A Bahr & Proschild bisque head character doll with blue glass sleeping eyes, open mouth and teeth,

Information for Buyers

1. Introduction.

The following informative notes are intended to assist Buyers, particularly those inexperienced or new to our salerooms. All sales are conducted on our printed Conditions of Sale which are readily available for inspection and normally accompany catalogues. Our staff will be happy to help you if there is anything you do not fully understand.

2. Agency.

As auctioneers we usually contract as agents for the seller whose identity, for reasons of confidentiality, is not normally disclosed. Accordingly if you buy, your primary contract is with the seller.

3. Estimates.

Estimates are designed to help buyers gauge what sort of sum might be involved for the purchase of a particular lot. The lower estimate may represent the reserve price and certainly not below it. Estimates do not include the Buyer's Premium or VAT (where chargeable). Estimates are prepared some time before the sale and may be altered by announcement before the sale. They are in no sense definitive.

4. Buyer's Premium.

The Conditions of Sale oblige buyers to pay a buyer's premium of 17.5% on the hammer price of each lot purchased. In addition, VAT is payable on this premium (see below).

Artists Re-Sale Right. Buyers of the re- sold art of living artists and those deceased up to 70 years before the sale date will be charged the royalty where applicable. Currently this is 4% on any items sold at 1000 Euros or over, diminishing above 50,000 Euros. VAT is not applicable. Further details can be obtained from our office.

5. VAT.

(*) Indicates that VAT is payable by the purchaser at the standard rate on the hammer price as well as being an element in the buyer's premium. This imposition of VAT is likely to be because the seller is registered for VAT within the European Union and is not operating the Dealers' Margin Scheme or because VAT is due at 15% on importation into the UK. Lots which appear without the above symbol indicate that no VAT is payable on the hammer price. This is because such lots are sold using the Auctioneers' Margin Scheme and it should be noted that the VAT included within the Premium is not recoverable as input tax.

6. Conditions of Lots.

We are primarily, agents for the seller. We are dependent on information provided by the seller and whilst we may inspect lots and act reasonably in taking a general view about them we are normally unable to carry out a detailed or any examination of lots in order to ascertain their condition in the way in which it would be wise for a buyer to do. Intending buyers have ample opportunity for inspection of goods and, therefore, accept responsibility for inspecting and investigating lots in which they may be interested. Please note carefully the exclusions of liability for the condition of lots contained in the Conditions of Sale. Neither the seller nor we, as the auctioneers, accept any responsibility for their condition. In particular, mechanical objects of any age are not guaranteed to be in working order. However, in so far as we have examined the goods and make a representation about their condition, we shall be liable for any defect which that examination ought to have revealed to the auctioneer but which would not have been revealed to the buyer had the buyer examined the goods. Additionally, in specified circumstances lots misdescribed because they are 'deliberate forgeries' may be returned and repayment made. There is 2 week time limit. (The expression 'deliberate forgery' is defined in our Conditions of Sale).

7. Condition Reports.

We may be able to assist buyers unable to view by posting or faxing a condition report, but these reports are based solely on our own opinion and are for guidance only and no responsibility is accepted for their accuracy. Intending buyers are strongly encouraged to view. We can only provide reports up to the end of the day before sale day. (Please see our Conditions of Sale) Without prejudice to the above, where a problem arises regarding a purchase resulting from a Condition Report supplied by us, the item must be returned no later than 14 days after the sale date.

8. Electrical Goods.

These are sold as 'antiques' only, and if bought for use, must be checked over for compliance with safety regulations by a qualified electrician first.

9. Export of Goods.

Buyers intending to export goods should ascertain (a) whether an export licence is required and (b) whether there is any specific prohibition on importing goods of that character because, e.g. they may contain prohibited materials such as ivory. Ask us if you need help.

10. Bidding.

Bidders may be required to register before the sale commences and lots will be invoiced to the name and address on the registration form. Some form of identification may be required if you are unknown to us. Please enquire in advance about our arrangements for telephone bidding. This is normally limited to items where the current lower estimate is no less than £500, and can only be arranged up to the end of the day before sale day.

11. Commission Bidding.

Commission bids may be left with the auctioneers indicating the maximum amount to be bid excluding buyer's premium. They will be executed as cheaply as possible having regard to the reserve (if any) and competing bids. If two buyers submit identical commission bids, the auctioneers will prefer the first bid received. Please enquire in advance about our arrangements for the leaving of commission bids by telephone or fax, and please note that they should always be with us no later than 30 minutes before the start of the sale.

12. Online Bidding

Hartleys Auctioneers offer an online bidding service via the-saleroom.com for bidders who cannot attend the sale, provided arrangements are completed by 5pm the day before the sale.

In completing the bidder registration on www.the-saleroom.com and providing your credit card details and unless alternative arrangements are agreed with Hartleys Auctioneers:

Buyers:-

1. authorise Hartleys Auctioneers, if they so wish, to charge the credit card given in part of full payment, including all fees, for items successfully purchased in the auction via the-saleroom.com, and 2. confirm that you are authorised to provided these credit card details to Hartleys Auctioneers through www.the-saleroom.com and agree that Hartleys Auctioneers are entitled to arrange shipping of the goods to the card holder name and card holder address provided in fulfilment of the sale.

Please note that any lots purchased via the-saleroom.com live auction service will be subject to an additional 3% commission charge + VAT at the rate imposed on the hammer price

13. Methods of Payment.

As a general rule, any cheques tendered will need to be cleared before removal of the goods is permitted unless prior arrangements have been made with us. Credit and debit card payments may be made in person. Payments can be accepted directly into our bank account.  

Please note card payments are only accepted in person and not over the telephone, payments directly into our bank are accepted.

14. Collection and Storage.

Please note what the Conditions of Sale state about collection and storage. It is important that goods are paid for and collected promptly, and in any event NO LATER THAN TWO DAYS AFTER THE SALE. Any delay may involve the buyer in paying our storage charges.

15. Smoking Regulations

For the comfort of our patrons, smoking is not permitted at any time on the Saleroom premises.

GLOSSARY OF PICTURE TERMS

Herbert Royle In our opinion, a work by the artist Attributed to Herbert Royle In our opinion a work of the period of the artist, which may be wholly or partly the work of the artist Circle of Herbert Royle In our opinion a work from the period of the artist and showing his influence Follower of Herbert Royle or Manner of Herbert Royle In our opinion a work executed in the style of the artist and of uncertain date After Herbert Royle In our opinion a copy of any date after a work by the artist “Bears Signature” or “Bears Inscription” In our opinion the signature/inscription is not by the hand of the arts