Bid & Hammer (B&H) is keen to make the entire auction process as friendly and enjoyable as possible both to newcomers and old hands of the auction world. Below you will find a simple guide to the entire process from beginning to end. Please note this is intended only as a brief guide and we refer all prospective Buyers to our Terms & Conditions of Sale for full and complete details of the process.

Purchasing item/s at B&H’s auctions

Buying at auction is a simple process made more so by following the straightforward procedures below:

1.   B&H will arrange regular auctions of paintings, sculpture, jewellery, antiquarian books, manuscripts etc.

2.    A comprehensive catalogue is produced some weeks prior to each sale with each lot fully described and illustrated (however, the images of the item/s will be put up on the website as and when they become available). The estimated prices are also published however they are no indication of the reserve price (price below which B&H will not sell the item/s) which is not published. The estimated prices are solely an indication of the opinion of B&H.

3.    The catalogue can be purchased from us at a nominal price when published. The catalogue is subject to the Terms & Conditions of Sale as printed within. It is necessary to purchase a catalogue giving right of entry for two to the relevant B&H auction. However, having a catalogue alone may not make you eligible to enter the auction hall.

4.    A physical preview will be arranged days just before the auction at the sale venue and also at other venues nationally or internationally, as decided based on the contents of the sale, to enable all prospective Buyers to examine the lots at first hand. In exceptional circumstances arrangements may be made to view items by appointment. Our specialists will be on hand during preview days to help and guide prospective buyers.

5.    Anyone may bid on a lot (s) or item(s) providing he/she has pre-registered (please see ‘Registration’ underTerms & Conditions of Sale)

6.    A lot is considered sold at auction to that bidder who makes the highest and final bid prior to the fall of the auctioneer’s gavel. This forms a binding contract between the Seller and the Buyer. Should there be a dispute, which may only be entertained immediately after the fall of the gavel; the auctioneer’s decision shall be final.

7.   After winning the bid, the Buyer will have to pay B&H the hammer price in full in addition to which he/she will also have to pay a Buyers premium of 15% upto a value of Indian Rupees 1 (One) Crore and 12% on the excess thereafter, calculated on the hammer price. There may also be applicable sales taxes which can be variable according to the item/s involved and the State/Province in which the auction takes place.

8.    B&H will deliver the bought item/s to the Buyer after full receipt of all dues.