Antique Auctions: Know How the Auction Process Works
Antique auctions are the stuff of theater and carry with them an air of luxury and wealth. We all have the image in mind of fine antiques and collectibles up on the auction block with fast-talking and smooth antique auctioneer crisply starting the bidding. We picture a room full of wealthy people with paddles bidding and driving the price up, creating drama. You might have antiques to sell at auction and wondering what’s the process. You might be looking to buy but you are new to auction. In this article we are providing you with antique auction guide to get you started and explain how the auction process works.
What is an Antique Auction?
Let’s start with the basics. An auction brings together items (usually antiques, houses, vehicles, luxury items, artwork, and other valuable collectibles that have been appraised for a certain value) that are being put up for sale at the auction with buyers who will bid on the items. Antique auctioneers serve as the middleman between them. The bidding starts at a base price and people bid against each other, driving the price up. At some point the bidding concludes and the person who placed the highest bid wins the items. If you have ever bid for something on eBay, it is a lot like that.
An Antique Auction Starts with a Preview Period
One of the most important steps in the antique auction process starts before bidding begins. It is called the preview period. During the preview period potential bidders have the chance to look the items up for auction over and assess their interest in them. There is usually an auction guide or catalog available ahead of time for people to look at. Once a buyer (or someone who will act as a buyer’s agent) has determined that they will bid for an item, they have to register with the auctioneer and provide identification and other information, such as the financial ability to cover their bids. The preview period can last from a few days before the auction right up to a few hours before it begins.
How an Antique Auction Begins
At the set time the auction will begin when the auctioneer announces the opening of bidding and goes over the terms and conditions. Then the first lot will be placed for bidding. As each item comes up for bidding there will be a starting price. The starting price is set by the seller, usually after the item has been appraised to determine its value. The starting price is designed to be the lowest price that a seller will sell for. It is designed to be low enough that people will be willing to bid and drive the price up.
The Exciting Part- The Bidding
Now we come to the dramatic part- the bidding. This is the part of the auction that is often depicted on stage and screen. At a live antique auction, the auctioneer starts the bidding on an item and buyers, or their agents, who are sitting in the audience, hold up paddles to place a bid at the current price being called out by the auctioneer. It can be a swiftly moving and exciting process when there are numerous bids or a “bidding war” between two buyers. The bidding ends when the auctioneer calls out, “sold”. This usually happens when there are no bids being placed because the price has become two high for any new bids. The auctioneer calls out a final chance and then, “going, going, gone!” Then the item is won by the person who bid the highest.
Online Antique Auctions
Obviously, online auctions are an increasing part of antique auctions these days. Some auctions are even a mix of in person and online. The process of a preview period and bidding are basically the same. However, the buyers have the option of previewing the items up for bid and bidding from the comfort of their own homes. It is likely that the popularity of websites like eBay and the reality of how things are done in pandemic times will lead to increase in online auctions.
Which Antiques offer the best e-value and can be sold online?
Tiffany, Handel lamps usually comprise of small boudoir lamps & other generic mosaic lamps with artwork painted in their shades. Handel lamps are renowned & noted for their reverse painted shades. While some have metal bases, marks on their shades, or otherwise, the distinguishing feature of handel lamps is their shades which may be reverse painted with an myriad of beautiful colors and metal overlays in diverse patterns.
Buying OR Selling Antique Tiffany Lamps
Your best bet is to visit Antique Appraisers & Auctioneers, specializing in Buying or selling antique tiffany lamps or handel lamps or other quality antique & vintage lamps as they can generally offer a better price as compared to dealers who deal with all antiques and might be into scrapping antiques.
Patek Philippe, a best seller since ages…
Created by the Swiss watch-manufacturing company Patek Philippe SA, Patek Philippe watches are among the most prestigious watches worldwide. Offering a wide variety of watches for men and women alike, Patek Philippe SA is known to manufacture the most complicated mechanical portable timepieces (stopwatches, wristwatches), bringing to fore the expertise and skill of the best designers and watchmakers in the world. Listed among the world’s top five most expensive watches, Patek Philippe watches cater to the elite and is worth every penny spent.
