Auction Terms & Conditions

As much care as is practicably possible is given to catalogue descriptions. Many items are of an age or nature precluding their being in pristine condition. Items in our main Sunday sales are marked out of 10 – 10 being exemplary.

We give serious consideration to concerns brought to our attention but reserve the right to disagree.

Any additional information is generally mentioned before bidding begins but it is often not possible to contact absentee bidders at this point.
We are always happy to answer questions before a sale but it is your responsibility to reassure yourself before purchase.

Generally we indicate our judgement of lots quality & condition, giving due consideration to age & rarity. For guidance purposes only the following terms are used to give a feel of this judgement.

Cleaned / Restored: An object subjected to some restoration. Typically with glass items surface may appear tumbled or dipped, to remove unsightly patina or chips, or restored with resin. A ceramic item may have had portions replaced or re-glued. We recommend you examine an item or telephone for AB’s assessment of the extent of such. Cat. descriptions may make reference to damage or restoration but omission of such does NOT imply a lot is free from defects, nor does a reference to a defect imply absence of others.

Good: We judge it to be a good example, displays well, minus overtly unsightly damage. An item that is not pristine with signs of use & age – might include scratches, tears, surface faults.
Very Good: The item displays minor signs of wear, apparent on close inspection. This may include inconsequential chips or flaws, some corrosion to metal parts, or minor damage in unseen area (ie base or rear).
Excellent/ A1: An item as near to possible pristine, taking into account age. A bottle might for instance have base wear but full body sheen & strong embossing – no chips or cracks. Any time of manufacture flaws or patina of age in this instance deemed either part of the character, or not detracting.

IN SHORT:
Many items are of an age/ nature precluding their being in pristine condition. Some catalogue descriptions may refer to damage/ & or restoration. Omission of such does not imply a lot is free from defects, nor does any reference to a particular defect imply the absence of others.

IMPORTANT:
No statement in this catalogue shall be deemed a warranty, representation or assumption of liability in respect of date, size, condition, quality, importance or provenance.
Ultimate judge, & onus, is with the buyer.

BIDDING
The highest bidder is deemed the purchaser. Advances on each lot determined by the Auctioneer.

BIDDING FOR SOMEONE ELSE?
If you intend to purchase items for another person it is important you obtain a SEPARATE bidding number.

POSTAL BIDDING
Performed on behalf of absent buyers to buy items as cheaply as possible competing with other bids. No charge for this.

POSTAL BID SHEETS
Tied bids – the first to arrive secures. This can result in bidding the same price as someone else but NOT securing. It is in your best interest to return forms soon as possible. If you tel or fax bids through you MUST ALSO post off the bidding form, even though it may arrive after the sale.

ESTIMATES
Estimates are purely a guide – taking into account condition, rarity, & current market interests. Particular rarities, highly desirable, or unusual items can, & often do, exceed estimates.

TELEPHONE BIDDING
ONLY tel bids STARTING at £200+ will be accepted due to staffing logistics.

RESERVES
‘NR’ indicates lots with NO RESERVE. Other lots may carry reserves but not always.

PAYMENT
Tel/ postal/ fax & floor bids are a legally binding contract. Purchases to be paid before taken away. Cheques to BBR Auctions. Overdue accounts charged 3% after 21 days.

CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS
BBR accepts: Visa, MasterCard, Visa Delta & Switch.
Renegotiated bank charges now just a 3% levy for this.
You must complete your credit card information on the postal bid sheet – inc. EXPIRY DATE & ISSUE No. & issue date for a Switch card.

POSTAGE
Postal purchasers MUST advise how they wish items sending. Full p & p costs borne by purchaser. Following a sale we pack, weigh, & invoice for total amount, inc. p & p.

POSTAL BUYERS
Packing & weighing can take one working week to complete – please remain patient.

BBR PACKING
Generally our costs are much less than half competitors – such as Mailbox etc.

We try to keep costs low: packing time & materials used. We have extensive experience with all manner of shapes, sizes, & fragility, which may require special boxes! Very bulky or heavy items we suggest carriers rather than Parcel Force. If you have a preferential carrier please advise when forwarding bids.

INSURANCE
BBR can insure goods in transit IF REQUESTED.

UK PO rates: Extra insurance up to £1,000 goods value, £3.00 up to £2,500 value. NOT done unless specifically requested at time of bidding. Please familiarise yourself with P.O. terms & conditions of insurance.

OVERSEAS PURCHASERS
Insuring goods requires declaration of FULL value. You decide disadvantages/ advantages regarding customs – & advise (on bidding sheet).

AGENTS
In all cases BBR act only as agents between Vendor & Purchaser.

COMMISSION
15% buyers premium on hammer + vat.

Download these terms & conditions here.