Have you ever wanted to buy ephemera or collectables that could illustrate your family tree or perhaps bring your ancestor's stories to life? Well, auctions are a good place to start.
From trinkets and love tokens to letters and vintage luggage, you are guaranteed to find
something new and unusual at each auction you attend. Whilst larger items are
sold singly, smaller items may be grouped in lots so be prepared and set
yourself a budget before you attend and STICK TO IT!
Always do your
research. Your local newspaper usually lists up and coming
sales enabling you to get hold of a catalogue beforehand, detailing a
description of the goods to be sold and a guide price on what each item is
expected to fetch. Viewing often takes place a couple of days prior to the sale
allowing
you to inspect those pieces which
interest you.
Usually, bidding will open at
a price started by the auctioneer but if he is unable to find any interest he
will continue to lower the price until someone takes the bait – the figure will
then gradually increase as other bidders join in. Don’t worry about the
old tales of bidding on an expensive item which is way out of your league just
because you scratched your nose – the auctioneer is experienced and knows how
to spot a genuine bid.
There will normally be
a Buyer’s Premium - 10% of your winning bid plus VAT - which you will be
required to pay along with your final bid price. Take this into consideration
when you set your budget, but above all, have fun and try to acquire
memorabilia which can help you to build a 'bigger picture' of your ancestral
past.
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