Conditions of Sale

Cash or check with positive identification. Buyers at our previous sales have check approval. Credit is available if arranged in advance. The auctioneer determines the highest bidder and resolves any disputes. All purchases are subject to state sales tax unless buyer has proof of exemption or that merchandise will be shipped out of state (no exceptions), as well as a 10% buyer's premium. We only accept American Express for auction purchases. If you choose to pay by Amex your buyers premium will be 13%. We still accept Amex, Visa and Mastercard for catalog orders or other purchases.

Our Guarantee

Ceramics offered in this sale are free of repairs, chips or cracks unless noted in the description of each lot. Our term "mint" refers to the object being in the same condition that it was in when originally produced. Sizes are approximate. Crazing, surface scratches, stilt marks, firing flaws and base flakes will be noted if we feel that they are objectionable. Many pottery makers ground the bottom of their vases causing minute chips or flakes around the bottom. Unless we feel that they are objectionable, they will not be mentioned. Grueby and other makers of carved pots will often have flakes on edges of the leaves or points in high relief. Clewell pottery is copper-covered and patinated; this patina will occasionally have small flakes. Quite often the glaze on pots will run, sometimes reaching the base and being ground off. We'll point out anything that we feel to be excessive. When fired in the kiln, pots will sometimes stick to the shelf creating small base chips upon removal. We will mention any of these conditions if we feel that they are objectionable.

Metalwork will be described based on patina and the condition of the object. Dents, scratches, wear and assorted flaws will be mentioned if we feel that they are objectionable. A piece with original patina and free of major dents or scratches will generally be described as in "excellent condition".

Lamps will be described based on patina of metal and condition of shades; leaded lamps quite often will have cracked segments. Some parts may have been replaced through the years, and we will mention it if we feel that it is important.

Paintings, watercolors and other mediums of this type will be described based on overall condition. Frames will not be mentioned unless they are exceptional. Inpainting or relining will be mentioned if we feel that it is objectionable. We will note holes, tears or repairs.

We guarantee the authenticity of every item that we sell, regardless of the medium. If you have any questions about this guarantee, please don't hesitate to ask. Our guarantee for authenticity and condition is applies 30 days after the auction, we do not consider returns after that time period.

Absentee Bids, Phone Bids & Delivery

We welcome and encourage absentee bids. We do not begin the bidding with the highest absentee bid; your bids are executed as though you were there personally. Absentee bidders should make a 10% deposit on any bids or present a credit card number. The issuance of a credit card number is to serve as a deposit on bids and to guarantee payment for any successful bids. Our same guarantee applies to absentee bids. Earliest bids take preference in the case of a tie, and we are not responsible for failure to execute bids. Your bids will be held in strict confidence. Telephone bids should be arranged in advance and will be subject to availability. In our previous sales, we have been accurate in our estimates more than 75% of the time. Phone bidders should be prepared to bid within the estimate. We prefer to avoid phone bidding on any object estimated under $500. All of the objects in this sale can be delivered virtually anywhere in the world. The most efficient and least expensive methods will be utilized with full insurance coverage. This cost is to be paid by the buyer.

Estimates, Reserves & Color Photos

Our price estimates are purely that, an estimate, reflecting the range in which the price may fall. This should give buyers an idea of what they should bid to have a good chance of being successful. In some cases the price range may be wider than others, due to the uniqueness of the individual piece. You will find that a few of the pieces offered have reserves. We implement them to offer items that may not have been available without them. In most instances, the reserves will be less than the low estimate. Color photos are available of most items in this catalog.

Auction Increments

We use the following increment multiples at our auctions:

0-300 $10. increment

300-500 $25. increment

500-1000 $50. increment

1,000-3,000 $100. increment

3,000-5,000 $250. increment

5,000-10,000 $500. increment