If you are seeking a loan against antiques, Edinburgh Asset Finance (EAF) offers one of the UK’s most specialist and reliable high-value lending services. Clients nationwide rely on us when they need fast, discreet and dependable access to capital — without the delays of auction houses or the limitations of a typical antique pawnbroker.

We work exclusively with premium antiques and historically significant pieces. This allows us to deliver accurate valuations, higher loan amounts and exceptionally rapid funding, all handled by in-house experts with deep category knowledge. Whether you require liquidity for business, investment, or personal cash flow, you can unlock significant capital while retaining full ownership of your antiques.

Why Clients Choose Our Antique Lending Service

Fast Valuations & Immediate Loan Offers

Our process mirrors the efficiency of our watch lending service: fast, specialist, and entirely in-house. We:

  • Assess most antiques within hours
  • Provide loan offers immediately once appraisal is complete
  • Avoid delays from third-party authentication

This streamlined workflow makes our service substantially faster than a traditional antique pawnbroker while maintaining expert accuracy and attention to detail.

Rapid Access to Funds

Once a client accepts our loan offer, funds are released as promptly as possible — in many straightforward cases, the same day.
When additional arrangements are required, funding typically follows within 24 hours.

While every antique is unique, our process consistently remains among the fastest high-value lending services in the UK.

Higher Loan Amounts Than Standard Pawnbrokers

Because we specialise in valuable, collectible and investment-grade antiques, we routinely offer higher loan-to-value ratios than general pawnbrokers.

We frequently lend up to 70% of market value, compared with the 40–55% more common on the high street.

Every valuation considers:

  • Market trends and collector demand
  • Comparable auction results
  • Maker reputation and historical significance
  • Materials, craftsmanship and condition
  • Rarity and provenance (if applicable)

This expertise allows us to provide more competitive lending against antiques at all levels.

A Professional, Secure & Confidential Service

Our clients expect a premium lending experience — and we deliver exactly that. We provide:

  • Clear, fixed interest rates
  • Transparent terms with no hidden charges
  • Discreet, private appointments
  • Full insurance cover from start to finish
  • High-security vault storage designed for valuable antiques

This is a refined alternative to the typical antique pawnbroker, tailored to clients who value professionalism, discretion and speed.

How We Differ from a Typical Antique Pawnbroker

Just like our watch lending service, our antique loans stand apart due to:

  • Exclusive focus on high-value antiques
  • In-house experts with specialist category knowledge
  • Higher LTV ratios than traditional pawnbrokers
  • Rapid, streamlined decision-making
  • Private, discreet appointments
  • High-security, fully insured storage

Most traditional pawnbrokers simply lack the expertise or capability required for high-value antique lending — which is exactly where our service excels.

Antiques We Commonly Lend Against

We lend against a broad range of high-value and historically significant antique categories. Below are some of the most common.

Sculptures – Bronze, Marble & Decorative Art

Highly sought after for their craftsmanship and cultural value, we regularly lend against:

  • 19th- and early 20th-century bronzes
  • Marble sculptures and carved figures
  • Signed bronzes with foundry stamps
  • Decorative art figures and objets d’art
  • Works by recognised sculptors and ateliers

Valuation focuses on casting quality, patination, condition, provenance and comparable sales.

Silver & Precious Metal Antiques

Antique silver continues to perform strongly on the collector market. We commonly accept:

  • Georgian and Victorian silver tea sets
  • Hallmarked gold and silverware
  • Tankards, ewers, centrepieces and salvers
  • Works by celebrated silversmiths
  • Ornamental and decorative pieces

Both intrinsic metal value and artistic merit contribute to strong loan potential.

Antique Clocks & Horological Items

Clocks remain a specialist category with consistent demand. We lend against:

  • Longcase (grandfather) clocks
  • Bracket and mantel clocks
  • Skeleton clocks
  • Precision regulators
  • Timepieces by makers such as Dent, Frodsham & Elliott

Condition, originality and maker prestige are central to valuation.

Asian & Oriental Antiques

This remains an exceptionally strong and internationally active market. We accept:

  • Chinese porcelain and ceramic works
  • Japanese Meiji-period pieces
  • Bronze figures, scholars’ objects and carved artefacts
  • Lacquerware, screens and scrolls
  • Signed or marked items of cultural interest

Authenticity, age, quality and cultural significance play major roles in lending values.

Decorative & Collectable Artefacts

We provide high-value loans across a wide range of collectible and historical items, including:

  • Early English ceramics (Worcester, Derby, Wedgwood)
  • Militaria and historical artefacts
  • Rare books, maps and manuscripts
  • Scientific instruments and optical devices
  • Early glassware, metalwork and curios

If an item holds recognised market value, we can almost certainly lend against it.

Client Case Example

Bronze Sculpture & Oriental Vase

A client approached us requiring immediate capital for a time-sensitive business investment. They provided two high-value antiques:

  • A 19th-century signed bronze sculpture valued at £65,000
  • An Oriental antique vase valued at £40,000

Combined value: £105,000

After a swift in-house appraisal, we offered a £70,000 loan (approx. 67% LTV).
The entire process — from initial enquiry to funds landing — was completed in around 24 hours.

The client later repaid the loan in full and collected both items in immaculate condition.

Representative Example: Credit £70,000 over seven months at a fixed monthly rate of 3%. Total interest £14,700. Total repayable £84,700. APR 38.4%. No hidden charges.

How We Differ from a Typical Antique Pawnbroker

Just like our watch lending service, our antique loans stand apart due to:

  • Exclusive focus on high-value antiques
  • In-house experts with specialist category knowledge
  • Higher LTV ratios than traditional pawnbrokers
  • Rapid, streamlined decision-making
  • Private, discreet appointments
  • High-security, fully insured storage

Most traditional pawnbrokers simply lack the expertise or capability required for high-value antique lending — which is exactly where our service excels.

Ready to Secure a Loan Against Antiques?

We offer:

  • Fast, expert valuations
  • Immediate loan offers
  • Up to 70% LTV
  • A secure, discreet and highly professional service

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the value of my antique assessed?

We consider market demand, maker significance, rarity, condition, age, comparable sales and (where applicable) provenance.

Do I need provenance or documentation?

No. Provenance is beneficial but not essential. Authenticity can often be established through expert appraisal.

What condition must the item be in?

We assess each piece individually, considering restoration, originality, maker’s marks, structural integrity and overall preservation.

How quickly can I receive funds?

In many situations, clients receive funds the same day. Otherwise, funds typically follow within 24 hours, depending on the item and arrangements required.

Is my antique insured while in your care?

Yes. All items remain in high-security vaults and are fully insured for their appraised value throughout the loan term.

Contact Edinburgh Asset Finance today to arrange your private appointment.