Information for Buyers
Our staff are always available to answer any queries regarding
all aspects of buying and selling at auctions and valuation
services. Set out below are the various aspects of information
as they apply to buyers.
One of a pair of early 19th century
mahogany bookcases, 97 ½'' high. |
1. Estimates.
Estimates are designed to help buyers gauge what sort
of sum might be involved for the purchase of a particular
lot. The lower estimate may represent the reserve price
and certainly not below it. Estimates do not include
the Buyer's Premium or VAT (where chargeable). Estimates
are prepared some time before the sale and may be altered
by announcement before the sale.
2. Buyer's Premium.
The Conditions of Sale oblige buyers to pay a buyer's
premium of 15% on the hammer price of each lot purchased.
In addition, VAT is payable on this premium (see below).
3. VAT.
(*) Indicates that VAT is payable by the purchaser
at the standard rate (presently 17 ½%) on the
hammer price as well as being an element in the buyer's
premium. Lots which appear without the above symbol
indicate that no VAT is payable on the hammer price.
It should be noted that the VAT included within the
Premium is not recoverable as input tax.
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4. Conditions of Lots.
Intending buyers have ample opportunity for inspection of
goods and neither the seller nor we as the auctioneers accept
any responsibility for their condition. In particular, mechanical
objects of any age are not guaranteed to be in working order.
However, in specified circumstances, lots misdescribed because
they are 'deliberate forgeries' may be returned and repayment
made. There is a two week time limit. (The expression 'deliberate
forgery' is defined in our Conditions
of Sale)
5. Condition Reports.
We are be able to assist buyers unable to view by posting
or faxing a condition report, but these reports are based
solely on our own opinion and are for guidance only and no
responsibility is accepted for their accuracy. Intending buyers
are strongly encouraged to view. (Please see our Conditions
of Sale)
6. Electrical Goods.
These are sold as 'antiques' only, and if bought for use,
must be checked over for compliance with safety regulations
by a qualified electrician first.
7. Export of Goods.
Buyers intending to export goods should ascertain (a)
whether an export licence is required and (b) whether
there is any specific prohibition on importing goods
of that character because, e.g. they may contain prohibited
materials such as ivory. Ask us if you need help.
8. Bidding.
Registration prior to bidding is not necessary. Once
a successful purchaser you may be required to complete
a registration form and all lots will be invoiced to
the name and address on the form. Some form of identification
may be required if you are unknown to us.
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Owen Bowen, 'Falling
Roses', signed oil painting, 16 ½'' x 20''.
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9. Commission Bidding.
Commission bids may be left with the auctioneers indicating
the maximum amount to be bid excluding buyer's premium. They
will be executed as cheaply as possible having regard to the
reserve (if any) and competing bids. If two buyers submit
identical commission bids, the auctioneers will prefer the
first bid received. Please enquire in advance about our arrangements
for the leaving of commission bids by telephone or fax, and
please note that they should always be with us no later than
1 hour before the start of the sale.
10. Telephone Bidding.
Please enquire in advance about our arrangements for telephone
bidding. This is normally limited to items where the current
lower estimate is no less than £500. The number of available
telephone lines is limited
11. Methods of Payment.
As a general rule, any cheques tendered will need to be cleared
before removal of the goods is permitted unless prior arrangements
have been made with us. Credit and debit card payments may
be made in person, but please note that with credit cards
there will be a surcharge of 2% plus VAT on all transactions.
Please discuss with our Office in advance of the sale if any
other methods of payment are envisaged (except cash).
13. Collection and Storage.
Please note what the Conditions
of Sale state about collection and storage. It is important
that goods are paid for and collected promptly, and in any
event no later than two days after the sale. Any delay may
involve the buyer in paying our storage charges.
13. Agency.
As auctioneers we usually contract as agents for the seller
whose identity, for reasons of confidentiality, is not normally
disclosed. Accordingly, if you buy, your primary contract
is with the seller.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
A Glossary of terms used in our Catalogues concerning
the attribution of paintings and drawings, and other
signed items of art:
1. The Christian name(s) or asterisks where not known
and surname of the artist indicates in our opinion a
work by the artist.
2. The initials of the Christian name(s) and the surname
of the artist indicate in our opinion a work of the
period of the artist, which may be wholly or in part
his work.
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19th century French portrait
of a mother and child in parkland, minature on ivory,
3 ½'' wide. |
3. The surname only of the artist indicates in our opinion
a work of the school or by one of the followers of the artist
or in his style and of uncertain date.
4. 'Bears signature' or 'bears label' indicates in our opinion
that this is not the signature of the artist.
5. The name of the artist preceded by 'After' indicates in
our opinion a copy of the work of the artist.
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