Auction Catalogues

Catalogues are an indispensable reference to learn about any items being offered for sale at auction. Every item is fully described (and sometimes illustrated), and the estimated price range is given.

Decriptions

Each object will be listed and numbered in the order in which it will be sold. These numbers are called 'lot' numbers. The item will then be described, with the valuer's opinion of the date and authenticity of a piece. However, always examine any object on which you intend to make a bid very carefully, and make up your own mind as to its authenticity.

Estimates

There will also be a suggested price range, or estimate, for each item. These figures indicate the price the auction house valuer expects the object to fetch at auction. Estimates should always be taken as a rough guide; they can never be a guarantee of the price for which something will be sold. Estimates are often on the low side to encourage people to come to the sale and make a bid. And of course, any object, no matter what it is, is only worth what someone is willing to bid for it on the day. This is one of the elements that draws people to auctions - you never know what kind of a bargain you're going to get!