How can a Professional Antique Auctioneer help?
Antique auctioneering defines the sale of antiques by skilled professional auctioneers by accepting bids and selling several items in an auction. Licensed professional antique auctioneers are equipped to ensure the lawful transfer of antiques to the new owners. Typically, a catalogued listing of the items for sale is made available to all attendees at the beginning of the auction. In addition to becoming a specialist in evaluating antiques, a professional antique auctioneer must be appreciative-of and knowledgeable about the antique pieces, as well as be able to examine them to evaluate their age, condition, origin and quality, confer with experts and historians, assure the authenticity and proof of ownership of each piece, as well as records of all pieces that go through them. As knowledge is paramount in the auction business and the goal is fairness to all participants, it is imperative that professional antique auctioneers do extensive research prior to the auction. Finally, before choosing an auctioneer to sell your antiques, sellers should attempt to sit in on at least two auctions conducted by the auctioneer to verify their talent.
Tiffany, Cartier Jewelry
The Tiffany and Cartier Jewelry brands are among the two most prominent brands in their own right and buyers are often confounded as to which to choose. While Tiffany has been in the market longer (over decades), it started off as a silverware manufacture before branching out to jewelry, unlike Cartier which started out as a jewelry maker. As both companies produce similar product types, buyers’ choices tend to go beyond the availability and involves their personal preferences and palette. Tiffany engagement rings are a favorite amongst both users and collectors; on the other hand, in this same setting, one may choose Cartier Jewelry as well as it offers “something different”.
Tips to Follow While Buying or Selling Your American Art
Artwork is an important part of every culture and American culture is no exception. There is a unique vibe to American artwork. It is present in the work of disparate, famous American artist from John Singer Sargent to Jasper Johns to Grant Wood to Georgia O’Keefe to Jackson Pollock and many more. Different styles but an American feel. That American vibe makes collecting American artwork fun and, when figuring out the value of a piece you might be planning to buy or sell, challenging. American art auctions are full of valuable and impressive pieces. American art collectors are a savvy and eclectic bunch of people who have high standards. In this article we will look at some handy tips to follow when buying or selling your American art.
1. How is the Value of American Art Determined.
You should be aware of how the value of your artwork is determined. Be aware that there are certain factors that will determine what American art collectors will pay for your piece, or what you should be willing to pay if you are the collector. Artwork should first be authenticated. This can be easy with contemporary pieces when the artist is alive to authentic a piece. It is a trickier with older, historic pieces that have passed through many owners. Serious art collectors always insist on authentication. Value is also determined by who the artist was, the more famous the artist, the more the artwork is worth. The condition of the artwork, size and materials it is made of (ie. oil paintings are often more expensive than watercolors) help determine value. In some cases, the subject of painting or statue can add value. So can provenance (who it previously belonged to). In the end, the marketplace dictates the final value of piece of art.
2. Get American Art Appraised by an Expert.
Whether you are planning on selling American art online or you are at a gallery and spot a piece that you just have to have, it is a good idea to look for American art appraisers who can help you feel confident about the true value of the piece. A well-trained expert has detailed knowledge of American history and artwork that allows them to accurately determine the origins, age, and value of your artwork. They also understand the market and the legal details involved in selling one valuable piece or a whole collection. It is important to hire an expert to evaluate the artwork. Before hiring an appraiser check their educational and professional background and compare their prices with other experts.
3. Don’t pay sticker price.
When you go to a gallery browse and don’t be afraid to haggle. Most of the time the contract between the artist and gallery will allow the gallery to lower the price by a small percentage. Also, if you love a piece by particular artist but can’t afford it, consider asking to look at other pieces by the same artist. There might be a less expensive one that is in your budget. American painting buyers know a good deal when they come across one!
4. Go to American Art Auctions Prepared
If you go to American art auctions, do you homework. Study the auction catalog. Consider hiring an art expert to advise you at the auction. They are helpful in quickly determining how high you should be willing to bid. The pace at auctions can be fast and the bidding can be confusing at times. If in doubt, don’t get into the bidding. Just watch. Be wary of online auctions. They aren’t always as reliable when it comes to authenticity and provenance. American art collectors love auctions and they can be fun but it pays to be prepared.
