Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Search results "estimate"

The starting price of a lot at auction is rarely pulled out of thin air. It is based on an estimate—a preliminary valuation of the item determined by the auction house's experts. This is not the exact sale price, but rather a projected range within which the lot is expected to sell.

The first and one of the most important steps towards successfully selling a collection is choosing the right auction house. Not all auctions are the same: some specialize in Old Master paintings, others in contemporary art, and still others in numismatics or antique furniture. It is important to find a house whose specialization matches the profile of your collection.

Diving into the world of auctions begins with understanding the three concepts that underpin the entire bidding process. These are the pre-sale estimate, the bid itself, and the final price. Without a clear distinction between these terms, it's easy to get confused and make a wrong decision.

The journey of any item to auction begins long before it appears in a catalog. First, the owner contacts an auction house, where expert specialists conduct an initial appraisal. Their task is to determine the item's authenticity, origin (provenance), cultural and historical value, and current condition.