BUYING AT AUCTION

Registration
Prospective bidders are required to register their details to obtain a bidding number, (paddle). Identification is required in the form of a passport or driving license. Card details are requested for new and overseas buyers and will be verified. References may also be required. Credit checks may also be made.

Payment
Payment and collection should be made within seven days of the auction by cash, bank transfer, direct debit or credit card. (Note: a 3% + VAT surcharge is levied on credit card payments). Goods are not released until full payment has been received and cleared.
Payments by credit card can only be made by the cardholder in person.
Overseas payments can only be made by direct bank transfer.

Description & Estimate of Lots
Every effort is made to describe Lots as fairly and as accurately as possible. Descriptions are a matter of opinion only and the potential purchaser is advised to examine for themselves the authenticity of any given Lot. Damage/restoration may be mentioned but if not, does not imply an item is free from damage and/or restoration. Our liability in respect of Lot descriptions is limited. All weights and measurements stated should be regarded as approximate. Pre-sale estimates are intended only as a guide for prospective purchasers. Depending on the degree of competition Lots can realise more or sometimes less than our listed estimates. Estimates and descriptions are subject to revision.

Condition Reports
Ample time is allocated prior to the auction to allow prospective purchasers to come and view and satisfy for themselves the condition of any given Lot. However, where this is not possible, we are always happy to advise prospective buyers on the condition of any Lot either by phone, fax or email. This is an opinion only and where possible should be requested in writing eg email. This service closes at least 1 hour prior to the start of the auction. Hundreds of enquiries are logged for our sales and therefore enquiries are answered on a first come first served basis and are sent at the enquirer’s risk.

Images
All images, whether printed in the catalogue or on our websites, remain the property of Richard Winterton Auctioneers and may not be re-produced without prior written consent from us.

Progress of Sale
Under normal circumstances, our auctions proceed at around 150-200 Lots per hour.

Telephone Bids
We are happy to arrange phone bids on Lots estimated at over £100 or at our discretion. By making a booking, you will automatically have the opening bid. Bookings can only be taken up to 48 hours prior to the auction and are subject to line availability. Telephone bids are accepted at the senders risk and should be requested in writing.

Absentee Bids and Sale Results
If you are unable to attend the auction, we will be happy to bid on your behalf up to a set amount. Please use the forms available from reception or at the back of a catalogue. Absentee bids should be submitted no later than 10.30am on the sale morning. We endeavour to buy the Lot as cheaply as is allowed by other bids and reserves if applicable. If your bid(s) is successful, an invoice will be posted to you on the sale day or you can telephone reception who will be happy to inform clients of sale results.

Buyers’ Premium
All bids are charged a buyers’ premium of 21% inclusive of VAT in addition to the ‘hammer’ price. An additional 3% + VAT premium applies to Live Online Bidding.

Saleroom Notices
It is advisable to check for any notices in the saleroom relating to withdrawn/additional Lots or revised Lot descriptions/guide prices.

Collection of Lots
Lots purchased should be paid for and collected within seven days of the sale. No Lots will be released without cleared funds and a valid invoice slip. Any Lot not collected/collection arranged within seven days of the sale date will incur storage charges at the rate of £5 per Lot per day.


Packing & Postage
We are happy to pack and post certain, (small/non fragile) Lots at an additional cost at our discretion, (minimum fee £5). Quotes can be obtained from us for this service. The purchaser will take full responsibility for loss/damage whilst in transit and will be required to sign and return a disclaimer relating to this prior to Lots being packed. It is the purchasers’ responsibility to ensure their property is adequately insured whilst in the post.
With regards to fragile/valuable/bulky Lots, we have negotiated attractive rates with Mailboxes Etc who can be contacted on 0121 685 8300 info@mbebirmingham.com

Due Diligence
Richard Winterton Auctioneers operate a due diligence scheme to help in the prevention in the trade of stolen goods. Catalogues are submitted to The Art Loss Register via Invaluable for searching.

Refreshments
Lichfield has a wealth of coffee shops and dining establishments within a short walking distance of the Salerooms.

Parking & Disabled Access
The Lichfield Salerooms have ample parking on site and nearby pay and display.

Admission to the Saleroom
We reserve the right to refuse admission to any of our auctions.

CLIENT SERVICES

REGIONAL COMPLIMENTARY VALUATION DAYS
We hold regular free valuation days at locations throughout the Midlands for all antiques, fine art and collectables. We have a network of specialist consultants for areas such as pictures, jewellery, modern design, toys, antiquarian books, oriental works of art, coins, postage stamps and military memorabilia.

The Lichfield Salerooms, Cross Keys, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6DN (Tel 01543 251081) General Valuations/Consignments Monday to Friday
9am to 1pm
Coins, Medals & Banknotes Valuations Tuesdays from 10am to 12midday
(Ample parking and disabled access)

The Burton On Trent Auction Centre. Hawkins Lane, Burton On Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 1PT
(Tel 01283 511224) General valuations Tuesdays 10am to 3pm.
Open for consignments Tuesdays to Thursdays from 8.30am to 3pm,
(or by appointment)
(Ample free parking and disabled access)

Tamworth, Staffordshire (Please phone 01543 251081 for details and to arrange home visits)

Sutton Coldfield Valuation Office, The Trinity Centre, Church Hill,
Mill St, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1TF
General Valuations Mondays from 2pm to 4pm (Check our website
for exceptions)
(Ample free parking and disabled access)

Solihull Valuation Office, The Boat Inn, 222 Hampton Lane,
Catherine De Barnes, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 2TJ
General Valuations the last Monday of each month from 11.30am to 1pm
(Ample free parking and disabled access)
(Appointments can be made for valuations of large or multiple items at your home if you are considering selling)

FULL/PART ESTATE CLEARANCES
We are pleased to advise private individuals, estate agents and solicitors with regards to the clearance of the contents of a property. An area representative will be pleased to meet clients at the property in question and give confidential advice. We have our own fleet of vehicles to assist in the removal process. We can also instruct cleaning professionals should you want the property to be spotless afterwards.

WRITTEN VALUATIONS
We offer professional written valuations for insurance, probate, tax and family division purposes at attractive rates based on an hourly charge.

ANTIQUE TALKS & ONE-OFF VALUATION EVENTS
We offer a service whereby we can provide Valuers for ‘antiques talks’ and one-off valuation events. Phone 01543 251081 for further information on this service.