One of the most frequent questions I get asked is “where do you get your stuff?” While it might look easy to some, it’s damn hard to find pieces, especially ones we can re-sell at a profit (ie. make a living) and we protect our sources fiercely. Howeverrrrr…. many of us do sometimes find special pieces at auction. And, I don’t mind sharing some tips:
"Auction Room, Christie's" - illustration from "Microcosm of London", 1808 - Thomas Rowlandson (1756–1827) and Augustus Charles Pugin (1762–1832) (after) John Bluck (fl. 1791–1819), Joseph Constantine Stadler (fl. 1780–1812), Thomas Sutherland (1785–1838), J. Hill, and Harraden (aquatint engravers)
There are auctions all over the world. There might be some within driving distance of where you live. If they are, lucky you. Go to some “viewing days” in person and check out “in person bidding” to see how an auction house works.
Whether near or far, it’s good to read reviews about auction houses. I like to know what people are saying about them if I’ve never bid with them before. Some will not allow you to register for an auction (required before you bid) unless you can prove, with invoices, that you’ve won, and paid for, auction wins in the past. A bit of a chicken/egg thing. But, there are plenty that don’t. There are also auction platforms that encompass many other auction houses within that platform – I repeat, read the reviews for each auction house.
When it comes to bidding, you can leave a maximum bid and the auctioneer will bid up to your maximum, you can bid in person or you can sometimes do telephone bidding. However you choose to participate, read up on all of the below before you bid:
Find out the laws for both importing to your country and exporting items from the auction house’s. Every country is different. Some require antique pieces to go through government hands, requiring a certificate that often takes a month or longer. Italy, for example, requires a certificate for exporting AND importing items over 70 years of age. Some auction houses or shipping companies can help you procure such a certificate. Others, won’t even tell you about it. It’s up to you to figure out the rules for each country.
It’s really easy to get swept up in the excitement of bidding. Have a maximum price that you’re willing to pay. This should include the “hammer” price (the winning bid price), the auction house fees, package and shipping (if you’re not picking up in person) and import duties and taxes (if you’re importing). Every auction has different fees on top of the hammer (winning) bid price. These are typically a percentage. Find out what that percentage is before you bid and factor that into what your maximum bid will be. I’ve seen fees ranging from 12% to 32%. Don’t let it be a big, unfortunate surprise when you receive your invoice.
Sometimes, in my excitement, I see a listing photo and I automatically make assumptions about the piece – metal, gold karat, weight, size… Yeah, don’t do that. I come back to my senses and contact the auction house to ask for information that’s not in the description
Items are sometimes not actually as described or fully described. For example, I’ve seen items that look like gold that are actually copper, photos of only the front of a piece, jewelry described as “gold metal” that isn’t actually gold. I’ve bid on items that are described as 18k and have arrived as 14k. I’ve bid on items that were listed as simple gold pieces but, I could clearly see they were Georgian pieces. Often, there aren’t enough photos in a listing for me. If you live near the auction house, go to “viewing days” where you can see the item in person. If you don’t, contact the auction house for more photos or information. Also, auction houses are not typically in the business of authenticating but, of marketing. Check out the documentary “The Lost Leonardo” – although about a specific painting, it gives a fascinating glimpse into what goes into auctioning an item.
Many auction houses do not ship, therefore, you’ll often need to arrange your own packaging and shipping. Ask the auction house before you purchase if there are packing & shipping companies they can recommend or work with so that you are not scrambling at the end. Most auction houses hold auction wins for a certain length of time before they start charging storage fees – so, plan ahead.
Finally, taxes and duties (if you’re importing from another country) should be factored into your purchase price. In Canada, there are no duties on antiques. However, if an item is not described properly by the auction house’s invoice or the shipper, or if the correct tariff code was not used, you’ll need to try to get those corrected before delivery or apply for a correction with customs. You can also clear the package yourself in many countries, including Canada and the US – yes, you can be the broker. You don’t have to pay one. For me, in the past that has meant driving 25 minutes to my local customs office to provide the documentation and pay the necessary fees. They then provide a stamped form to send to the courier to release your package for delivery. In Canada, clearing your own package just got a little trickier – you need to set up a CARM account (It’s free) and upload paperwork there. Sometimes, it’s a hassle and I’ll just pay the courier company to clear it. However, when they’re refusing to clear it as an “antique” let’s say, and I have the paperwork to clear it as such, there can be hundreds of dollars difference and, depending on how much you’re importing, that can really add up.
And, there you go. Much to consider, much to research and much to learn. But, oh the excitement of a good deal and a great win. May luck be in your favor.