Electrical goods (unless they are sold as 'antiques' only) are checked over for compliance with safety regulations by a qualified electrician and are guaranteed up until the Wednesday following the sale. (The expression 'deliberate forgery' is defined in our Conditions of Sale). Additionally, in specified circumstances lots misdescribed because they are 'deliberate forgeries' may be returned and repayment made. 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. In particular, mechanical objects of any age are not guaranteed to be in working order. Neither the seller nor we, as the auctioneers, accept any responsibility for their condition. Please note carefully the exclusion of liability for the condition of lots contained in the Conditions of Sale. Intending buyers have ample opportunity for inspection of goods and, therefore, accept responsibility for inspecting and investigating lots in which they may be interested. 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. We are, primarily, agents for the seller. 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. Lots which appear without either of the above symbols indicate that no VAT is payable on the hammer price. both the hammer price and the buyer's premium). The double symbol (**) indicates that the lot has been imported from outside the European Union and the present position is that these lots are liable to a reduced rate of VAT (5%) on the gross lot price (i.e. 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 20% on importation into the UK. (*) indicates that VAT is payable by the purchaser at the standard rate (presently 20%) on the hammer price as well as being an element in the buyer's premium. VAT is charged on the premium (see below). The Conditions of Sale oblige buyers to pay a buyer's premium at 17.55% on the hammer price of each lot purchased. Estimates are prepared some time before the sale and may be altered by announcement before the sale. Estimates do not include the Buyer’s Premium or VAT (where chargeable). The lower estimate may represent the reserve price and certainly will not be below it. Estimates are designed to help buyers gauge what sort of sum might be involved for the purchase of a particular lot. Accordingly if you buy your primary contract is with the seller.
As auctioneers we usually contract as agents for the seller whose identity, for reasons of confidentiality, is not normally disclosed. Our staff will be happy to help you if there is anything you do not fully understand.
All sales are conducted on our printed Conditions of Sale which are readily available for inspection and normally accompany catalogues. The following informative notes are intended to assist Buyers, particularly those inexperienced or new to our salerooms.