5. Other Resources for American Art Collectors and Sellers.
Fifth, the internet is a valuable tool to use when buying or selling American art. It can almost be too valuable. You will get a lot of results. Some are top-tier, such a Sotheby’s auction house. Premier auction houses like Sotheby’s are pretty much guaranteed to have great art for sale and to get you a good price if you are selling with them online. The same for premiere art galleries. However, the Internet provides a place to connect with auction houses, galleries, American art appraisers, buyers and sellers of all types. Many artists are selling their art online. Many people are selling the artwork they own online. There are also other resources that can help you. There are books available at your local library, at bookstores, and on Amazon that provide comprehensive price lists for American art. There are also a variety of websites that will help you research the value of American artwork and find American art appraisers. Thanks to the internet it is easier than ever to buy and sell your American art.
How to Sell Antiques: Tips from Expert “Antique Appraisers & Auctioneers”
An antique can address different things to different people. It might represent a piece of history that has been preserved to continue to be appreciated in the present. It might have a great deal of sentimental value and represent the family history and departed loved ones. A fine antique can be seen as a thing of artistic beauty that will enhance the décor of a room. It might be simply a valuable item that can be sold for money. Once you have decided to sell your antiques, you have to determine the value of it and find a buyer for them. That is when you might start wondering how to sell antiques and start looking for tips from antique experts.
Know the Value of Your Antiques
Experts will tell you that you should know the value of your antiques before selling them. That’s when it is a good idea to begin by finding antique experts who can appraise your antiques. They will consider a number of factors when determining value. These factors include the condition of the item, whether it has been restored, whether it bears a manufacturer’s mark, the provenance, how rare it is, and (perhaps above all) how much demand there is for the item among antique buyers. Once you have an expert opinion on the value of your antiques you will be in a good position to get the best price when you are selling.
Where to Sell Antiques
When you start to look around you will see that there a number of places where you can sell your antiques. Below there is an outline of the places that antique experts and antique buyers use when they are looking to buy or sell antiques.
Sell Antiques Online
One of the most obvious places that antique sellers and buyers turn to in today’s digital age is the internet. A simple search will enable you to cast a net that will capture results showing a wide range of reputable antique dealers. Depending on where you live, you may feel a little overwhelmed by how many search results you receive. You can begin to research the various stores and individual buyers who pop up in your search engine results to find someone who might be the right buyer for your family heirloom. If you do receive a lot of results it can also be helpful to narrow them down by focusing on the type of antique you are selling. Selling online also lets you connect with buyers from around the world.
Get Tips on Where to Sell from an Expert
We already discussed the importance of consulting antique experts before selling and getting an appraisal. When you have the appraisal done you can ask the expert for tips about where to sell as well. They can point you in the direction of reputable antique dealers who might be interested in your piece. They know the secrets of where to sell.
Auctions are Great Places to Sell Antiques
Auctions are obviously a great place to sell antiques. Antique experts and buyers see auctions as a great place to meet other buyers and sellers and check out an array of antiques. Attending auctions can help you make connections and get advice about selling antiques. They are often the best places to sell antiques and also the best place to meet someone who might be interested in buying your antique, even if you aren’t selling anything at the auction itself.
If the auction contains items similar to what you are selling, you can also get a clearer idea of your item’s value and how you can present it when you try to sell it. Since different antique buyers attend the auction, you will have the opportunity to talk to a number of potential buyers about your antique. They know what the market for your item is and may be able to connect you with someone who will be interested in buying it. A final tip from antique experts, antique shows can be a great place to find antique buyers for the same reasons!
How to decide the best estate sale or auction services
If you ever needed to sell your collectibles, perhaps because you’re moving from one home to another or due to some other reason, estate sales and auction services are the most obvious options. Proponents of any of the methods would rightly come up with arguments about why you should choose one over the other.
