instruments or brand names on cases and headstocks. Vintage models from respected makers such as Gibson, Fender, or 19th-century violin luthiers can command high prices.
Executor tip: Do not assume it is just a school instrument. Violins are often particularly valuable. Photographs alone can often give an expert enough to advise on next steps.
3. Vintage Wristwatches
A single old watch can be worth tens of thousands. Steel Rolex models often outperform gold watches due to collector demand.
Value depends on brand, reference number, condition and whether original papers are present.
Don’t dismiss a watch just because it isn’t a household name like Rolex or Omega – some of the most valuable watches are incredibly niche and would only be recognised by true aficionados, for example a limited edition Panerai watch can easily fetch tens of thousands of pounds. We have written a short article on this topic already here.
Executor tip: Do not clean or polish before valuation. Original patina often increases value.
4. Trading Cards and Retro Games
Pokémon cards and sealed video games from the 1990s are now serious collectors’ items. A rare card or mint game can be worth more than jewellery.
Look for first editions, graded cards or sealed packaging. These are strong signs of value.
Executor tip: Handle carefully. Damage can halve the value. Get expert advice before selling or discarding any old games or cards.
5. Retro Tech and Audio Equipment
Old computers, hi-fi systems and synthesizers are now valuable. Items from Apple, Moog, or Linn often command strong prices.
An original Apple-1 computer sold for nearly £300,000. Even lesser-known items can surprise, especially if boxed and working.
Executor tip: Do not power up old tech before appraisal. Photograph model labels and seek expert advice first.
Why This Matters for Probate
In probate, missing a high-value item is not just unfortunate. It can expose executors to risk and reduce the value passed on to beneficiaries. Whisky cask paperwork, a trading card or an old stereo might seem insignificant but could be worth thousands. Whether it’s a single item or the contents of an entire property, experts can help solicitors and executors understand what they are dealing with and, in turn, give them the confidence that nothing important has been missed.
Mark Littler is co-founder of Swift Values, a nationwide chattels valuations service
