‘Teddy Bear’ - A large and early Steiff Teddy Bear, circa 1907, with golden mohair, black boot

Terms and Conditions

Specialist Auctions Ltd trading as Special Auction Services hereinafter referred to as The Auctioneer and to include any person acting upon his authority.


Conditions of Sale – General

Third Party Liability: All persons on the premises of, or at a venue hired or borrowed by The Auctioneer are there upon their own risk. They shall have no claim against the Auctioneer in respect of any accident, injury or damage howsoever caused.

Admission: The Auctioneer reserves the right of admission, which in cases of a view or auction will be by catalogue and registration. All attendees may be requested to leave signatory evidence of attendance.

Catalogue: All descriptions, whether printed or oral, are statements of opinion not fact. Lots offered that have originally been operated by alternating or direct electricity, or are of a mechanical nature may not conform to current Health & Safety Regulations. All electrical and mechanic items are sold as ‘Works of Art’ and we will neither give nor imply any guarantee as to the working order. Intending Purchasers should satisfy themselves as to the condition, age and authenticity etc. of all pieces and lots.

Auction: The Auctioneer reserves the right to accept or refuse any bid(s), regulate the bidding and amounts of any bid(s), rearrange, consolidate or withdraw any lot(s) or part of any lot without reason or notice. In the event of a dispute the Auctioneer has absolute discretion to settle such a dispute. English Law shall govern all transactions associated with this auction sale.


Conditions of Sale – Vendors

Indemnity: The Vendor indemnifies The Auctioneer together with his servants and agents who act solely as agent for the Vendor.

Title: The Vendor warrants to The Auctioneer and The Purchaser that he is the absolute owner of any lot and is authorised to sell the same and pass marketable title free of any encumbrance or claim. Instructions: All lots are sold at The Auctioneers discretion unless written instructions to the contrary are received by The Auctioneer more than 24 hours prior to the auction. Responsibility for receipt of such instructions rests with The Vendor.

Proceeds: The Vendor authorises The Auctioneer to deduct all monies due to him from the auction proceeds. The Auctioneer shall not be liable for settlement of any lot(s) for which he is not in possession of cleared funds. Payment is made to the vendor after 21 days provided the Auctioneer is in possession of said cleared funds.


Conditions of Sale – Purchasers

Acknowledgment: In making a bid for any lot whether in person, by commission bid or by live bidding, all persons acknowledge they have read, understand and abide by all these Conditions of Sale.

Title: Responsibility for a purchased lot shall pass at the fall of the hammer, however, legal title shall not pass until The Auctioneer is in possession of cleared funds in payment for that lot.

Payment and Clearance: All lots must be paid for in full within 7 days following the conclusion of the auction except where agreed by the Auctioneer in writing. No lot(s) may be removed until cleared funds are to hand except where agreed by The Auctioneer. Any lot(s) not paid for will incur storage charges calculated at the sole discretion of The Auctioneer and interest at 3% over Lloyds Bank Base Rate.

Purchase Price: The Buyer will pay to The Auctioneer the hammer price together with a Buyer’s Premium calculated at a rate of 15.00% plus Value Added Tax on the buyers premium, additionally any value added tax on the hammer price where noted in the catalogue.

Important Information

Buyers Premium: 15.00% plus Value Added Tax making a total of 18% of the hammer price.

Internet Buyers Premium: 18% plus Value Added Tax making a total of 21.6% of the hammer price.

Value Added Tax: No lots in this sale attract VAT on the hammer price.

Registration: Obtain a bidding number prior to viewing from the Registration Clerks. New clients must produce acceptable identification.

Absentee Bids: Complete the Commission Bid form and return it to The Auctioneer who will execute such bids, without obligation.

Imperfections: The condition of pieces (other than where a number are included in the same lot) is mentioned in this catalogue. This is intended as a guide to assist potential Purchasers. It remains the responsibility of the Purchaser to satisfy himself/herself as to the condition of each piece and lot. See Conditions of Sale - General, above.

Estimates: This is a guide as to what price the lot may attain based on previous results.

Auction Duration: Lots will be sold in numerical order (unless otherwise stated) at a likely rate of between 100 and 120 lots per hour.

Payment and Clearance: Accounts may be settled by cash, Sterling cheque, and direct Bank transfer or by debit and credit cards. Credit cards incur a surcharge of 3%. Lots may be paid for and removed during the auction.

Shipping: Special Auction Services can pack and send consignments and whilst every effort will be made to ensure items are properly packed and, where possible, insurance taken by the service provider, no responsibility can be accepted by Special Auction Services or their staff or agents for any loss or damage howsoever arising. Safe transit of purchases by hand, courier or shipper is at the sole risk of the purchaser. It is the purchaser’s responsibility to confirm a delivery address and the method of shipment. For overseas shipments quotes can be provided.

Weights, Measurements and Gemstones: All diamond weights shown are based on measurements and are not actual weights. Gemstones have historically and will always be treated for colour. Please be aware when buying.