But that’s not what this article is about once you decide on the option that suits you best, the next question that comes to mind is ‘how do I know the best antique appraisers for my estate sale or auction services?
Below are some tips that should help your decision-making process:
Meet as many as you can: Remember, it’s your money we’re talking about here. To get the best estate auctioneers & appraisers, you need to do due-diligence by interviewing as many companies as you can. Seek to know about the services they offer and their mode of operation. At the end of the sampling, you should have some companies you’re comfortable with, and there will be some that make you run for the door.
Consider the cost vis-a-vis the service provided: The impulse to seek the cheapest alternative is only natural. But you should not sacrifice quality service due to your need to cut costs. Professional antique appraisal services do not come cheap, but you shouldn’t have to pay through your nose either. You need to strike a balance between service quality and cost.
Take your time: You should never have to choose your estate jewelry appraisers in a hurry. Feeling pressured to make a decision often ends up badly. So, take your time to research the company. You can only make the best choice if you go the distance.
There you have it. The tips mentioned above should help you choose the best estate sale or auction services. Your willingness to research and ask the right questions are the factors that matter most at the end of the day.
Antique Paintings from Inimitable Painters through the ages
Art in-itself is as wide as the oceans and there are countless paintings that imbibe the various styles that exist. However, herein we will address a few select painters and their unique paintings that have set a precedence through the ages and deserve the right to be called antiques.
Paul Sample
An American artist who studied architecture and later, drawing and painting, Paul Starrett Sample is acclaimed for his works depicting the life in rural New England in the twentieth century & his illustrations of New England landscapes, naval activities during the Second World War, murals, and portraits are considered works-of-art. With his art, Paul Sample found a medium via which he could portray the importance of the relationship between the land and its people, thus blending Social Realism and Regionalism. By alternating his style to express his commitment to his audience, Sample succeeded to attract numerous admirers for his art, including corporate, federal, and state commissions. Some of the most prominent styles he applied include compositional style (lateral framing, plunging perspective, and rhythmic groupings) and his triangular organization (elements in the foreground, distant landscape in the background of the center with a high line of the horizon, and strong vertical accents to the center).
Emile Gruppe
Acclaimed for the role he played in establishing The Gloucester School of Painting and his books on painting (Brushwork, Gruppe on Color, and Gruppe on Painting), Emile Albert Gruppe was an American painter who depicted New England’s autumnal and wintry landscapes, the maritime port scenes, as well as sailing ships in his works. Although he is most renowned for his impressionistic landscapes and portraits, Emile Gruppe’s greatest painting are those of fishing boats docked at Gloucester and Rockport, and his Rockport village scenes. Today, his paintings are among the most sought after pieces and can range in value from $1,500 – $40,000.
A. Hibbard
Aldro Thompson Hibbard was an American painter noted to be among the most exquisite Rockport painters. A painter of mountains, oxen, rural towns, and snowy landscapes, Hibbard’s paintings outline the legacy of a period in America characterized by hardworking New Englanders living off the land. As one of the founders of the Rockport School style of painting, Hibbard influenced several artists like Emile Gruppe.
Antonio Jacobsen ship painting
With a lineage from Danish and American descent and from a long line of violin makers, Antonio Nicolo Gasparo Jacobsen was an American maritime artist, a pioneer renowned for his portraits of sails, ships, and steam vessels. With over six thousand portraits to his name, Antonio Jacobsen’s ship paintings expressed the history of both international and local ships, and were designed per the requests of crew members, sea captains and the ships’ owners. His commitment to capture every detail easily dubbed him “the most prolific of marine artist.
Local Antique Painting Appraisers
When seeking for an antique appraisal, it is important to seek out a certified appraiser who can be objective and evaluate without bias towards a particular category of antique. To be sure of their qualifications, search for a local antique appraiser from any one of the following three credible appraiser organizations: American Society of Appraisers, Appraisers Association of America, or International Society of Appraisers, which provide a complete profile with the backgrounds (references) and certifications of the appraisers. For a flat fee or hourly rate, the appraiser will provide a written report including the description and value of the object, as well as the basic knowledge of the procedure used to estimate the value.