About Us
Glenda Silvey, Managing Partner
Glenda Silvey has enjoyed a 35-year career as a communications professional, most of that time as an award-winning news anchor and reporter for Tulsa’s CBS affiliate, KOTV, from 1985-2008. She spent the next seven years at the University of Oklahoma – Tulsa, retiring as Director of Communications in 2015.
A long-time passion for art, antiques, and collectibles motivated Glenda to pursue appraising credentials through the International Society of Appraisers in 2003. She co-founded Silvey Estate Sales with her husband, Larry, and other family members during that time, helping guide it to become one of Tulsa’s most trusted and successful estate sales companies. She conducted numerous appraisals and sales in the Tulsa area before deciding in 2010 to focus on other obligations.
With the re-establishment of Silvey Estate Sales, Glenda rejoined the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) and earned her membership status having successfully completed required coursework and examinations in the ISA Core Course in Appraisal Studies and Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
Recognized as a long-time supporter and advocate for the arts and education in Tulsa, Glenda has been an active volunteer for a number of community organizations. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Trust. The Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa honored her news coverage of the arts with the Harwelden Award for Individual Achievement, and she’s the recipient of the Tulsa Chapter of Women in Communications’ Saidie Award for Lifetime Achievement in the communications field.
Glenda holds a B.A. in English from The University of Tulsa.
Katherine Silvey Bates, Managing Partner
Before joining Silvey Estate Sales, Katherine Bates enjoyed a 13-year career in nonprofit fundraising. She held development positions at the Newberry Library in Chicago and Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma, and served as Director of Development for organizations including the Tulsa Library Trust and Tulsa’s Gilcrease Museum.
Kate was born and grew up in Tulsa, where she attended Tulsa Public Schools and participated in many arts programs and organizations, initiating a life-long interest in the visual and performing arts. A graduate of Tulsa’s Booker T. Washington High School, she holds a B.A. in Arts Administration from The University of Tulsa. Following her college graduation, she spent a semester abroad in Paris, where she completed the French Language Certificate from the University of Paris-Sorbonne.
She is a member of the board for the TYPros Foundation and the Young People of the Next Generation, and serves on the Fundraising Committee for the Tulsa Garden Center. She was a founding member of the board for The Pencil Box in Tulsa, a past member of the leadership team for Tulsa’s Young Professionals, and supports a number of organizations including Youth Services of Tulsa, Gilcrease Museum, Public Radio Tulsa, FabLab, and the National Parks Service.
Kate is a Member of the International Society of Appraisers, having successfully completed required coursework and examinations in the ISA Core Course in Appraisal Studies and Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). She also enjoys expanding her knowledge of antiques and collectibles through books, online resources, and attending other estate sales, antique markets, flea markets, and galleries.
She and her husband, Ely Bates, enjoy travel, cooking and entertaining, and spending time with friends and family, which includes cats Billy Joel and Leon Russell, and dog, Charley.
Larry Silvey
Larry Silvey is a long time Tulsa communications professional, award-winning city magazine editor, and book publisher – including two volumes on the history of Tulsa. He also has served as an editor and graphic design specialist for numerous clients, including most recently, OU-Tulsa and OU-Physicians. In addition, he participated as a member of several community boards, including the Tulsa Arts Commission, Tulsa Garden Center, Theatre Tulsa, and American Theatre Company. He was an active, founding member of TulsaNow, a citizen organization that advocated effectively for the now flourishing regeneration of downtown Tulsa.
As a participant in Silvey Estate Sales beginning in 2003, Larry is a highly competent researcher and has developed extensive experience in all aspects of personal property liquidation.
Glenda and Larry have expanded their knowledge of antiques and collectibles over the years through countless hours browsing flea markets, antique stores, junk shops, estate sales, and antique shows. Their idea of the ideal day is one spent treasure hunting together or with friends. If there’s a flea market on their route to anywhere, their car automatically pulls in.
Our friendly, hard-working staff
We’re proud of the competent and dedicated crew we’ve assembled to help run our sales. Some have knowledge in specific areas of collection, some are long-time estate sales fans themselves, and some bring other talents to the many facets of creating a successful sale. Silvey Estate Sales emphasizes honesty, reliability, discretion and respect – for clients as well as sale customers, and our staff shares and upholds those values. They’re some of the finest people you’ll ever meet, besides being really fun folks.
In Memoriam
Scout (Jean Louise 'Scout' Finch Silvey – 1997-2010), for several years the official mascot of Silvey Estate Sales, had more friends than we could count as our “Executive Greeter,” with her welcoming, wagging tail and quiet demeanor. She knew she could count on at least a few loyal customers to reach into their pockets and produce a dog biscuit brought along just for her. Artist Tom Richardson memorialized Scout in this painting, providing happy memories of her days as a beloved member of the SES Team.
Our two newer ‘staff members’
Jack Bill and Charley Jane are two, lanky-legged rescue hounds who, while abundantly enthusiastic and profusely friendly, are a little too frisky for estate sale prime time. They do, of course, help the cause from a distance and may, from time to time, make an appearance. Be on the lookout.
A word about Silvey Estate Sales customers
Our company’s success depends in large part on the loyal customer base we’ve built over time. We so much appreciate their attendance at our sales, their friendliness, and their feedback. Many of them have educated and advised us in helpful ways. We’re always eager to hear from you about anything you feel will help us do a better job. On behalf of the entire team: thank you for attending and supporting our sales.
