Conditions of Sale
Each Duke’s auction is conducted under our full Conditions of Sale. By registering to bid, in person or online, you accept those conditions, summarised below.
Registration
A basic registration via our website must be completed before any bids can be taken, including commission, telephone and live online bids. A £3.99 (plus VAT) fee applies, which allows bidding with Duke’s for five years with no additional platform fees. In accordance with anti-money-laundering procedures, an advanced registration is required once a client reaches the sterling equivalent of €10,000; this resets yearly.
Buyer’s premium and VAT
The buyer pays the hammer price together with a premium of 25% plus VAT on the premium. By exception, the buyer’s premium on vehicles is 15% plus VAT on the premium. VAT on the hammer price is payable on lots marked with an asterisk or double asterisk; for asterisked lots VAT is payable at 5% on the hammer price and 20% on the buyer’s premium.
Artist’s Resale Right
Qualifying works by living artists, or artists who died within the last 70 years, sold for more than £1,000 may attract a resale royalty on a sliding scale from 4% to 0.25% of the hammer price, exclusive of VAT, which may be passed to the buyer.
Condition and estimates
All lots are sold “as is”; the absence of any reference to condition does not imply that a lot is free of defects, repairs or restorations. Estimates do not include the buyer’s premium or VAT and are subject to revision. A lot which proves to be a forgery may be returned within 21 days of the auction, subject to our conditions.
Payment
Payment may be made by debit or credit card, bank transfer, or cash up to £9,000. Telephone card payments cannot be made for invoices totalling more than £500 unless the buyer is known to Duke’s. Cheques are not accepted except by prior arrangement.
Collection and storage
Ownership does not pass until payment is made in full. Purchases must be collected within 5 working days of the auction, after which they will be removed to storage by a carrier at the buyer’s expense. Lots uncollected after 30 days incur a fee of £5 per day. Bladed items are not sold to under-18s, and firearms are subject to the UK licensing regime.
Questions about a lot, a commission bid or a consignment? Email enquiries@dukes-auctions.com or call 01305 265080.