Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Every piece is hand-picked by Steve Brooker from trade fairs, estates, auctions and his own mudlarking finds along the Thames. If we aren't sure of an attribution we say so in the listing — we'd rather under-promise than over-sell.

Yes. Every item is one-of-a-kind — once it's sold, it's gone. There is no 'quantity' at Sensible Man Antiques. When you see a piece you like, don't sit on it.

Each listing has multiple photos and an honest condition note flagging any wear, repairs, marks or patina. If you'd like more photos, close-ups or a short video of a detail, use the 'Ask Steve' button on the listing — he usually replies the same day.

For items over £500 we offer a live video call so Steve can walk you round the piece. For everything else you're welcome to collect in person in London, and we'll happily do a pre-collection inspection.

Card payment only, securely via Stripe — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Link. 3D Secure is enforced on every transaction, so your bank verifies the payment. We do not accept bank transfer, PayPal or cash on delivery.

Yes. Card details are handled entirely by Stripe and never touch our servers. Stripe is PCI-DSS Level 1 certified — the highest tier available.

Your card is charged immediately when you confirm payment. The item is yours the moment payment clears.

Not at the moment.

The website checks out in UK postcodes only, but we regularly ship internationally by arrangement. Email info@sensiblemanantiques.com with the item and your full address and we'll quote fully tracked, insured shipping. Buyers outside the UK are responsible for any import duty, VAT or customs charges at their end.

Royal Mail Tracked 48 (Signed) arrives in 2–3 working days. Special Delivery arrives next working day by 1pm. We dispatch on the next working day after payment clears.

Yes, and it's free. Once payment clears we'll email to arrange a collection time in London. For large or fragile items collection is strongly recommended.

Very large, very heavy or awkwardly shaped items can't be shipped safely by Royal Mail. Rather than take the risk we mark them collection only. If you're set on a collection-only piece and can't get to London, email us — a third-party courier is usually possible.

Yes. You have 14 days from receipt to tell us you'd like to return, and a further 14 days to send it back, under the UK Consumer Contracts Regulations. Full details on our Shipping & Returns page.

Tell us within 48 hours of delivery with photos and we'll sort it — refund, repair or replacement where possible. We insure every shipment.

We'll refund you in full, cover return postage, and apologise. That's on us.

Steve Brooker — antique dealer of 20+ years and star of History Channel's Mud Men. His son Jake builds and runs the website. Every piece is personally sourced and listed by Steve.

Sometimes, if it's a fit for the collection. Email info@sensiblemanantiques.com with photos, dimensions and what you know about the piece.

Steve isn't a registered valuer and can't give formal written valuations for insurance or probate. For an offer to buy, see above.

Yes — a free account is required to check out. It stores your order history, reservation status and wishlist, and means we can email you about your order.

All data is transmitted over HTTPS. Sensitive order fields are encrypted at rest. We use only essential cookies — no advertising or tracking cookies. Full details in our Privacy Policy.

Yes, at any time. Sign in, go to Account → Security, and request deletion. Order records may be retained in anonymised form to meet HMRC requirements.