Frequently asked questions

It is possible to take part in our auctions in accordance with the arrangements provided for each sale.

Traditional auctions are conducted by outcry, in the presence of an auctioneer, and may allow for participation in the saleroom, online in real time, by absentee bid or, where available, by telephone.

We also hold online-only auctions and timed auctions, in which bids may be submitted through the platform until the closing time set for each lot.

The methods available are always indicated on the page of the individual auction.

Yes. In order to place bids online it is necessary to create an account and complete the registration process with the information requested.

For security reasons and in compliance with the obligations laid down by law, the Auction House may request identification documents or further information before authorising participation.

During a traditional auction the auctioneer presents the lots in succession and takes bids from the room and from any other channels of participation that may be in operation.

Bids advance in increments set by the auctioneer. The lot is knocked down to the highest bidder when the auctioneer declares the bidding closed.

Yes. Where provided for the specific sale, it is possible to bid online in real time, to leave an absentee bid, or to request to be contacted by telephone during the sale.

The availability of the various methods of participation is indicated on the sale page.

The live online auction follows the same procedure as an auction conducted by an auctioneer.

Once you have logged into your account, you may follow the sale in real time and submit your bids through the platform. Online bids are relayed during the bidding along with those received through any other channels of participation.

In timed auctions, each lot remains available for bidding until the closing date and time indicated.

Bids may be placed throughout the entire period in which the auction is open. The system displays the current bid and allows bidders to raise it in accordance with the applicable bidding increments.

Any specific rules concerning the closing or the extension of the bidding time for individual lots are set out in the conditions of the relevant auction.

When this facility is available, you may indicate the maximum amount you are willing to bid for a lot.

The system, or the auctioneer in the case of commission bids, will bid on your behalf up to the amount indicated, and only to the extent necessary to outbid other bidders.

The maximum amount indicated does not therefore necessarily represent the price that will be paid.

For certain sales and certain lots, it is possible to request participation by telephone.

A member of our staff will contact the client during the sale and convey to the auctioneer the bids given by telephone.

The service must be requested in advance and is subject to availability and to acceptance by the Auction House.

The reserve is the minimum price at which we are authorised to sell the lot.

Bidding may open at the reserve or in such manner as the auctioneer and the sale platform may determine, but the lot cannot be knocked down at a sum below the stated reserve.

The estimate is an indication of the value attributed to the lot by the Auction House's specialists, based on its characteristics and on current market trends.

The reserve, by contrast, is the minimum price at which the lot may be sold.

The final price may therefore exceed, in some cases significantly, both the reserve and the published estimates.

It is the price at which the lot is knocked down to the highest bidder at the close of the bidding.

In auctions conducted by an auctioneer, it corresponds to the amount of the last bid accepted at the moment the lot is knocked down.

Buyer's premium and any further applicable charges must be added to the hammer price.

The buyer's premium charged by the Auction House is generally 25% of the hammer price.

Different rates of premium may apply to certain sales, categories of property or particular types of sale.

The applicable rate is always stated in the conditions of sale and in the information relating to the specific auction. Where special conditions apply, these shall prevail over the general rate.

The purchase cost consists of the hammer price, plus the buyer's premium and any further charges, taxes or duties applicable to the lot.

Any special conditions are set out in the lot description, in the catalogue or in the conditions of the specific sale.

In live auctions the auctioneer determines the bidding increments according to the level reached by the lot.

In online and timed auctions the increments are managed by the platform and are displayed when the bid is submitted.

Bids submitted in the course of an auction are binding in accordance with the Conditions of Sale.

Before confirming a bid, we therefore recommend that you check carefully the lot number, the description and the amount entered.

If no valid bids are received at or above the reserve, the lot is bought in.

For information on the possible subsequent availability of the property, please contact the relevant department.

In the event of disputes, errors or doubts concerning the conduct of the sale, the auctioneer and the Auction House shall act in accordance with the provisions of the Conditions of Sale governing the specific auction.

Where provided, the exhibition allows prospective buyers to view the property directly before the sale.

Dates, opening hours and admission arrangements for the exhibition are published on the relevant sale page.

For certain items it may be necessary to arrange an appointment in advance with the relevant department.

Certainly.

Prior to the sale, prospective buyers may contact the relevant department to request further photographs, information, measurements, details or clarifications concerning the lot of interest.

The Condition Report is an informative statement concerning the state of preservation of a lot.

It may be requested from the relevant department prior to the sale, where available.

The report is intended to assist the prospective buyer in assessing the property and is not a substitute for direct examination of the lot, wherever this is possible.

The photographs are intended to identify and illustrate the lot.

Colours, proportions and details may appear different depending on the lighting conditions, the photography and the device used for viewing.

Where condition is a determining factor in the decision to purchase, we recommend requesting further information or viewing the property in person prior to the sale.

The descriptions contained in the catalogue are prepared by the Auction House's specialists on the basis of the information and knowledge available at the time of cataloguing.

Where certificates, documentation, expertises or attestations issued by third parties are available, this is specifically indicated in the lot description.

At the close of the sale, successful bidders may review their purchases in accordance with the procedures provided by the platform and will receive the relevant documentation from the Auction House.

The accepted methods of payment and the relevant instructions are communicated to the buyer and are set out in the post-sale information and in the Conditions of Sale.

When making payment, it is advisable to state the reference details of the sale and of the lots purchased.

Yes. Once payment has been completed, lots may be collected in accordance with the arrangements and during the hours indicated by the Auction House.

In order to facilitate collection, it may be necessary to arrange an appointment in advance.

Lots may be shipped or collected in accordance with the arrangements indicated by the Auction House.

Costs, packing arrangements, insurance and carriage may vary according to the nature, value, dimensions and destination of the property.

Particularly fragile, valuable or large items may require specific transport arrangements.

Yes, subject to compliance with the procedures laid down by the Auction House.

Authorisation from the successful bidder may be required, together with identification documents of the person or carrier appointed to collect the lot.

Yes, subject to any restrictions imposed by Italian and European legislation.

Certain property may be subject to export licences, certificates or restrictions. Buyers are therefore advised to ascertain in advance the provisions applicable to the lot in which they are interested.

You may contact the Auction House or the relevant department by sending photographs and the principal information concerning the item.

Our specialists will carry out a preliminary valuation and, should the item be deemed suitable, will propose the most appropriate means of sale.

It is helpful to send clear photographs of the item, including images of signatures, marks, hallmarks, reference numbers or other identifying features, together with the dimensions and details of any provenance and documentation available.

The more information available, the more accurate the preliminary valuation can be.

The reserve is proposed by our specialists, taking into account the characteristics of the property, its state of preservation, its provenance, results achieved on the market and collectors' interest.

The figure is agreed with the seller within the consignment agreement and represents the minimum price at which the Auction House is authorised to sell the property.

Our specialists identify the department, the period and the type of sale considered most suitable to enhance the value of the property.

Depending on the characteristics of the item, a traditional auction with an auctioneer, an online auction or a timed auction may be proposed.

If the lot fails to reach the reserve, it remains unsold.

The relevant department may subsequently agree with the owner the arrangements for the return of the property or consider other sale opportunities, in accordance with the terms of the mandate and the Conditions of Sale.

Settlement of the proceeds is made in accordance with the terms set out in the mandate and in the Conditions of Sale, following payment for the lot by the buyer and the completion of the requisite procedures.

The commission and any costs agreed with the seller will be deducted from the hammer price.