We host around 25 auctions per year. The majority are live auctions taking place in real time on a scheduled date, alongside a calendar of online-only timed auctions in which you are able to leave bids in advance. Whether you choose to visit our salerooms and bid in person or participate online from anywhere in the world, we make buying at auction enjoyable and uncomplicated. We also provide a telephone bidding service, should you like one of our team to bid on your behalf.
Before the auction
All of our auctions have illustrated cataloguing on our website. If a sale appeals to you, we welcome you to view it at our premises, or on location for off-site auctions; viewing times are published ahead of time.
Each lot has an estimated guide price that gives an indication of the anticipated sale result. The hammer price may be higher or lower than the estimate, depending on demand. Some items have a reserve price and cannot be sold below that figure; reserves are never higher than the bottom estimate. Due to the nature and age of the material we sell, it’s commonplace to request a condition report ahead of sale day — all condition reports are available online to registered bidders. For further guidance on lot value and interest, simply contact the relevant department specialist.
Registering to bid
To take part you will need to register by creating an account on our website; we recommend doing this in advance of the auction date to allow processing time. Confirm your email address using the link we send you, then confirm your telephone number and home address. A basic registration allows bidding up to £10,000; there is a £3.99 plus VAT registration fee, after which you are set up to bid for the next five years — live online, in person, or by absentee and telephone bids — with no additional charges. In accordance with anti-money-laundering procedures, an advanced registration is required once a client reaches the sterling equivalent of €10,000.
Auction day
Once registered, you will be supplied with a paddle number unique to you, which can be used online, by telephone (booked ahead of time) or in person in the saleroom. For online-only timed auctions you can leave a bid on your chosen lots via the online catalogue, and you will be kept up to date with the bidding by email alerts. Commission (absentee) bids should be received at least 24 hours before the auction.
Payment
All purchased lots are subject to a buyer’s premium of 25% (plus VAT) on the hammer price. Payments can be made by credit or debit card online, BACS, in person or over the phone; phone payments have a maximum of £500.
Want to find out more? Call 01305 265080.