Preparation before attending the auction

This is part 2 of my beginners guide to real life antiques auctions. You do not have to take auctions  this seriously and you can miss this step out if you wish – my guide is intended to help you get the most out of the auction and preparation before turning up can really help.

Having established in step one when and where the auction is being held you can now research :

• - Is there a catalogue to be viewed in advance?

Catalogues can often be found on the Internet a few days in advance of the sale either through the antiques trade gazette website or directly on the auction house website. This will help you to establish if they are selling items of interest to you . Some catalogues have estimated prices and pictures some are just text lists. If possible print off a copy of the catalogue – over a year this can save you a considerable amount of money. I attend one weekly auction where they charge £2 for a printed list of the lots which can be printed off for free.

• - What time is viewing and is it worth a separate trip?

Auctions can normally be viewed a few days in advance of the sale as well as in the morning of the sale itself. If the sale is large, there are lots of things which interest you and it is not too far away I would recommend viewing on a day prior to the sale itself. Close to the auction start there can be lots of other viewers who : get in your way and slow you down, prevent you having sufficient time to view the lots ( this particularly applies to small items and jewellery which are kept under glass and you need the assistance of a porter to view). Additionally you will see items you wish to come home and research further.

• - How do I get to the auction house and what facilities do they have?

The auction will start on time and auction houses can be tucked away in city back streets with limited parking facilities. You can wast precious time on the morning of the sale looking for parking as every other bidder will also want a space. This is competition and the early bird who is well prepared has an advantage.

Also check what the refreshment facilities are, it can be a very long day if you cant even get a cup of tea and you may want to take you own (more on what to take with you in the next part of my guide).

studio vase bought at auction